04/29/2009
NWTF Helps Mass. Youth Experience Turkey Hunting's Traditions
 A new hunter proudly displays his first gobbler with his mentor during Massachusetts' inaugural Youth Turkey Program Hunt. |
MASSACHUSETTS — Scores of youth from across Massachusetts experienced the thrills and excitement of turkey hunting for the first time during the state's inaugural Youth Turkey Program Hunt, held Saturday, April 25.
"I had an awesome time," said 15-year-old Ian Sypek from Belchertown, Mass., who harvested a 15-pound gobbler. "I couldn't ask for a better experience. Thank you very much for this great opportunity."
The hunt was a culmination of the Mentored Youth Turkey Hunting Program, which was approved in November of 2008 as a result of hard work by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteers. The program helps 12- to 17-year-old hunter education graduates in the Bay State sharpen their newfound skills via a fun, hands-on workshop that teaches firearms safety, hunting ethics, techniques and more.
The program's guidelines are based largely on the NWTF's Turkey Hunting Success and Safety DVD and CD/ROM, which educate hunters about safe turkey hunting. New hunters took to the woods alongside experienced hunting mentors in a safe, supportive environment.
Phil McCarthy, NWTF Massachusetts State Chapter board member, noted that response to the youth hunter mentoring program had wildly exceeded initial expectations.
"Interest in turkey hunting is at an all time high here in Massachusetts, and the NWTF is proud to partner with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and other partners on this hunt," McCarthy said. "Together, we've helped a lot of kids discover a new hobby they can enjoy for a lifetime."
The NWTF has long supported introducing youth to America's outdoor traditions through outreach programs such as JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) for ages 12 and under, and Xtreme JAKES for ages 13 to 17.
"This was the greatest experience I've ever had in my 30-plus years of hunting," said NWTF volunteer Ron Gleason. "My lifelong dream is to share my love of the outdoors and hunting, and it's my pleasure to be involved with this program. I want to thank the NWTF's Massachusetts State Chapter and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for helping this become a reality."
For more information about the hunt or the NWTF's Massachusetts State Chapter, Click Here.
