Feb. 7, 2013

10 lucky youth to receive a guided turkey hunt this spring

PRATT ­– The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is partnering with the Flint Hills Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to host a youth spring turkey hunt at Melvern Wildlife Area on April 6. Volunteers from NWTF, KDWPT and local residents will assist with the event.

“We are going to start small,” said Melvern Wildlife Area assistant manager, Clint Bowman. “Assuming everything goes well, we hope to do this every year and eventually build on to it.”

Open to youth ages 11-16, the spring turkey hunt is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to experience Kansas outdoors at its finest. Participants will learn about turkey behavior and habitat, how to pattern a shotgun and even scout for turkeys prior to their guided hunt.

“Spring turkey hunting is exciting, interactive and a perfect way to introduce youngsters to hunting,” said Bowman. “Even if the participants don’t kill anything, we think they’ll enjoy just being out there and seeing and listening to the birds.”

The youth spring turkey season is April 1-9 and all participants must have a spring turkey permit. Hunters who are 16 must also have a Kansas hunting license.

Due to limited space, applications are required and must be turned in by March 15. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For information on how to apply, contact Clint Bowman at (620) 699-3372.

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