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.

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