Mentoring is the key to educating the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Sometimes a little outside help can turn a great hunting experience into a life-changing event. Such was the case for the young man pictured above, who comes from Georgia. Participation in this event is either first-come-first-served or by lottery. In any event, it’s a tremendous learning experience for a youngster and well worth the advance planning needed to make it happen. Here are the details.
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC) recently hosted nine youth hunters for the 4th annual Turkey Hunt and Learn Weekend.
Attendees hunted turkeys all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Youth were accompanied in the field by their parents and an NWTF hunting mentor/guide. While each youth hoped to bag a turkey, the goal of the weekend was much larger. The three-day event offered a variety of educational activities focused on turkey hunting and wildlife and habitat conservation. All youth participated in a hunter education refresher course and those who were not certified took the final exam. Other courses touched on turkey biology, scouting techniques, wildlife management and Georgia’s public land hunting opportunities. Each hunter left the weekend an NWTF JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) member.
“The hunt and learn event is not just about bringing home a trophy. It is teaching youngsters about the camaraderie of hunt camp, the thrill and anticipation of the hunt as a new day dawns and the woods come alive, and hearing their first gobble,” said Dave Wamer, NWTF Georgia Save the Hunt coordinator. “We provide a low stress hunt with seasoned guides and mentors, creating a wonderful overall experience.”
The Turkey Hunt and Learn Weekend coincided with the 18th annual JAKES Day at the CEWC and gave the hunters a chance to join over 1,000 other guests in the wildlife and conservation themed festivities. Registration for all hunt and learn weekends begins August 1. Participants are chosen on a first-come first-served basis or through a lottery system. For more information about these and other programs offered through the CEWC, visit www.charlieelliott.org or call (770) 784-3059.
