Arkansas’s turkey season is set to begin on Saturday and Sunday with the annual youth turkey hunt. The youth turkey hunt offers two days for hunters ages six to fifteen to hunt with a mentor to learn about turkey hunting.
Youth hunters are not required to purchase a hunting license, however, they will need a customer identification number to check their turkey and their mentor will need a valid hunting license. A profile can be set up for a youth hunter on AGFC’s licensing website and the youth hunter can receive a free youth CID. A youth hunter’s profile can be linked to an adult’s account, but any turkeys they harvest must be checked to them.
A turkey that has not been checked must be tagged before it is moved and must be checked within 12 hours of harvest. A bird does not need to be tagged if it can be checked in the field.
The AGFC recommends practicing patience with a youth hunter by sitting motionless on the floor propped up against a backrest to simulate sitting against a tree. They also recommend any snacks packed should be placed in a zip-sealed sandwich bag to reduce noise.
The AGFC recommends keeping the hunt fun for youth hunters. Be patient as youth may be slower and lighten their load as much as possible.
Only hunters 6-15 years old may hunt turkeys during the youth hunt. Youths who have completed hunter education may hunt on their own at their parent’s discretion those who have not completed hunter education must be under direct supervision of an adult who is 21 or older.
Youth hunters may harvest one male turkey and may shoot one immature gobbler (jake) as part of their yearly limit. Birds harvested during the youth hunt count toward the youth’s yearly limit.
For more information visit www.agfc.com/turkey.
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