This youth turkey season hunt yielded results - in more ways than one!

Editor's note: Ohio's spring turkey seasons are approaching rapidly, and we hope this story from last year's youth turkey season imspires you to start making plans to go afield!

By Matt Sheterom

Bo Stambaugh and I met for the first time at 6:00 a.m. on opening morning of Ohio's youth turkey season.

His hunting partner was unable to take him so his dad asked if I would. I was excited because my youth partner had to work, so I had the morning open.

The best part was that I had good knowledge of Bo's hunting property and the turkey there since I hunt the properties to the north and drive by them everyday.

I started calling with a slight tree yelp and two gobbles followed immediately. I slapped my chest to make it sound like the hen was flying down. When I knew the toms were on the ground, I started yelping and we were lucky enough to see two toms at 50 yards, but it was too far for Bo to shoot. They were swept away by a lonely hen.

We moved and set up several times, but could not get the toms away from the hens. After several attempts, we located the flock again and watched from a far to determine their direction, and then planned an ambush strategy. We wanted to circle around these call-shy birds to try and intercept them.

The plan was executed and successful, yielding Bo's second turkey ever, at 22.5 lbs, with a 10.5-inch beard and 1-inch spurs!! One shot from his shotgun at 25 yards put this bird on the ground. Bo held his composure for a long time and was still able to connect when I finally got the birds in range - I had to pick a fight with a hen to close the distance at the end. She came to fight and the toms followed!

I had a great time with Bo; he was a character! He was also the perfect companion for youth season. Bo appreciated the time I spent with him, thanked me repeatedly, and was polite, safe, and ethical. He has previously spent time with his father patterning his gun, getting permission and scouting for birds, but Dad was stuck at work and could not go. Bo wanted to learn and just loved being in the woods hunting.

If you have ever complained or even thought about poor hunting practices, poaching, littering, etc., do something about it! Take kids and teach them the correct way to hunt or find someone for your child that will. You will never regret it. I have made myself available to take kids hunting and it is very rewarding for both parties!

I am also a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. They have a very strong youth hunting program called "Jakes." I encourage all you adult turkey hunters to become members and get a Jakes membership for your kids!

Ohio's youth hunt for turkey season is April 18 and 19.

Turkey season is April 20 through May 17 - statewide except the Lake La SuAn Wildlife Area.

The bag limit is two bearded turkeys, and only one may be taken per day.

Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise (based on time tables from the Division of Wildlife) to noon. Shotguns, cross bows and long bows are legal. Hunters must have the 2009 hunting license and spring turkey permit.

Safety tips:

• Don't wear ANY red/white/blue - full camo is needed.
• Don't use the gooble as a calling technique since that may cause any other hunters in the area to think you are a turkey.
• If you encounter someone else in the woods - call out to them to make your presence known - don't wave or stand up.
• Use a hunter orange turkey game bag for increased safety when carrying your turkey out of the woods.
• Remember the hunter must identify the beard on the goobler (although it is known some hens have beards and that makes them legal) don't shoot at movement or sounds
• Spring hikers, mushroom hunters and others may be out in the woods at this time of year. They are encouraged to avoid the red/blue/white clothing and strongly encouraged to wear hunter orange for their additional safety.