Montana Mentored Youth Turkey Hunt Inspires Next Generation of Conservationists

The inaugural hunt, held during the first weekend of May, brought together youth hunters ages 10 to 15 with experienced NWTF volunteer mentors for a weekend centered on education, mentorship and hands-on outdoor experiences. More than simply harvesting birds, the event focused on introducing youth to ethical hunting, conservation and the traditions that connect generations in the outdoors.

“Mentorship is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of conservation,” said Matthew Cowan, Montana FWP Region 1 education technician and president of the NWTF NW Montana Longbeards Chapter. “The goal was never just about harvesting a turkey. It was about creating meaningful experiences that inspire young hunters to continue pursuing the outdoors for years to come.”

Planning for the event began in November 2025, when Cowan started developing the concept and securing access opportunities across the Flathead Valley. After contacting nearly 40 landowners, several agreed to participate, while Montana’s Block Management Program helped provide additional hunting access opportunities for the youth hunters and their mentors.

The free application process was open to resident and nonresident youth hunters, with five participants ultimately selected through a drawing conducted during a local NWTF banquet in late March.

The weekend began Friday evening at a local shooting range, where youth hunters, parents and mentors gathered for a mandatory orientation. FWP staff and NWTF volunteers covered various topics, ranging from hunting regulations and private-land etiquette to turkey calling techniques and the history of wild turkeys in Montana. The event also included bear safety training, shooting practice and mentor introductions before the hunters headed into the field the following morning.

Each youth participant received donated hunting gear and essentials to help prepare them for future turkey seasons, thanks to the support of generous sponsors and partners.

Saturday morning quickly delivered excitement. By 6:15 a.m., one of the young hunters harvested the first bird of the weekend. As the day continued, mentors shared photos, stories and updates from the field as multiple youth hunters found success.

By the end of the hunt, three youth hunters harvested four birds total, while two others experienced close encounters and active gobbling throughout the weekend. Though not every participant filled a tag, all left with new knowledge, confidence and memories built alongside experienced mentors.

“While a 100% success rate would have been exciting, my primary goal was to give these youth hunters a meaningful introduction to turkey hunting — one that inspires them to continue regardless of immediate success,” Cowan said. “I’m proud that this event demonstrated how Montana FWP, the NWTF and willing private landowners were able to come together to create this amazing mentorship opportunity for the next generation of sportsmen.”

That evening, the groups gathered for dinner, storytelling and a field dressing demonstration, another important part of learning to become a responsible and knowledgeable hunter.

Programs like the mentored youth turkey hunt play a critical role in the future of conservation and America’s hunting heritage. Through mentorship opportunities, young hunters gain more than outdoor skills; they learn respect for wildlife, land stewardship, ethical hunting practices and the importance of conservation organizations like the NWTF.

For the NWTF, mentorship remains central to ensuring the future of hunting and conservation remains strong. By connecting experienced outdoorsmen and women with the next generation, these programs help build lifelong advocates for wildlife and wild places.

The event also highlighted the power of collaboration between conservation organizations, state wildlife agencies, private landowners and industry partners working toward a shared mission.

"I don’t want this project to stop with NWTF in Montana,” Cowan said. “I want to see it ignite across the country, adopted by fish and wildlife agencies and conservation groups that believe in opening doors for new hunters. This model has the power to change lives, and it deserves to reach far beyond one state."

This year’s hunt was made possible through support from:

• Vortex Optics  

• Higdon Outdoors – Power Calls  

• Bass Pro Shops  

• Snappy’s Sports Senter  

• National Wild Turkey Federation  

• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks  

As the final stories were shared and the weekend came to a close, one thing became clear: the true success of the hunt was not measured solely by harvested birds, but by the spark ignited in a new generation of hunters and conservationists.