The Appalachian Outdoorsmen’s Association, in conjunction with Out Back Gun’s N More and the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, hosted their first annual youth turkey hunt in Kentucky during the youth weekend season on April 1-2.
More than 60 property owners and 10,000 acres of land were used by the 93 youth hunters, 32 mentors and 51 volunteers, each of who contributed to the success of the hunt. Ten birds were harvested and prizes were awarded for the top-three birds.
Each hunter was given a hunting facemask, turkey call, camo hat, ammunition and a gun if needed. Caney Creek Taxidermy donated one mounting service to the largest bird harvested, which was 25.1 pounds. Multiple media outlets covered the hunt.
“Partnering with Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation on this hunt gave Appalachian Outdoorsmen the opportunity to partner with a first-rate sportsman’s organization, and we foresee many more opportunities to do so for future youth and family activities,” said Application Outdoorsmen’s Association President Jimmy Cantrell.
“With our equipment usage grant program, we gave a number of youth hunters a quality and safe firearm to use and the opportunity to harvest a turkey. Partnering with AOA on this hunt was a no brainer,” said Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Director of Education Frank Price. “The fact that so many birds were taken was just icing in the cake for the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. We encourage other outfits to take advantage of this program.”
Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Trailblazer Program provided 10 shotguns through its equipment grant usage program, as well as second and third prizes. Groups such as AOA can apply to use equipment for their events, education programs, camps and other youth requirement efforts. If a club or association holding a similar type of event is interested, please contact the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation at [email protected].
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.