Generally, I would be excited to write about an upcoming outdoors event in Jefferson County, but a program planned by the state Department of Conservation gives me some pause, because I am familiar with the long-term effect that the information could have on the participants.
I have several close friends and family members who are “ate up” with turkey hunting, and based on my observations, it is a chronic condition. Most disturbing is that they are not satisfied with suffering the affliction alone, they are dead set on recruiting anyone willing to join their corps.
In reality, it is the best way to be introduced to the sport. Finding a person with devoted experience to guide you through the necessary equipment, ideal habitat, concealed setups, appropriate calls and dozens of other helpful details will not guarantee success, but it will help you avoid mistakes.
Absent an immediately available mentor, the Festus Crystal City Conservation Club, 2567 US Highway 61, will host the National Wild Turkey Federation and conservation department for an Introduction to Turkey Hunting program from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, March 30.
The local affiliate of the Conservation Federation of Missouri certainly has experience with the topic of turkey talking. For 62 years, the club has hosted the longest, continuous running turkey calling and owl hooting contest in Missouri. Many of our state’s best turkey callers honed their skills and launched their careers on the makeshift stage in the main hall.
“The goal of this class is to equip turkey hunters, young and old, with the skills and knowledge necessary to get out in the turkey woods and be successful,’ said Matt Murray, an education specialist with the conservation department.
Participants will learn about hunting strategies, turkey holding habitat, male and female turkey identification, hunting regulations, shooting safety, firearms selection and shotgun patterning, according to a press release from the department. Students will also hear about the wide variety of turkey calls, when to use them (and when not to). Other gear to consider includes clothing, hunting blinds and decoys.
The event is free and open to anyone age 11 or older. Advanced registration is required online at short.mdc.mo.gov/o5x. For Jefferson County residents who can’t make that date, the program is also scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the Washington County Library in Potosi. To register for that event go to short.mdc.mo.gov/o5N.
Spring turkey hunting in Missouri begins in April with a youth-only hunting weekend April 11-12. The regular season opens on Monday, April 20, and continues through May 10. Resident hunters may harvest two male turkeys, or birds with visible beards. Only one may be taken during the first seven days of the season, and no more than one per day during the second two weeks.
Hunting hours are dependent on location. Those who hunt on private property may take turkeys from a half hour before sunrise until sunset. People who will pursue the state’s biggest game bird on public property may only hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise until 1 p.m.
Several Jefferson County conservation areas allow turkey hunting. Statewide regulations and limits apply at LaBarque Creek, Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family, Pacific Palisades, and Hilda J. Young conservation areas, Valley View Glades and Victoria Glades natural areas, and Merrill Horse Access.
Warning: Turkey hunting may be addictive.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the associate editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.