PRATT -- This month, young Kansas hunters have the opportunity to write a story and win a guided youth spring turkey hunt with Jared McJunkin, biologist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. McJunkin guides annually for the Kansas Governor's Annual One-Shot Turkey Hunt held each spring in El Dorado and is known locally for his passion to introduce fellow hunters, especially youth, to turkey hunting.

This contest is co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply. Youth 16 years and younger from Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage, and Woodson counties are eligible to win.

In 500 words or less, the author should address why wildlife habitat management is important to the future of hunting and who is responsible for this management. The lucky winner will receive a two-day guided spring turkey hunt during the upcoming 2005 Kansas spring turkey season. Participants must have completed a hunter education course and, if chosen, must purchase a Kansas spring turkey hunting permit. The winner also will receive a turkey-hunting vest filled with turkey hunting accessories donated by Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia.

To enter, participants must send essay, including name, age, address, and phone number to Jared McJunkin, 10295 Bluff Creek Rd., Blaine, KS 66549. Essays must be received by March 31. The winner of the contest will be notified by April 3.

Lodging will be provided if the winner is not from Emporia or the surrounding area. A parent or guardian is welcome and encouraged to accompany the youth on this hunt. For more information, contact McJunkin at 785-396-4466.
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