Turkey Hunting Class for Adults to be Offered in Pocatello

Are you an adult who would like to learn how to hunt but you don't know where to start and don't have anyone to show you how? Maybe you hunted before as a kid, but you really need some help to get started up again. There is still time to apply for the next Idaho Wildavore hunting course for adults offered by the southeast region of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The next class is a two-day turkey hunting workshop co-sponsored by the Idaho Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to be held February 20 and 27, followed by a mentored hunt later in the spring. Participants will learn about turkey biology, habitat needs, turkey management, hunting techniques and ethics, types of gear, shotgun handling and shooting, field dressing a turkey, meat care, and more. Once the two-day workshop has been completed, the participants will then be matched up with experienced mentors for a turkey hunt. Workshop participants will need to provide basic gear and clothing appropriate for turkey hunting in spring weather conditions, however, Idaho Fish and Game will provide the shotgun and ammunition for the mentored hunt. Cost of the entire class is $25 per person plus the cost of purchasing a turkey license and tag. The ideal candidate for this workshop has never hunted before (or has very little hunting experience) and does not have access to experienced hunting mentors. Those who apply must also be at least 18 years of age. All participants must be certified in Hunter Education. This requirement can be accomplished by taking a Hunter Ed class, taking an online class and field day, or completing the independent study workbook and field day. For a list of classes and field days or to take the course online, visit Idaho Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/education/?getPage=30. To pick up an independent study workbook, contact your nearest Fish and Game office. Through the Idaho Wildavore program, Fish and Game hopes to help connect an untapped user group to conservation through the important role of hunting. It is Fish and Game's desire to see workshop graduates leave with the basic knowledge and experience to continue hunting on their own, and even introduce the tradition to friends and family. For more information or to submit an application for the Idaho Wildavore turkey workshop, call the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or email Liz Horsmon at Elizabeth.Horsmon@idfg.idaho.gov.