The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has designated March 8-9 (for portions of the state where turkey season opens March 15) as this year’s Special Youth Turkey Hunting Days – one week prior to the regular spring season opening date. Other areas of the state will also have the Special Youth Turkey Hunting Days on the Saturday and Sunday prior to the opening of the spring season in designated counties. Check the 2007-2008 Hunting and Fishing Digest or the ADCNR Web site at www.outdooralabama.com for season opening dates.

 

During the Special Youth Turkey Hunting Days, youth under age 16 may hunt turkey when accompanied by a non-hunting, licensed adult 25 years of age or older or parent of the youth hunter. Regular turkey season shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunitions apply to the special days.

 

ADCNR Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley thinks the two select hunting days give young people a chance to learn and grow as hunters. “Hunting under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter is one of the best ways young hunters can acquire the necessary skills to become a good hunter,” said Lawley. “Learning the correct way to handle firearms, to practice hunting safety and the ethics of hunting during these appointed days begins a positive step toward becoming an accomplished, lifetime hunter. Our annual designated youth hunting days for deer, dove, waterfowl, and turkeys are perfect opportunities for these skills to be passed on.”

 

Many of the state’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) will hold one-day youth turkey hunts on March 8. Those WMAs include: Barbour, Blue Spring, Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Covington, Demopolis, Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin, Hollins, James D. Martin-Skyline, Kinterbish, Lowndes, Mobile-Tensaw Delta and W.L. Holland, Mulberry Fork, Oakmulgee, Perdido River, Sam R. Murphy, Scotch, and Upper Delta (zones A and B).

 

Additional one-day youth turkey hunts will be held March 29 at Black Warrior (zones A and B) and Lauderdale WMAs. Maps and information about the Wildlife Management Areas are on the Department’s Web site at www.outdooralabama.com.

 

For more information about youth hunts, contact the WFF Wildlife Section at 334-242-3469 or WFF District Offices.

 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.