Pair of turkeys. The season begins April 11th for youth, April 20th for adults. (photo/Missouri Department of Conservation)
Two things I’ve learned already about the spring. If I enjoyed my first time deer hunting, I’ll really get a kick out of turkey hunting. Second, the turkey tastes really good. If you followed us in the fall, you know that I tried my hand at hunting during the deer season and then duck season with Kyle Lairmore and Jim Low of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Now, I’m ready to give turkey hunting a try.
I’ve had friends and acquaintances tell me over the winter how they enjoyed watching my videos that took us from safety courses, to training at the range, to the hunt and preparing our harvest. Many people, including Kyle, told me turkey hunting will be a new and completely different rush from deer and duck hunting.
Before we get started, Kyle will share some basic information (Watch our Hangout below) on turkey hunting, which begins on April 11th and 12th for youth season and the adult season runs from April 20th to May 10th.
Missouri boasts the largest turkey population in the country. We have the eastern turkey here in Missouri, but hunting is still a challenge. These birds are smart and the right steps need to be taken to have success.
The requirements for turkey hunting safety and certification are the same for deer. March and April are really the hot times for finding a class as hunters from across the state are getting ready to hunt. Click here to get signed up. During turkey season, hunters will be using shotguns and its important to pattern our firearms to help with a quick, clean harvest.
In closing, there are many adults who would like to hunt in the state of Missouri, but for whatever reason never started and may feel uncomfortable trying now. My advice to you is don’t hesitate. I’ve been lucky to have Kyle and Jim from the department take me under their wing (excuse the pun), but hunters all across the state are willing to take time to show you. So if you have some friends who hunt, ask them to take you along. They’ll be more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise. Plus, you can always call on the Missouri Department of Conservation to help.
Enjoy our video and check back here soon for our next video in the series as we’ll pattern our shotgun and get our gear and permits before our hunt.
