NWTF NYC Chapter Hosts Introduction to Turkey Hunting and Calling Class

Joined by Devian Ramos, Cadet started the presentation by explaining why turkey hunting is so exciting. Ramos, born and raised in Brooklyn, compared it to playing the tag-like game manhunt when he was younger.  

“It’s really engaging,” Ramos said. “You’re in a conversation with the birds, with the goal of getting them to come to you.”  

Ramos was inspired to start hunting by watching The Meateater on Netflix. He took introductory hunting classes with the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and has since been out hunting for the last three wild turkey seasons. He hasn’t killed a bird yet, but he laughs and tells the class that he’s making all the mistakes, so they don’t have to. 

Both Cadet and Ramos are adult-onset hunters, hunters that did not begin their hunting journey until adulthood. With both funny examples and educational content, the two shared stories from their past few years of starting out. As an interested hunter from the city, it was important to learn from someone who shares similar experiences. 

“I think the biggest thing is making a really strong effort to get people outside,” Cadet said. “To say to them, ‘Hey I'm from the same place you are, and this is what’s available to you.’ For most NYC residents, knowledge regarding public land access is limited to city parks and playgrounds and such. I grew up not knowing that, less than an hour away from me, there was a nature preserve I could go to enjoy hiking, camping and now hunting as well.” 

Cadet was inspired to start the NYC Metro Longspurs Chapter a few years ago because there were no NWTF chapters that were accessible to New York City residents.  

“There aren’t chapters in Westchester, Long Island or Poughkeepsie,” he said.  

Cadet has led the volunteering, fundraising and mentoring efforts for the chapter. A few months ago, Ramos was recruited and has shared a lot of interest in leading workshops. 

The Introduction to Turkey Hunting Workshop went over basic biology, hunting seasons, the importance of gun safety, preparing for the season and gear options. A New York Department of Environmental Conservation officer joined in on the class to make sure information was accurate and up to date with the state laws. 

For the last hour of the class, Cadet and Ramos handed out different kinds of turkey calls and played tutorial videos for using a slate call and a mouth call. Ramos gave everyone a mouth call for free.

The gun club room in the heart of Brooklyn erupted with screeches and yelps as a group of first-time turkey hunters practiced their calls. Though their sounds were far from the precision of a National Calling Championship Competition, laughter and excitement filled the space, bringing a touch of the wild into the city.