Youth Turkey Hunt Info- get a kid hooked!

[beretta]

No equipment, experience needed for youth turkey hunt, two-day hunt to

take place April 16-17 (2005-02-15)

Applications are now available for youngsters, ages 12 to 17, who want

to hunt turkey in a safe, mentored environment at the second annual

Minnesota Valley Youth Turkey Hunt April 16 - 17.

A parent or adult authorized by a parent must accompany youth during

the hunt, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

(DNR) and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). Only youth

participants are allowed to carry a gun.

"It's a perfect opportunity for youth and adults without much hunting

experience," said Ryan Bronson, DNR hunter recruitment coordinator.

"Volunteer guides provide equipment if needed and will be available to

teach hunting techniques in the field. We're aiming at getting youth and

adult mentors comfortable hunting turkeys on their own in the future."

Before hunting, participants must attend a safety and orientation

clinic at the Chaska Community Center on April 9, hosted by the NWTF

southwest metro chapter.

The hunt will be on public land otherwise closed to hunting, and on

private land that the NWTF has obtained permission to hunt on. The hunt

area includes specific locations in Scott and Carver counties near the

Minnesota River valley.

Special youth hunts provide additional opportunities for new hunters,

and are part of the DNR's increasing recruitment and retention

efforts. According Bronson, special youth turkey hunts serve several

important functions.

"They provide hunting access to places normally closed to hunting,

giving youth a chance to learn without pressure from other hunters,"

Bronson said. "It's also a chance for young people to get a turkey tag

without being drawn in the regular DNR lottery. Most important, young

people learn about hunting in a safe, mentored environment."

According to Bronson, the five critical factors in successful youth

hunter and angler recruitment are: positive introductory experiences,

access to equipment, access to the resource, availability of a guide or

mentor, and social support among peers and family.

"We are trying to approach recruitment systematically and

scientifically based on the best available research and data," he said.

"Special youth hunts can provide several factors that contribute to

recruitment, and do so in ways that don't interfere or compete with

existing hunters." Applications for the special turkey hunt which must

be postmarked by March 3, are available on the DNR Web site at:

www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Because there are a limited number of permits available, applicants

will be drawn in a lottery. There is no fee to apply, but successful

applicants need to purchase a turkey license for $18.

Questions about the hunt may be directed to Ryan Bronson at (651)

296-0776.

Here is a direct link to a printable copy of the application,

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/harr/2005_specialturkeyapp.pdf

.