Governor Strickland to Hold Third Annual Youth Turkey Hunt

Be a mentor, take a child hunting

Saturday, May 8 marks the third annual Youth Turkey Hunt hosted by Governor Ted Strickland, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

"Governor Strickland and I are committed to mentoring youth in many Ohio outdoor pursuits," said Sean Logan, director of the ODNR. "Encouraging young people to enjoy the outdoors will provide them with a lifetime of enjoyment."

Governor Strickland has invited hunting guides to take 10 Ohio youths spring turkey hunting. The event dovetails with a statewide effort to promote youth and outdoor recreation, as well as highlight Ohio's premiere wild turkey hunting opportunities.

Nine of the 10 young hunters selected to participate were the top finishers in a statewide essay contest addressing the theme, "My best hunt ever." One participant won the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ohio Chapter's scholarship contest and will participate in the hunt.

The following Ohio communities will have a youth representative:

Alliance – Jamie Nicole Socotch – Marlington High School
Bluffton – Ben Rodriguez – Allen East High School
Brunswick – Michael Stark – Brunswick High School
Bryan – Samuel Garrigus – Fairview High School
Fort Loramie – Darren Gephart – Fort Loramie Schools
McArthur – Josiah Sifford – McArthur Schools
New Albany – Albert James Antolik – New Albany Middle School
New Plymouth – Michael R. Thompson – Vinton County High School
Newcomerstown – MacKrea Kilpatrick – Coshocton County Career Center
Stockport – Emily Schaad – Morgan High School

Sponsors for this event include American Electric Power Ohio, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Consol Energy, Flint Ridge Outfitters, Gander Mountain, Great Solutions, Hunter Specialties, Mike’s Archery, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rittberger Meats, Ohio Trophy Buck Outfitters, Outtech, Quaker Boy, Trophy Rock and Zink Calls.