For those new to hunting, the journey from interest to action can feel overwhelming. The maze of regulations, learning ethical hunting practices, understanding gear and finding a mentor can often seem like difficult barriers. But, sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to change everything.
The NWTF Front Range Chapter in Colorado recognized this challenge in their community and, in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), launched the Turkey Hunting 101 Seminar Series in 2024. Designed to provide newcomers with the knowledge and skills needed to chase Colorado’s wild turkeys, the program was an instant success, selling out its sessions and inspiring a return in 2025. Among the 70 participants who took part in the inaugural year was Peter Sustr, a Colorado resident with a growing passion for the outdoors.
“My experience with hunting was basically zero,” Sustr said. “I bought a bow two years ago and took it for a walk during the past two elk seasons with no success. I didn’t grow up hunting or have anyone in my family or friends who hunted, so this has all been a new experience for me.”
Determined to figure things out, Sustr turned to online research and YouTube videos, but he quickly realized that self-teaching had its limitations. When he heard about the Turkey Hunting 101 seminars, he jumped at the chance.
“As my wife will tell you, I tend to get a little obsessed when I pursue a new hobby,” Sustr joked. “I did a lot of research online and watched plenty of YouTube videos, but that doesn’t come close to learning from people who have been pursuing these turkeys for years. When I heard that the CPW was hosting these seminars, I jumped at the opportunity and am glad that I did.”
Over four sessions, three classroom-based and one in the field, Sustr and his fellow participants learned the fundamentals of turkey hunting. Experts covered everything from wild turkey behavior and biology to scouting, calling techniques and gear selection. The course ended with a field day, where participants patterned their shotguns, practiced with their equipment and built confidence before opening day.
“With any hobby or sport, there is so much gear being pushed on you,” Sustr said. “Seeing what these experiences hunters were using that worked for them was invaluable and probably saved me a lot of money. Another section covered shotguns, sights and shells. Since I’m new to the sport, it helped me determine the type of shotgun I should purchase along with the sight and shells. Learning about turkey habitat, roosting, what they eat, where they eat, what they do during the day, and their needs during each period of the season helped me be successful.”
By the time turkey season arrived, Sustr felt ready. Armed with new knowledge, a well-patterned shotgun and a deeper understanding of wild turkey, he set out into the field for his first hunt. What followed was an adrenaline-fueled chase through the Colorado mountains.
“I spent an hour and a half running up and down the mountain after a gobbler — getting close, then having it move just out of reach,” Sustr recalled. “Finally, I got ahead of it on a steep west-facing slope, crouched behind a bush and waited.”
Then came the moment every turkey hunter dreams of.
“The gobbler was fired up,” Sustr said. “I could hear it closing the distance, and I knew it was coming straight toward me. My heart was pounding. Then, suddenly, there it was — just four yards away on the other side of the bush. It was an incredible rush.”
His first turkey was on the ground, and with it came a newfound sense of accomplishment and connection to the outdoors. Riding the momentum of his spring success, he returned to the turkey woods for Colorado’s fall turkey hunting season, harvesting his second bird.
Sustr credits the Turkey Hunting 101 series not just for his success, but for opening the door to a community of like-minded sportsmen and women.
“Halfway through the seminar, I knew I had to join the NWTF,” Sustr said. “The knowledge I gained from their members was invaluable, and I wanted to give back to an organization that went out of their way to help a new guy like me. I look forward to being involved in my local chapter.”
His first successful season is just the beginning.
“I’m hooked now,” Sustr said. “I want to prove next season that it wasn’t just beginner’s luck that got me my turkey, but that I actually was able to apply the skills that I learned. The most rewarding part was that after all the effort, time and money, I was able to get on a bird and track it down. The one and a half hours of running and gunning to finally get it was very exciting and connected me to the woods like never before.”
The success of the Turkey Hunting 101 seminars isn’t just measured in harvested birds — it’s measured in the new hunters it welcomes into the fold. For Sustr, the course shattered the barriers that had kept him on the sidelines.
“It is absolutely essential to have a community of people who can help new hunters,” he said. “I learned that I’m not alone in wanting to pursue turkeys and that you can start hunting at any age.
Sustr has one message for others hesitant to take that first step:
“I would absolutely recommend these seminars to anyone wanting to learn about turkey hunting. The ability to ask questions face-to-face with experienced hunters is invaluable. Learning what works and especially what happens when things go wrong is important. I hope other chapters do these seminars because there are others just like me in search of knowledge from those that know.”
Thanks to the NWTF Front Range Chapter and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Peter Sustr didn’t just become a turkey hunter — he became part of the NWTF family. And his journey is only just beginning.
For those interested in finding an educational event or mentored hunt near you, visit the NWTF website or contact your local NWTF chapter.
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