Alabama hunters have the opportunity to introduce youngsters to turkey hunting on the Saturday prior to regular opening day of spring turkey season.

Designated Wildlife Management Areas, under the management of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, will allow young hunters less than 16-years old to hunt turkey if accompanied by a properly licensed adult 25-years old or older. The adult supervisor must remain within arms length of the youth at all times.

Youth-adult pairs should check in and out at the WMA checking station as a single unit. Only one firearm will be allowed per youth-adult group. Only the youth hunter will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting. The adult should review with the youth the rules of firearm safety and ensure they are followed.

On March 13, 2004, 16 of the WMAs have scheduled youth hunts: Autauga County, Barbour, Blue Spring, Cahaba River, Choccolocco, Covington, Escambia Creek, Frank W.&Rob Boykin, Hollins, James D. Martin-Skyline, Kinterbish, Lowndes, Sam R. Murphy, Oakmulgee, Scotch, and Wolf Creek.

On March 27, 2004, both zones of the Black Warrior WMA will also have youth hunts. The Black Warrior WMA is in part of the state where regular turkey season opens on April 1.

For more information go to the Conservation Department’s website at www.outdooralabama.com and look under Hunting/Management Areas, or call the Wildlife Section at (334) 242-3469.