2013 RMEF Youth Turkey Hunt

This past weekend was my second annual Rogue Chapter RMEF Youth Turkey Hunt. Everything went perfect for first time hunter, 9 year old Spencer and his dad Chad.

Spencer was a trooper, hiking over 4 miles through the rugged Western landscapes in our search of a fervent tom turkey. He came to the hunt prepared with his Rocky Mountain Hunting Turkey Calls and he knew how to use them.

Spencer literally hunted daylight to dark on opening day and was dead serious until days end about his hunt.

During the last hour of daylight, all of us “grown-ups” were talking a bit too much or Spencer and he finally looked at us and said “Are we talking or hunting?” This kids attention span and intensity was second to none. I was very impressed, especially after the hike we had been on.

On Sunday, Jeff Heil, RMEF Life Member and Volunteer called in three jakes to less than 20 yards. Spencer sat completely still for 17 minutes while these three jakes took turns beating up the jake decoy.

The turkeys were grouped together too close for him to take an ethical shot and he kept it together the entire time, unmoving. When the birds finally split up a bit, he took one perfectly placed shot and his bird was down.

I have footage of the entire hunt from two angles. The blast from his shotgun nearly knocking him over.  We had a great trip and I can’t wait to share the footage with you. Such a remarkable little boy!!!

This hunt would not have been possible if not for the support of the Rogue Chapter of RMEF, volunteer Jeff Heil, Hocking Ranch, Matt Dunbar of Dunbar Taxidermy and all the members of the RMEF.

This is a true testament of how Hunting is Conservation. Together, we are ensuring the continuation of our time honored traditions.