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Area youth learn hunting skills

Nineteen first-time turkey hunters from Marion, Clintonville and New London participated in the Learn to Hunt Program last weekend, sponsored by the Little Wolf Gobblers and Wolf River Toms.

The two local chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation collaborated to offer this unique experience to youth and adults who have never had the opportunity to hunt turkey.

Applicants are first selected to participate in a training day, which includes a four-hour long safety and instruction class at the DuPont Town Hall.

The following weekend, qualified mentors and assistant mentors take to the woods and field with their new hunters who try their luck at harvesting their first wild turkey.

Private land owners offer their property for use in the Learn to Hunt program.

On Saturday of the hunt weekend, a special landowner appreciation day is held at the town hall. Lunch is served and door prizes are awarded.

Throughout the weekend, successful first-time hunters return from the field with their stories. Many of them are successful and can’t wait to share their experience with the others.

Terry Dorschner, a volunteer mentor in the program said, “The intent is to give individuals an opportunity to experience turkey hunting and learn how to hunt turkeys safely. Many of these kids and adults might not have had the chance because they didn’t know someone who turkey hunted.”

“We’re especially thankful for the sponsors and landowners involved in the program,” said Dorschner. “Without them this hunt would not be possible.”

Dave Haas is the program lead. Assistants are Jean and John Hedtke, Jim Heling, Dennis Kersten, Dave Barnick, and the DNR Program lead is Mark Schraufnagel.

For more information, contact Dave Haas at 715-851-5266.

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