First-time adult women turkey have the chance to go afield and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer during mentored hunts being offered this spring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.
"The adult women turkey hunters will learn life-long outdoor skills and how to be a responsible hunter," said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Thanks to the NWTF, their outdoor coaches will help create the next generation of family oriented hunters."
Women are encouraged to sign up with a friend or adult daughter for an educational adventure in wild turkey hunting. An application and general information for the mid-May wild turkey hunt is available at www.mndnr.gov/discover. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, April 2. Participants will be selected through a random lottery if oversubscribed.
This program is based on the successful mentored youth hunts where, during the last 10 years, more than 1,700 youth have been introduced to this unique, educational hunting experience. With women being one of the fasting growing segments of the hunting society, the need is there, Kurre said.
Most hunts will occur Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at several locations in Minnesota's turkey range, which generally covers the southern and western half of Minnesota. Hunts include a mandatory turkey clinic leading up to an actual hunt. All participants will hunt on private land, thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.
To be eligible, a female hunter must be 18 on or before Saturday, May 19. All participants must possess a valid firearms safety certificate, purchase an apprentice hunter validation, or be born before Dec. 13, 1979. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Participants will be assigned a NWTF volunteer coach, who must accompany them throughout the entire hunt.
Participation in the hunts is only restricted by the number volunteers and private lands that are available. People who have an interest in providing a quality experience in turkey hunting, have hunting land and are members of NWTF, should contact the NWTF at www.nwtf-mn.org for information about participating.
