The spring youth turkey hunt is designed for New York State-licensed youth between the ages of 12-15 who have a current state small-game hunting license and turkey tags.

This year’s dates are April 20-21, and the rules for the youth hunt are fairly simple: Each youth must be accompanied by a licensed hunter, over the age of the 21 (for 12- or 13-year-olds) and by an 18-year-old (for 14- or 15-year-olds. The senior hunter must be licensed to hunt spring turkeys. Check the NYS DEC website for more of the particulars. The senior hunter cannot carry a weapon or attempt to kill a turkey during the youth hunt, but may assist in calling and coaching the youth hunter. As always, make sure you check the laws before you head out on your hunt.

The contest is open for all youth in The Post-Journal coverage area, who are 12-15 years of age and who have a New York State hunting license and proper tags.

The essay should not be more than 400 words. The topic this year is “best ways to get youth hunting.” Each essay should include full name, age, email address and phone number. Essays should be in sent no later than April 15.

The winner will receive a full-guided morning hunt from me (winner picks either day) for spring turkey during the special youth spring turkey weekend, breakfast, and an Oak Ridge Game Call pod call. This hunt will also be videoed for an upcoming Oakridge Outdoors TV show.

The winner must have his or her 2018-19 small game hunting license and spring turkey stamp and be ready to get up early. The winner will contacted via email and/or by phone. Essays should be emailed to me at crobbins60@gmail.com.