EDGEFIELD, S.C. — More than 50 youth hunters and their families braved an unexpected spring snowstorm during the 16th annual Marvin Robbins Memorial Youth Turkey Hunting Camp, held on the opening weekend of Arizona’s spring youth turkey season.
The camp honors the legacy of Marvin Robbins, a passionate turkey hunter and mentor who dedicated himself to introducing new hunters to the sport. He led seminars across Arizona, including full-day, in-the-field sessions on public land where students could experience wild turkeys in their natural habitat. Robbins served as president of a local NWTF chapter in Phoenix and later as president of the Arizona State Chapter. He played a key role in reintroducing Gould’s turkeys to the state and was present at the first release. For his lasting contributions, Robbins was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame two years ago.
Hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Mingus Mountain Longbeards Chapter in the Coconino National Forest near Happy Jack, the camp kicked off Friday evening, but Mother Nature had other plans. What was forecasted as a light dusting of snow turned into a full-blown blizzard — dumping over 10 inches of snow that night.
“We never expected it, not once,” said Tim Denny, Mingus Mountain Longbeards Chapter president. “We were expecting one to two inches of snow, but I think they meant per hour — not total.”
Despite the weather, most attendees decided to stay, choosing to embrace the challenge. Dedicated volunteers worked into the night to clear snow and protect collapsing tents, ensuring all campers remained safe and warm.
“It was a challenge, but we won,” Denny said. “People stayed, and we had a great time.”
After a wild night, many campers chose to forgo Saturday’s early morning hunt and instead gathered for a warm breakfast and enjoyed sporting clays before venturing out into the snow-dusted landscape.
More than just a hunt, the camp served as an introduction to the outdoors for 18 first-time hunters. With support from the Arizona NWTF State Chapter, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and a host of partners, mentors guided youth through turkey hunting basics — from calling and camouflage to biology, safety and ethics.
“Additionally, when we are able to get a kid to harvest a bird, that’s when we can go through how to clean your bird and give them a hands-on learning experience,” Denny said. “To me, to see it in person is the ultimate experience. A picture doesn’t have the same impact. If it is their first bird, we will also present them with a certificate and pin to commemorate the harvest.”
Despite the tough conditions, three young hunters tagged toms on Saturday. For those new to the sport, it wasn’t just about pulling the trigger — it was about learning the basics of turkey hunting and connecting with family and friends in the outdoors.
“We might have had more if conditions were better and we could spend more time out there,” Denny admitted. “But it was more about the experience of being together outside.”
While success in the field is celebrated, the camp focuses on empowering families to take their next steps in the field together. The event not only introduces youth to hunting but also encourages parents to rekindle their connection to the outdoors. Organizers hope to reignite that spark and build self-sufficiency among new families entering the outdoor lifestyle.
“What we are pushing for is to get them motivated to come out and take that next step into independence,” Denny said. “We’re big on the R3 movement — recruit, retain and reactivate. Many parents stopped hunting when they started families. At this camp, they see how much fun their kids are having and think, ‘I want to be part of this again.’”
The camp’s continued success is made possible by the dedication of the Mingus Mountain Longbeards Chapter and the generosity of sponsors and partners. Funding was provided in part through a grant from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, supported by proceeds from the wildlife conservation license plate grant program.
“Every time someone buys a wildlife plate, it’s $50 a year, and $17 goes back into the program to fund camps like this,” Denny said. “It really makes a difference.”
Sponsors included NWTF Arizona, Outdoor Experience 4 All, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Bass Pro Outdoor Fund, ALPS OutdoorZ, Winchester Ammunition and local businesses who donated gear, calls and supplies. Thanks to their contributions, youth hunters enjoyed complimentary meals, snacks, seminars and take-home gear — all while creating memories to last a lifetime.
“I’m proud of what we do,” Denny said. “It’s all about getting the kids outdoors and teaching them new skills.”
Even after the snow melts, the impact of this camp will remain. For many, this was their first taste of turkey hunting — and the beginning of a lifelong connection to the outdoors. As the final tents came down and campers said goodbye, one thing was clear: the Marvin Robbins Memorial Youth Turkey Hunting Camp is about far more than just the hunt. It’s about tradition, stewardship and lighting the spark for the next generation of conservationists.
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