Springtime Success: Youth Hunters’ First Turkey Harvests
In the world of outdoor recreation, few experiences match the excitement and sense of accomplishment that comes with harvesting one's first turkey. As the spring season unfolds, first-time youth hunters are in the field in pursuit of the wild turkey, carrying on our hunting heritage. This spring, we celebrate the future of the outdoors, those who have harvested their first turkey during this cherished hunting season.
April 30, 2024
Mackenzie Wallace of Cunningham, Kentucky, successfully harvested her first turkey using her late granddad’s mouth call. The turkey weighed in at 24.8 pounds, with an impressive 11½-inch beard and 1 3/8-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Isaac Wallace.
Mackenzie Wallace of Cunningham, Kentucky, successfully harvested her first turkey using her late granddad’s mouth call. The turkey weighed in at 24.8 pounds, with an impressive 11½-inch beard and 1 3/8-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Isaac Wallace.
New JAKES member Mark Trump III from Smithfield, Pennsylvania, harvested his first turkey, which weighed 20 pounds. This bird sported an impressive 11½-inch beard and 1¼-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Mark Trump Jr.
New JAKES member Mark Trump III from Smithfield, Pennsylvania, harvested his first turkey, which weighed 20 pounds. This bird sported an impressive 11½-inch beard and 1¼-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Mark Trump Jr.
Ten-year-old Allie De Hoogh from Hospers, Iowa, harvested her first turkey on her grandpa’s farm, using her single-shot .410. Photo courtesy of Evan De Hoogh.
Ten-year-old Allie De Hoogh from Hospers, Iowa, harvested her first turkey on her grandpa’s farm, using her single-shot .410. Photo courtesy of Evan De Hoogh.
Seven-year-old Hannah Claire Josey, a newly enrolled JAKES member, achieved a significant milestone by harvesting her first turkey in Halifax County, North Carolina. She shot the gobbler using her Rossi .410. The impressive bird weighed 23 pounds with a 10½-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Tripp Josey.
Seven-year-old Hannah Claire Josey, a newly enrolled JAKES member, achieved a significant milestone by harvesting her first turkey in Halifax County, North Carolina. She shot the gobbler using her Rossi .410. The impressive bird weighed 23 pounds with a 10½-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. Photo courtesy of Tripp Josey.
Twelve-year-old, Landon White, the son of Texas State Chapter President Craig White, harvested his first turkey — a Rio Grande wild turkey — in the Hill Country region of Texas. Photo courtesy of Craig White.
Twelve-year-old, Landon White, the son of Texas State Chapter President Craig White, harvested his first turkey — a Rio Grande wild turkey — in the Hill Country region of Texas. Photo courtesy of Craig White.
Fifteen-year-old Alexandria Hudak successfully harvested her first turkey on her grandparents' property in Cambridge, Ohio. The bird tipped the scales at 21 pounds and boasted an impressive 10-inch beard. Photo courtesy of Lauri Boettler.
Fifteen-year-old Alexandria Hudak successfully harvested her first turkey on her grandparents' property in Cambridge, Ohio. The bird tipped the scales at 21 pounds and boasted an impressive 10-inch beard. Photo courtesy of Lauri Boettler.
