If you are a true novice hunter under 18 and want to learn how to hunt turkey the correct way, Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages you to apply for a chance at participating in a pair of mentored turkey hunts on private lands in Colorado's Northwest Region this spring.

Prospective hunters must submit their application for either hunt by April 1, 2019.

The first hunt is in Meeker, April  12-14, the second in Craig, May 3-5. All youth are encouraged to apply; however, CPW will give special consideration to those that have never hunted, don't come from a hunting family or do not have the opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor.

Both hunts are offered through CPW's Hunter Outreach Program, dedicated to introducing novice women and youth to the benefits of hunting by providing expert, hands-on guidance.

"We've been doing this for several years now and it's been enormously successful," said Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Mike Swaro of Craig. "So many kids want to hunt but they don't have anyone to show how to do it the right way. Turkey hunting is a lot of fun, but very challenging and nearly impossible to do unless you get instruction, and that is why we are here."

"I love doing this," said District Wildlife Manager Bailey Franklin of Meeker. "I get so much satisfaction knowing these kids have learned a valuable life skill, learned about wildlife management and how to handle a firearm responsibly. But the best part is that after a few days with a skilled mentor, these kids can go out and hunt turkey safely on their own. That's what it's all about."

How To Apply:

All applications must include: 

• The youth's name, address, Hunter Education number and Customer Identification Number (CID), if applicable
• A parent or guardian's contact information, including an email address and phone number
• A short narrative, handwritten by the youth and in their own words explaining why he or she should be selected over other youth for this special hunting experience  

Meeker Turkey Hunt

Applications can be hand delivered to the Meeker CPW office at 73485 Hwy. 64; emailed to the hunt coordinator, bailey.franklin@state.co.us, or mailed to the following address prior to April 1 deadline:
DWM Bailey Franklin
PO Box 1181
Meeker, CO 81641

Craig Turkey Hunt

Applications can be hand delivered to the Meeker CPW office at 73485 Hwy. 64; emailed to the hunt coordinator, mike.swaro@state.co.us, or mailed to the following address prior to April 1 deadline:
Asst. AWM Mike Swaro
PO Box 944
Craig, CO 81626

"The narrative is the most important part of the application and should explain what is unique and special about the youth that makes them the best candidate for these limited opportunities," said Swaro. "We'll look at various factors, primarily the applicant's lack of hunting experience, unique circumstances or family situation that have kept them from participating in a hunt in the past."

CPW will select a total of 13 hunters;  six for the Meeker hunt and seven for the Craig hunt. Successful applicants will receive notification on or before April 5.

Successful applicants for both hunts are required to attend a pre-hunt orientation accompanied by a parent, guardian or mentor that must remain with the youth for the entire orientation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide shotguns, ammunition, blinds and turkey calls. The selected hunters must provide their own camouflage clothing, lodging and food.

"We could not do this without a great partnership with local landowners that provide their properties for these hunts," said Franklin. "We are very appreciative of what they do for these kids, and for the future of hunting in Colorado."

For more information or questions, call CPW's office in Meeker at 970-878-6090 or hunt coordinators Bailey Franklin at 970-942-5111 - bailey.franklin@state.co.us, or Mike Swaro at 970-942-8275 - mike.swaro@state.co.us.

For more information about hunting turkey in Colorado, visithttps://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/turkey.aspx