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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Youth turkey hunt should be keyed to safety

Only kids can shoot during the special youth hunting weekend a choice opportunity for quality time with young hunters. (FILE The Spokesman-Review)
Only kids can shoot during the special youth hunting weekend a choice opportunity for quality time with young hunters. (FILE The Spokesman-Review)

HUNTING -- Washington's youth turkey season runs Saturday-Sunday, giving kids mentored by adults a two-week headstart on the general season.

It's prime time for a hunting trip to be all about the kid, and all about safety.

Read on for 10 important safety tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation.

10 Tips for Safe Spring Turkey Hunting

1. Leave the area if you suspect there's another hunter already working the same bird.

2. Resist the urge to stalk turkey sounds. It is nearly impossible to sneak up on a turkey. It is also unethical and could lead to an accident.

3. Select a spot that is in open timber rather than thick brush: wearing camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is more critical to success than hiding in heavy cover.

4. Sit against a large stump, blow-down, tree trunk or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head when calling wild turkeys.

5. Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler. Watch out for red, white or blue on your socks, t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, bandannas, etc. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.

6. Remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence to other hunters if necessary. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence.

7. Keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.

8. Maintain a clear field of view when using a camouflage blind or netting.

9. Ensure your decoy is not visible when you are transporting it. Stash the decoy in your vest and make sure the head is not sticking out. If you harvest a wild turkey during your hunting trip, you also should cover the bird's head and body when carrying it out from your hunting spot.

10. Put your gun's safety on and approach the downed bird with your firearm pointed in a safe direction after firing. Never run with a firearm.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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