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C4C Event Calendar

Merriam's Subspecies

Photo By
Bob Lollo

National Wild Turkey Federation

License Requirements for Turkey in NM
Code of Conduct
Dress For Success
Rio Grande Wild Turkey
Merriam’s Wild Turkey
Hunting Merriam’s Wild Turkeys
Hunting Turkeys In The West
How To Score Your Wild Turkey
A Natural Blind
Open Space Tips For Success
Breeding Cycle of a Wild Turkey
Pecking Order: Recognizing the Dominant Gobbler
Shotgun Shells for Turkey Hunting
Selecting Shotguns for Turkey Hunting
Wild Turkey Call Descriptions
Tips for Taking a Child Turkey Hunting

Download Entire Turkey Story List [PDF]

JAKES

The next generation holds the key. The JAKES program is the National Wild Turkey Federation’s education and outreach program for members 17 years and younger.

The National Wild Turkey Federation started the JAKES program as a way to give kids the chance to explore their outdoor world through hundreds of fun events held across North America. During these events, JAKES members get to learn cool skills that they can take to the field to stay safe and have fun.

www.nwtf.org/jakes

Taking a Child Turkey Hunting
National Wild Turkey Federation
Copyright ©2006 • All Rights Reserved

Almost all children have three things in common: they are observant, inquisitive and above all, love to have fun. Hunting can bring out all these traits and is a great way for you to spend quality time with your son, daughter or grandchild.

Making the hunt fun is probably the most important lesson to remember. If three hours in a blind doesn’t seem to fit your child’s personality, try 30 minutes in the blind and follow it with a hunt for mushrooms or a search for crawly critters underneath a log.

Always keep in mind that you are on your child’s schedule. Hunting is a great way to pass on the hunting heritage to our children. Be patient, hunt safely and the child in your life will be begging to return to the woods with you real soon.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when taking your child hunting:

1. Make hunting a casual adventure rather than a forced march through rough terrain.
2. Give a child his or her own turkey call.
3. Teach the child how to call, then let them call in the woods (do this where it won’t interfere with or spook birds you plan to hunt later).
4. Teach a child how to blow an owl hooter call and explain why it is used.
5. Take a child while you scout or roost birds in the evenings.
6. Let a child locate a gobbler with an owl call. It’s awesome for them to actually communicate with a gobbler.
7. Teach a child what turkey signs looks like. Teach them the difference between gobbler and hen tracks.
8. Watch tasteful turkey hunting videos together and discuss any questions or concerns the child may have.
9. When it’s time to actually go hunting, make sure the child is dressed comfortably.
10. When setting up on a gobbler, place the child either in your lap or let them sit between your legs. This allows the adult to control the gun and whisper instructions with minimal movement.

Your child can learn more about the wild with a membership to the JAKES program for just $5. With the membership, your child will begin receiving JAKES Magazine. The quarterly publication is filled with interesting facts, games and more, geared to spark your child’s interest in the outdoors.