Flat River Chapter Hosts Annual Youth Turkey Hunt
The 15th annual Flat River Youth Turkey Hunt recently wrapped up its activities in Ionia County, Michigan. This highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of the local community, unites youth with seasoned mentors for a memorable two-day hunting experience.
Hosted by the NWTF Flat River chapter at the Ionia County Fishing and Hunting Club in Bertha Brock Park, the event kicked off with a mandatory educational session on Friday preceding the hunt. Before the session, an open gun range was set up for kids to shoot and pattern the gun they would use the following morning. The meeting encompassed discussions on various topics including wild turkey biology, management techniques, hunting fundamentals and turkey calling. Additionally, a conservation officer was present to teach the kids about the ethical and legal aspects of turkey hunting.
A total of 21 young participants attended the event, with five successfully harvesting turkeys. Remarkably, nearly all attendees, except for just three, had the chance to take a shot at birds within the 40-yard range.
“This year’s youth turkey hunt was the best turnout we’ve had since 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said James Kennedy, Flat River Youth Turkey Hunt volunteer. “We had some participants travel from two hours away to participate in the event, and most of them plan to join us again next year! This year, 83% of the kids had a shot opportunity at harvesting a turkey, which is phenomenal! This would not happen without the hard work and dedication of our mentors and guides. Two out of the five successful hunters were able to harvest their first turkey.”
The chapter also gave away door prizes to each child, and this year, they added an extra thrill with a drawing for an Alps Outdoors Grand Slam Turkey vest and a Savage .410 turkey gun featuring a red dot scope. Wrapping up the evening on a high note, all the kids were handed goodie bags filled with tools and treats to assist them in their future journeys as turkey hunters.
“Ultimately this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors and the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Sarah Kennedy, Flat River Youth Turkey Hunt volunteer. “They’re the biggest players in the success of this event every year and we can’t thank them enough.”