The old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” rings especially true for Ohio’s Gallia County Longbeards NWTF Chapter, as the chapter held its annual youth turkey hunt for the 25th time this year in Gallipolis, Ohio.
But for Mark Baldwin and the many passionate volunteers of the local NWTF chapter, hosting the hunt year after year is as much about fun as it is the preservation of our hunting heritage.
“The kids are my motivation,” said Baldwin, who has been a volunteer of the Gallia County Longbeards for over two decades. “I get more of a thrill seeing a kid kill a turkey than hunting myself, or watching their faces light up when they hear that first gobble. We are blessed to be a part of this every year.”
With the event occurring for a quarter of a century, the volunteers of the Gallia County Longbeards have witnessed the success of the event throughout time: making turkey hunting a perennial activity in the participants’ lives.
“We’ve had numerous kids from our event grow out of the event (participants must be 17 or younger), but then they come and help mentor the younger hunters,” Baldwin said. “We are not only passing on the tradition of turkey hunting, but we are passing on the tradition of passing on the tradition. That’s what it is all about.”
This year’s event — held April 12-13 — was another one for the books, with 59 youth participants going on a guided turkey hunt. Twenty-four turkeys were harvested, eight of which were harvested by hunters who have never killed a turkey.
But turkey hunting is half of the fun for youth at the two-day event. Young hunters also get to join in calling contests, learning/safety seminars from Ohio Division of Wildlife officers, trap shooting and prize raffles, among much more.
“We provide evening meals for everyone both days of the event,” Baldwin said. “We also give prizes to the top three winners of our calling contests in two age groups and to the top four turkeys harvested, according to the NWTF measurement scale. Before we leave on Saturday evening, we give door prizes to each and every participant, from shotguns to anything related to the outdoors.”
“The Gallia County Longbeards have created something truly special in southeast Ohio,” said Shawn Dicky, NWTF regional director. “Chapters like this are why the NWTF mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage is alive and well.”
Throughout the event’s history, youth from all over Ohio have heard their first turkey gobble, have learned how to turkey call, have harvested their first bird and have learned the importance of sharing the experience with others. The local chapter wants to ensure this event remains a staple in southeast Ohio.
“Our goal is that ten years from now, the next generation is hosting this event for the local youth and carrying the torch,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin also noted the importance of the parents and grandparents who bring their kids, the guides, the volunteers and committee members, local business and the ODW.
“This event would not be possible without them,” he said.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, and teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety, just like the Gallia County Longbeards Chapter’s annual youth hunt.
For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.
In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species.
The NWTF has dedicated staff, volunteers and partners seeking to introduce nonhunters to the outdoor lifestyle and to share in the greater conservation story.
Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.
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