COUNCIL GROVE -- Two special spring turkey hunts -- one involving disabled hunters and another involving women hunters -- were conducted in the Council Grove area April 9 and April 23. The events paired hunters with experienced volunteers as guides.

Six disabled hunters and four women were guided to area locations on private and public land where all participants had the opportunity to see or bag a bird. Participants received hands-on hunting instruction, hunting gear, and two meals. One disabled hunter harvested a turkey on April 9, and three lucky women were successful on April 23. For three of these hunters, this was the first turkey they had ever harvested. All hunters expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their assistance with these successful events: State of Kansas and Council Grove chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks "Pass It On" Program, Morris County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Morris County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Randy Benteman, Marvin Peterson, Marc Murrell, Brandon and Jamie Houck, Vance Ralstin, Spencer Tomb, Trent Siegle, Allan Cashman, Cliff Carroll, Tiffany Carroll, Tyson Powell, Mike and Dara Lowry, Nanci Sigle, Ed Scofield, Virgil Swisher, and Steve and Stacy Crichton.
Volunteers interested in helping with next year's hunts should contact Brent Konen, Council Grove Wildlife Area manager, at 620-767-5900.
-30-