Learn to Hunt registration opens for wild turkey workshop

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering a program to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook wild turkey, to participants 16 and older who have little to no wild turkey hunting experience.

The workshop is a two-part series which will be held from 6-9 p.m. April 8 and April 10 near Polk City. Both evenings will feature knowledge- and skill-building sessions with instructors who will provide hands-on learning that will teach the basics.

“For those interested in the challenge of wild turkey hunting as a means of sourcing their own protein, this program provides the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, Hunter Education coordinator with the Iowa DNR.

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

For more information, including costs, location, times and to begin the registration process, visit license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=3398.

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

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