Getting Kids in the Outdoors-Mentored Youth Turkey Hunt

The Spring turkey se

ason is right around the corner now. Can you believe it? The season will come in two portions...first, the youth season will give kids a chance On April 9th and 10th, and then the regular season comes along on April 18th and runs through May 8th. I am really looking forward to spending some Spring mornings out in the woods.

One thing that is really cool, is the mentored hunts that the Missouri Department of Conservation sponsors. The specific version below is in Boone County. It is a reality that fewer kids are getting introduced to the outdoo

rs these days, and that is even more true for hunting. For any of us that hunt turkey, we know that successful harvest depends on a deep understanding of the natural environment, so we at Family-Outdoors really celebrate these kind of programs!

MDC to offer men

tored turkey hunt for first-time youth hunters in Boone County

Youth ages 11–15 can submit an application to participate in this opportunity.

ASHLAND, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites new youth turkey hunters to apply for a mentored hunt April 9–10 in Boone County.

Participants will learn abou

t wild turkey biology and habitat, hunting safety, use of camouflage, ammunition and firearm selection, how to properly pattern a shotgun, how to improve hunting and shooting skills, as well as calling, regulations, and methods.

To apply for this mentored hunt, participants must register no later than March 18 by contacting MDC Conservation Educator

Ashley Edwards at Ashley.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov, or (573) 815-7901, ext. 2926. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

Participants who have not completed their hunter education certification are still eligible for this hunt. Youth hunters must be 11-15 years old at the time of the hunt, must have never Telechecked a turkey, and must be accompanied by an adult. Experienced hunters will be provided to mentor both youth and adult parties on the hunt.

MDC will provide firearms and ammunition, but participants are welcome to bring their own cased and unloaded firearms if they so choose. No reload ammunition will be permitted.

MDC Discover Nature programs, such as this mentored hunt, aim to help Missourians explore nature and master outdoor skills together. To learn more about other Discover Nature programs, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish.