Hunting seminar, youth hunt prepare youngsters and offer hands-on experience
PRATT -- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) have planned two special youth turkey events this spring, one near Lawrence and one near Emporia.

The first event will be the Fifth Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic presented by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the KDWP Hunter Education Program on Saturday, April 1. The event will be held at Camp Alexander, near Emporia. This event will focus on turkey hunting techniques, and anyone interested in learning how to become a better turkey hunter is invited although youngsters are especially encouraged.

The event will run from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. and features the following preliminary sessions:

• calling tips and other expert turkey hunting advice provided by Hunter Specialties pro-staffer Martin Eichelberger;
• display of all of the latest turkey hunting equipment available at Bluestem Farm & Ranch of Emporia;
• a drawing for a fully-equipped turkey vest; and
• lunch and free t-shirts.
• The clinic will also consist of several educational sections dealing with all aspects of becoming a successful turkey hunter, including the following:
• turkey calling and locator calling;
• scouting/roosting;
• wild turkey biology and management;
• shotgun hunting for wild turkeys;
• bowhunting for wild turkeys;
• turkey hunting equipment; and
• turkey hunting safety.

Call before March 15 to make reservations and provide organizers with T-shirt sizes. The event is limited to 100 participants. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Jared McJunkin at 785-396-4466.

The second event, co-sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) on April 8, will be the first youth turkey hunt at Clinton Reservoir. Planned as an annual event, the "Clinton Lake Youth Turkey Hunt" will draw hunters from a pool of applicants to hunt at assigned areas. Hunters must carry a special hunt permit issued by COE and follow all Kansas statutes. Normally, hunting is not permitted in these areas at Clinton Reservoir.

Young hunters ages 10 through 16 must be accompanied by and adult guide. If a young hunter does not have an adult guide, one will be provided.

Interested applicants may contact the COE Visitor Center at Clinton Reservoir by telephone, 785-843-7665; fax, 785-843-4360; or e-mail, clinton@usace.army.mil to request an application. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 17. Applications may also be brought to the Clinton COE office or mailed to Clinton Lake Project Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 872 N. 1402 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66049.
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