Looking To Get New Hunters Out This Spring?

SIX WAYS TO SAFELY GET A NEW TURKEY HUNTER OUT IN THE WOODS DURING COVID
While the DNR Learn to Hunt program is currently closed because of COVID-19, there are still plenty of ways to get new hunters into the woods this spring. Here are some ideas.

1. Take a youngster aged 15 years or younger out during the Wisconsin Turkey Youth Hunt on the weekend of April 17 and 18. Young hunters can complete online hunter safety beforehand or hunt under the mentored hunting rules. Consider keeping within your household or quarantine “bubble” to promote COVID safety.
2. Be a mentor for the United Special Sportsmen Association. They will be acting as a “broker” between new hunters and mentors during the Youth Hunt weekend. For details, contact CEO Brigid O’Donoghue at 715 884 2256 or childwish@gmail.com. All prospective hunters and mentors must take COVID tests prior to the hunt, according to O’Donoghue.
3. Connect new hunters with a virtual turkey hunting class. Topping the list is the NWTF-Kalkomey Enterprises, Turkey Hunting 101 class. To register, go to https://www.todayshunter.com/turkey101/ and enter code NWTF2021354894 to receive a 30% discount on the $29.99 course. Limited spots are also available for an adult-focused virtual Turkey Hunting class sponsored by the Wisconsin DNR, NWTF, and Pheasants Forever. Contact John Motoviloff at 608 419 0041 jmotoviloff@nwtf.net to reserve a spot.
4. Let beginning hunters know that there are plenty of leftover permits available. They go on sale via Go Wild (gowild.wi.gov) on March 15 at 10 AM. Tags for early periods sell out quickly, but plenty remain available for later periods.
5. Consider taking out a new adult. That person can complete online hunter safety beforehand or hunt during under the mentored hunting law. As with mentoring during the Youth Hunt, COVID spread is minimized if hunting with someone in your household or quarantine circle
   
6. Mix turkey hunting with other spring pursuits. If the turkeys aren’t cooperating, there’s no shortage of other springtime fun to be had around the state. Trout, walleye, and panfish are easy fishing options. There’s also foraging for morels, asparagus, and wild greens. Respect landowner rights and leave the property better than you found it.