NWTF and Partners Fuel Youth Turkey Hunting Success in Missouri
Over the weekend of April 12 –13, thousands of young hunters across Missouri took to the turkey woods for a memorable youth spring season — an opportunity made possible largely through the dedicated efforts of the state’s NWTF chapter system. These events, organized and led by passionate volunteers, continue to introduce youth to the life-changing power of the outdoors while strengthening the future of our hunting heritage.
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters harvested an impressive 4,428 birds over the youth weekend. The NWTF's outreach presence in Missouri played a significant role in this success, with widespread youth participation and dozens of birds taken across several events. Below are some of the highlights.
Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt
The 2025 Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt marked the 16th year of this celebrated event, an occasion that underscores Missouri’s commitment to natural resources, outdoor recreation and the future of hunting.
The weekend began with an educational session where youth learned turkey calling basics, hunter safety and etiquette in the field. MDC staff delivered a hands-on clinic that included shotgun patterning and other essential skills to prepare the young hunters.
Later that evening, participants and their guests were welcomed at the Governor’s Mansion for a formal dinner and evening program. Speakers included NWTF Missouri State Chapter President Kevin Hess, MDC Director Jason Sumners, Friends of the NRA State Fund Chairman Gregg Pearre, Conservation Federation of Missouri President Bill Kirgan and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
Each young hunter received a custom turkey call, crafted by Missouri callmaker, Jim Clark, and had the opportunity to meet and take a photo with both Governor Kehoe and Director Sumners before heading out to their respective hunt locations.
The hunt proved fruitful, with 9 of the 18 youth successfully harvesting turkeys.
The Spring Hunter Apprentice School at Wappapello
Now in its 15th year, the Spring Hunter Apprentice School at Lake Wappapello welcomed nine young participants and their parents — six of whom were first-time hunters.
“Always a blast helping with the NWTF Hunter Apprenticeship School,” said Charlie Beard, member of the NWTF Bootheel Boss Gobblers and coordinator of the event. “We had nine kids from all over Missouri, aged 7 to 15. Saturday was perfect for hunting — calm winds and gobbling birds. Every hunter saw and heard some old toms. Two kids successfully hunted, and there were several close calls, but those turkeys had other ideas.”
The event was supported by a host of additional partners, including Indian Creek Shooting Systems, the Army Corps of Engineers and Straight and Arrow Game Calls.
Northeast Missouri Chapter Youth Hunt
The Northeast Missouri Chapter recently hosted its annual JAKES event, creating meaningful opportunities for youth to experience the outdoors through mentored turkey hunts. Focused especially on kids who may not otherwise have access to hunting opportunities, the event helped each participant become a JAKES member, giving them access to educational resources and a supportive community through the NWTF.
More than 300 volunteers and generous landowners came together to provide land, firearms, camouflage and one-on-one mentorship in the field. In total, 153 youth participated, including 35 first-time hunters. Their efforts paid off — 37 turkeys were harvested over the course of the event.
“This is a community-wide event,” said Billy Yargus, renowned turkey caller and volunteer at the NEMO hunt. “We have to get kids outside and into the outdoors. A big part of what we do is making sure those who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity get the chance to hunt. We provide them with a place to hunt, loan them guns, provide camo if they need it — whatever it takes to get them in the woods. Making it a JAKES event also helps bring awareness to the NWTF and its mission.”
In addition to the hunt, participants were entered into a drawing for 18 firearms equipped with red-dot sights, generously made possible by Knox County Whitetails, which matched an initial donation of nine guns. Other major contributors included WoodHaven Custom Calls, Heimer Construction and countless local donors who stepped up to ensure the event’s success.
From donated gear to shared land and time in the field, this annual hunt reflects the heart of conservation and the importance of investing in future generations of hunters.
Clay Howlett Memorial Chapter hunt
The Clay Howlett Memorial Chapter recently brought the outdoors to life for 38 first-time hunters during its 7th annual JAKES event — a weekend designed to spark a lifelong passion for turkey hunting. Youth ages 9 to 15 dove into a hands-on workshop where they learned the ins and outs of wild turkey biology, calling techniques, hunting regulations, firearm safety and how to properly pattern their shotguns.
But the real excitement came when these young hunters, paired with experienced mentors, took to the woods for their very first turkey hunt. Thanks to the generosity of local landowners and the dedication of volunteers, each participant had the chance to put their new skills to the test in the field.
By the end of the weekend, four hunters, two boys and two girls, were successful in harvesting their first bird, but every youth walked away with a deeper understanding of the outdoors and memories that will last a lifetime.
These events across Missouri serve as inspiring examples of how mentorship, volunteerism and community partnerships can empower the next generation of hunters. None of this would be possible without the dedicated mentors who give their time, energy and knowledge to ensure our outdoor traditions endure.
As Missouri’s regular spring turkey season runs April 21 through May 11, more opportunities await to connect with the great outdoors. For more information on spring turkey hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/turkey-spring.