WILLMAR — Early in the spring of 2010, Marc Iverson of Bird Island was among the volunteers who ventured into the woodlands and farm fields near Birch Coulee Park in southern Renville County. They led young boys and girls, and sometimes their moms and dads, to concealed blinds where they squawked and called and if they were lucky and did it right, got a turkey.
Iverson led Brian Swedzinski and his mother Diane of Milroy. Brian, then 13 years old, got his first turkey when a tom strutted to within seven yards of the three concealed hunters.
It’s hard to know who was more excited, the young hunter or the guide.
“This is more fun than hunting myself,’’ Iverson said afterwards. “It’s way more fun to guide other people.’’
All across the area, there are dozens of others like Iverson looking forward to the opportunity to guide youths on their first turkey hunts once again.
Now is the time to sign up any young person you know who might enjoy the opportunity to experience turkey hunting. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about hunting.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation sponsor the annual spring hunt.
The DNR has applications, maps and general information posted online. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, Feb. 13. Participants will be selected through a random lottery.
According to information from the DNR, a youth hunter must be age 12 to 17 on or before Saturday, April 21; have a valid firearms safety certificate; and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Any youth who has ever purchased or been selected by lottery for a Minnesota turkey license of any type is not eligible.
- Tom Cherveny

First time turkey hunters enjoyed success