Those comments come from Jim Lane, state fish and wildlife department’s lead wild turkey biologist, in reference to the upcoming early youth turkey hunting season this weekend throughout the commonwealth. On April 2-3, youngsters 15 and under will have the first opportunity in the spring turkey woods, ahead of the adults, and Lane hopes many will find a chance to give turkey hunting a try.

"The fish and wildlife commission has specifically designed Kentucky’s turkey season to give younger hunters the best odds of being successful," said Lane.

"Turkey’s are pretty tough to get, but the first encounter is the best to catch them off guard."

"This early season is such a good chance for an experienced adult hunter to teach a kid, and spend time watching a youngster develop interest and skill."

"I really hope every young person who has an interest will have an adult mentor who will make the effort to nurture that interest and open a whole new world of outdoor enjoyment to that kid," said Lane.

The spring turkey season limit is two male turkeys, or turkeys with visible beards. Hunters 15 and under, who are eligible to hunt the youth weekend season, must be accompanied by an adult. Unless license exempt, a youth hunter must have a junior hunting license and spring turkey permit. Adults can not carry firearms or other hunting equipment (bows, crossbows, etc.) during this season.

Hunters are also reminded that the possession or use of electronic turkey calls are prohibited. Only hand- or mouth-operated calls are allowed.

Tips for taking a youngster turkey hunting include using a shotgun designed to fit a youth hunter. Hunting from a blind helps minimize the chances of being spotted by a tom turkey when it gets close. Decoys may also be a good idea, to help keep the gobbler’s attention focused somewhere other than where you’re sitting, and to help younger hunters judge distance. Shots beyond 40 yards are risky, but a tom that comes into a group of hen decoys at 25 yards is easily in range.

Keep the youngster warm and dry, and make sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep the evening before. Take frequent breaks from sitting still, as much as you can, when birds are not in the vicinity. Have something for them to snack on to keep them occupied when birds get quiet.

Once a turkey is taken, the hunter must fill out the back of the hunting license on what’s called a hunter harvest log. Look at a license or permit and become familiar with the hunter log, and go over it with your young hunter before going afield. There will be much excitement after the trigger is pulled, for both hunter and "guide", but it is important someone remembers to mark the log before the turkey is picked up and transported.

Teaching youngsters how to hunt is a good thing. Teaching them to become sportsmen and sportswomen, who hunt legally and ethically, is a fantastic thing – the responsible thing. Few other "gifts" to kids interested in wildlife-related, outdoor sports will be more rewarding to them, or you.

All turkeys taken in Kentucky must also be reported by phone by midnight of the day the bird is harvested. The process is simple and free. Call 1-800-245-4263 and answer the questions asked by the automated system. Social-security numbers will be needed. It takes about five minutes. At the end of the call, the hunter is given a confirmation number that shows he or she complied with the check-in requirement. Hunters are to keep the confirmation number with them, written on the back of the license, throughout the season.

According to Lane, Kentucky turkey hunters can expect a good season and good availability of birds this year. Kentucky’s statewide flock is approximately 230,000 with birds residing in every county of the commonwealth.