Young hunters are encouraged to get their guns and get ready to take aim.
The Outpost Outdoors on Mullican Street, along with TWRA and Ben Lomand Longbeards, are holding a Youth Turkey Hunt this Saturday morning, March 25. A grand prize will be awarded to the kid who shoots the largest turkey and other prizes will be available.
According to David Hennessee, the event continues to grow with each passing year.
“This is our fourth year for the Youth Turkey Hunt,” said Hennessee. “We had about 14 kids our first year. The second year, it grew to about 50. Last year, we had about 110 or 120. We’re hoping for an even bigger turnout this Saturday.”
To participate, young hunters from ages 6 to 16 need to preregister by Friday by calling The Outpost Outdoors at 473-2769, wildlife officer Jason Ramsey at (423) 839-5975, or wildlife officer Pete Geesling at (615) 339-4704.
Young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21 or older. Normal hunter education and license requirements apply.
There’s no starting point to the Youth Turkey Hunt. After registering, go hunting as usual Saturday morning then meet at The Outpost Outdoors by noon on Saturday to determine the winners.
This weekend, March 25-26, is the statewide young sportsman hunt for youth 6 to 16. Spring turkey season opens Saturday, April 2 and continues through Sunday, May 15.
Spring turkey harvest numbers have been consistent for a number of years, according to TWRA. Tennessee turkey hunters have passed the 30,000 harvest mark for 13 consecutive years.
Hunting hours for turkeys are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise until legal sunset. Legal hunting equipment includes shotguns using ammunition loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller. There is no restriction on number of rounds in magazine. Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows and other bows drawn or held by a mechanical device are permitted.
Firearms and archery equipment may have sighting devices except those devices utilizing an artificial light capable of locating wildlife. Night vision scopes are illegal.
Bag limits are one bearded turkey per day, not to exceed four per season.