Father-Daughter Turkey Hunt Creates Lasting Memories

Justin Achord, president of the NWTF Permian Basin Chapter, set out on a remarkable adventure alongside his 11-year-old daughter Avery, determined to help her harvest her first turkey. Despite facing past disappointments and lacking opportunities to take a shot at a bird in previous attempts, the duo remained resilient, practicing and gearing up for this season's hunt.

Arriving at their hunting property in Eden, Texas, the day prior, they set out scouting the area, patterning and practicing with the shotgun and observing turkey behavior in preparation.

As the sun rose over the Texas horizon on opening day, Avery and her father were filled with anticipation, ready to embrace whatever opportunities the day might bring. Though the windy conditions subdued the typical calls of gobblers, they persisted with unwavering determination. From their blind, they observed a group of hens pass by and anticipated the presence of a gobbler in tow. Despite their readiness to take a shot, no evidence of a gobbler was seen or heard. Undeterred and exercising patience, their perseverance paid off when a mature gobbler suddenly sounded nearby before strutting into shooting range.

"When I looked at Avery after hearing the gobble just beyond our visibility, her eyes were as big as saucer plates with shock and excitement,” Achord said. “I knew then she was hooked!”   

Positioned perfectly for a shot, Avery found herself grappling with a rush of nerves and excitement. The long-awaited opportunity had arrived, but the rush of adrenaline proved too much for her to handle. Her breathing became heavy, and her hands shook uncontrollably, rendering her unable to take a shot. Top of Form

With her father's support, Avery made a concerted effort to calm her nerves. However, understanding the significance of patience and maintaining composure, they opted to wait for the perfect moment, allowing the gobbler to pass. Persisting in their calling and efforts to lure a gobbler back, Avery regained her composure, patiently awaiting another chance.

When the opportunity presented itself once more as the gobbler ventured back within shooting range, Avery seized the moment with precision, delivering a spectacular shot that brought down the turkey instantly. Emotions ran high as father and daughter shared a moment of triumph, their bond strengthened by the shared experience.

“I was a mess of emotions,” Achord said. “Happiness for my daughter’s success, relief that it was a clean kill, excitement from just watching an incredible show in the turkey woods and proud as a father knowing that all of the preparations paid off. I am still looking for whoever was out there cutting up a bunch of onions behind the blind.”

Returning to their cabin, Achord seized the opportunity to impart a valuable lesson to his daughter. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, he emphasized the importance of respect and responsibility in harvesting game. Avery, eager to absorb every aspect of the experience, learned the art of cleaning and preparing the turkey — a tangible connection to the cycle of life and sustenance.

“It was important to me to show her that hunting was more than just killing,” Achord said. “We practice shooting so that we respected the animal with a clean and ethical kill when that time comes, and the taking of an animals’ life should be for a purpose — and the purpose for this animal was to provide a delicious meal. I also cleaned the tail fan in a way that we can preserve it for display if Avery chooses to do so as a symbol to look back on and remember that special moment we shared.”

Following the hunt, Easter dinner held a profound significance as Avery's harvested turkey became the centerpiece of the holiday meal for her family. Filled with pride in her accomplishment and the ability to contribute to her family's meal, Avery experienced a sense of fulfillment, bringing her hunting journey to a meaningful conclusion.

Looking ahead, Achord hopes this experience will instill in his daughter a deeper appreciation for nature and wildlife conservation. Through hunting, he aims to instill the values of stewardship and respect for the land, laying the groundwork for a legacy of environmental mindfulness to be passed down through generations.