Shaping the Future of Conservation: Missouri Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt Marks 17th Year
The 17th annual Missouri Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt brought energy and anticipation as youth from across the state gathered for a weekend centered around hunting, conservation and tradition. The hunt serves as a recognition by the Missouri government of the importance of natural resources and outdoor recreation to the state.
This event continues to play an important role in shaping the next generation of hunters. For many participants, this is where it all begins. It is their first time in the turkey woods, their first real hunt, and for some, the opportunity to harvest their very first bird.
The event began April 10, with scattered storms across Missouri shifting the traditional schedule. Instead of outdoor shotgun patterning, participants traveled to the Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City, where the Missouri Department of Conservation led an interactive session focused on turkey biology, calling techniques, hunter safety and ethics. The change in plans allowed for a deeper dive into the fundamentals and ensured each participant felt prepared heading into the hunt.
That evening, the group gathered at the Governor’s Mansion, where excitement for opening morning continued to build. Leaders and partners shared remarks on the importance of the event and its role in Missouri’s conservation legacy. Speakers included Kevin Hess, president of the Missouri NWTF State Chapter; Jason Sumners, Missouri Department of Conservation director; Ben Deorge, Friends of the NRA volunteer; Ginny Wallace, president of the Conservation Federation of Missouri; and Tyler Schwartze, executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
During the evening, each participant received a custom turkey call made by Jim Clark, an original attendee of the event, crafted specifically for the hunt, providing both a tool for the hunt and a lasting keepsake from the experience. They also received a hat donated by Friends of the NRA and a backpack full of gear donated by Bass Pro Shops.
Following the program, participants left the mansion and traveled to their hunt camps across the state to prepare for the youth season opener on the following day.
Weather remained a factor throughout the weekend, but it did not take away from the experience. Seven of the 15 participating youth successfully harvested birds, creating moments they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
While the harvest is meaningful, the impact of this event reaches far beyond a single hunt. It is about mentorship, learning and building confidence in the outdoors. It is about giving young hunters the opportunity to experience something real and lasting.
"This event would not be possible without the continued support of dedicated partners, volunteer guides and private landowners across Missouri,” explained John Burk, NWTF district biologist. “Their commitment provides youth with safe, mentored opportunities and plays a critical role in keeping hunting traditions alive. We are therefore indebted to the generosity of private landowners and guides that make it possible every year. Most of the landowners and guides are dedicated NWTF and Conservation Federation of Missouri members, and without them, this event would not be possible.”
The 2026 guides and landowners included: R.L. Bennett, Kevin Hess, Ren Steevens, Bill Haag, Bruce Sassmann, Jeff Knight, Brant Masek, Dwayne Lucas, Jim Cihy, Cole Cihy, Logan Burk, David Guerrant, John Burk, Phil Rockers, Tyler Schwartze, Jason Sumners, Tim Taylor and Kennon Windsor.
Partners that make the Annual Missouri Governor’s Hunt possible include: Gov. Mike Kehoe, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the NWTF, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Independent Stave Company, Friends of the NRA and private landowners.
The success of the Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt is a direct reflection of those efforts and the shared goal of passing something meaningful on to the next generation.