Learn to Hunt program opens registration

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering two opportunities to learn skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook wild turkey to adults who have little to no wild turkey hunting experience.

In central Iowa, the Learn to Hunt workshop will be held March 12 and 19 at the Butch Olofson shooting range, near Polk City, from 6-9 p.m.

In eastern Iowa, the workshop will be March 30 at the Amana Sportsmans Club, near Homestead, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants will learn basic strategies for hunting wild turkey, including the proper equipment, where to hunt, safe shooting practices, and how to field dress, butcher and cook them.

“For those interested in the challenge of hunting wild turkey, this program provides a hands-on opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, hunter education coordinator with the Iowa DNR.

Information about the workshops, including costs, specific locations and registration is available online.

For the Polk City workshop, to go http://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=2963.

For the Homestead workshop, go to http://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=2947.

Space is limited so early registration is encouraged.

The programs are provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.