The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC) recently hosted nine youth hunters for the 4th annual Turkey Hunt and Learn Weekend. (An Augusta, Georgia, youth bagged this turkey with his father at his side at the Georgia Hunt and Learn Weekend at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.) The three-day event offered a variety of educational activities focused on turkey hunting and wildlife and habitat conservation. All youth participated in a hunter education refresher course and those who were not certified took the final exam. Other courses touched on turkey biology, scouting techniques, wildlife management and Georgia’s public land hunting opportunities. Each hunter left the weekend an NWTF JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) member.
Attendees hunted turkeys all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Youth were accompanied in the field by their parents and an NWTF hunting mentor/guide. While each youth hoped to bag a turkey, the goal of the weekend was much larger.
“The hunt and learn event is not just about bringing home a trophy. It is teaching youngsters about the camaraderie of hunt camp, the thrill and anticipation of the hunt as a new day dawns and the woods come alive, and hearing their first gobble,” said Dave Wamer, NWTF Georgia Save the Hunt coordinator. “We provide a low stress hunt with seasoned guides and mentors, creating a wonderful overall experience.”
The Turkey Hunt and Learn Weekend coincided with the 18th annual JAKES Day at the CEWC and gave the hunters a chance to join over 1,000 other guests in the wildlife and conservation themed festivities.
“We [at the CEWC] cherish our partnership with the NWTF to provide these opportunities to turn nonhunters into hunters. Many of our previous students return to the various open hunts provided throughout the year,” said Rusty Garrison, CEWC program manager. “Together, we have created one of the best relationship-building events for children and parents.”
Registration for all hunt and learn weekends begins August 1. Participants are chosen on a first-come first-served basis or through a lottery system. For more information about these and other programs offered through the CEWC, visit www.charlieelliott.org or call (770) 784-3059.
The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.
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