The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Southern Maryland Chapter welcomed over 70 young hunters for its annual youth turkey hunt on Saturday, marking the start of the youth season with mentorship, outdoor adventure, and community celebration. The event, held on private lands across Southern Maryland, paired young participants with experienced mentors to pursue wild turkeys while fostering a passion for conservation and hunting heritage.
The day began early as mentors and mentees gathered at designated locations before sunrise to embark on their hunts. By 1 p.m., participants reconvened at a local farm for a communal lunch, raffles, and awards. Young hunters who harvested turkeys weighed their birds and measured beards and spurs for scoring. The top-scoring bird earned a free turkey mount, while the next two highest-ranking birds received free tail fan mounts. A youth turkey shoot tested marksmanship skills, with the winner awarded a fully loaded turkey vest. Every participant received prizes, including turkey calls, hunting blinds, seats, custom handmade knives, and shotguns, ensuring all left with tangible mementos of the day.
Steve Berry, president of the NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter, mentored his daughter during her first turkey hunt. They set up on private property, guided by a friend’s scouting. Despite early rain, they positioned decoys and a blind, soon hearing hens leave the roost. As the weather cleared, two hens fought nearby, followed by two long-bearded gobblers. Berry’s daughter took aim and harvested her first bird. “It was a feeling you don’t forget,” Berry said. “Seeing the smile on her face and how giddy she was — I get more enjoyment from that than I do hunting my own birds.” The family plans to mount the bird to preserve the memory.
The event drew over 200 attendees, including mentors, volunteers, and families. Of the 21 turkeys harvested, 12 were first-time harvests, highlighting the event’s role in introducing youth to hunting. The NWTF’s Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) program underpinned the event, emphasizing ethical hunting and conservation. According to the NWTF Maryland State Chapter, such initiatives align with their mission to conserve wild turkey populations and preserve hunting traditions.
Maryland’s youth turkey season, as noted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, allows hunters aged 16 and under to pursue turkeys with mentors, fostering safe and supervised outdoor experiences. The NWTF’s efforts complement state programs, with the organization having helped restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million in 1973 to over 7 million today.
Volunteers were key to the event’s success, with the Southern Maryland Chapter relying on over 250 active volunteers statewide, though they seek more to sustain their work. The chapter’s commitment to youth engagement extends beyond hunting, offering scholarships and conservation education to ensure future generations value natural resources.
The NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter plans to continue its youth programs, with upcoming events listed on their calendar . For those interested in joining or volunteering, contact information is available through the Maryland NWTF website.
