Youth turkey hunters gathered with excitement on Wed. April 7th at the Lewis-Clark gun range near Lapwai. Nine youth, ages 8-12 registered on a first-come, first-serve basis for a once- a-lifetime opportunity to get a jet boat ride into the Garden Creek Ranch facility to hunt turkeys along the Snake River in Hells Canyon.
The opportunity kicked off with the clinic portion of the event on Wed night. Youth practiced their shotgun shooting skills using turkey targets and learned about turkey biology, calling techniques, and turkey hunting safety. Participants even had a chance to try wild turkey cooked various ways. A sampler of wild turkey sausage meatballs, breaded turkey nuggets & shredded wild turkey leg carnitas, were made available for both participants and their parents to try. Idaho Fish and Game staff wrapped up the evening with providing an overview of the details of the turkey hunt that would take place the opening weekend of the youth season on April 10 & 11.
Lewis-Clark wildlife club range officer, Kevin Spradlin gives safety instruction on Wed. night.
Wildlife Manager, Don Jenkins shows students how to sight in shotgun at range.
Students sample freshly made wild turkey meatballs, breaded nuggets, and shredded wild turkey taco meat.
Craig Mountain wildlife area manager, Andrew Mackey provides details of hunt.
Excited parents and 1st time hunters arrive at Garden Creek Ranch!
Hunter education coordinator, Bill Seybold provides morning hunt details.
Youth hunters get to their perspective blinds & set-up decoys---the hunt is ON!
Saturday hunt crew
Sunday hunt crew
Safe & happy hunters = Successful hunt!
Thanks to Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club (LCWC), Snake River Adventures and Idaho Fish and Game volunteers for making this event a success!