Kansas Department Wildlife Parks and Tourism

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, in cooperation with the Hays chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County, is conducting a special spring turkey hunt April 11 and 12.

This hunt is an effort to enhance opportunities for youth hunters in and around the Hays area and to bring together individuals with an interest in turkey hunting.  Designed to entice beginning turkey hunters into the woods in search of a spring gobbler, this event will provide participating hunters (ages 11 – 16) with an opportunity to become involved not only in the hunt but also in its preparation.

The hunt will be limited to 10-15 hunters; applications are required by Friday, March 21. A lottery drawing will be held after March 21 to select the lucky hunters, so apply early.

The evening before the hunt, participants will be paired with a knowledgeable hunting mentor and they will learn about turkey habits, various call mechanisms and shotgun patterning. If time permits mentors may also take their child out scouting. The morning of the hunt, youth will be guided to local areas where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely! Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will assist in the hunt.

Supper or snacks will be served the evening before the hunt courtesy of the Hays NWTF chapter. There will also be a social luncheon after the hunt so participants can swap stories of the mornings’ hunt. All children will receive a hat and box call courtesy of KDWPT’s Pass-it-on Program and one lucky individual will win a larger door prize.

Youth shot guns and ammunition can be provided on a limited basis, if needed.

Persons interested in learning more about this youth hunt or those interested in applying can contact: Vickie Cikanek, KDWPT Wilson Lake Area Office, Cell: 785-501-0867, email: [email protected]