News Summary
The Mississippi Oxford Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a youth turkey hunt in March 2025, marking a milestone in outdoor activities for young hunters. With fifteen participants, including seven newcomers, the event nurtured a love for nature and wildlife conservation. Participants underwent safety training and learned about turkey biology, enhancing their appreciation for the outdoors while enjoying one-on-one mentorship. Local businesses contributed gear, showcasing community support in fostering a new generation of hunters. This event highlights the importance of promoting outdoor engagement among youth.
Excitement in Oxford: A Youth Turkey Hunt to Remember
Oxford, Mississippi, was buzzing with excitement last month as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Mississippi Oxford Chapter hosted a thrilling youth turkey hunt in March 2025. This fun-filled event kicked off Mississippi’s youth turkey season and was all about welcoming a new generation of hunters into the great outdoors.
A Growing Tradition
Over the years, this special hunt has seen a remarkable transformation. It started with just five enthusiastic young participants in its inaugural year, but fast forward nine years, and this year’s event featured an impressive **fifteen budding hunters**. Among them, a notable seven were new to the experience, marking a growing interest in outdoor activities among youth in Mississippi.
How to Join the Fun
For those eager to participate, securing a spot in the hunt was a simple yet exciting process. Young adventurers needed to attend the annual Mississippi Oxford Chapter Banquet. And there’s a twist! To enter a random drawing for the coveted hunting experiences, interested kids had to become NWTF JAKES members, honing in on the organization’s commitment to grooming future outdoor enthusiasts between the ages of 8 to 15. This initiative encourages a love for nature and a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation.
Thrilling Partnerships
This year, the event could not have been possible without generous contributions from local businesses and reputed organizations. **Drake Waterfowl** stepped up to donate turkey vests, while **APEX Ammunition** provided essential gear, ensuring each participant felt ready for the hunt. The community’s support truly highlighted the importance of collaboration in fostering a love for the outdoors.
Focus on Safety and Learning
As safety is a top priority, participants received essential gun safety instruction from staff at the **Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks**. Ensuring that all young hunters understood the responsible use of firearms was paramount, laying the groundwork for safe hunting practices.
Turkey 101
One of the standout features of this event was the “Turkey 101” session led by the NWTF District Biologist. This educational segment delved into fascinating aspects of wild turkey biology and conservation principles, allowing participants to appreciate the wildlife they would be hunting. It’s all about blending fun with valuable learning opportunities to foster respect for nature.
One-on-One Mentorship
Each young hunter was paired with a dedicated mentor, transforming the experience into a memorable one-on-one hunting adventure. Accompanied by their parents or guardians, these youth formed bonds and created memories that will last a lifetime. The mentorship aspect was clearly aimed at ensuring that young participants not only learned the skills needed for hunting but also embraced the spirit of camaraderie that comes with it.
Nurturing Future Outdoorsmen and Women
The NWTF JAKES program, established back in 1981, works tirelessly to educate and engage youth aged 17 and younger in wildlife conservation. With initiatives like this youth turkey hunt, local chapters host various events designed to encourage a love for the outdoors. Mentored hunts for different game species are among the many exciting activities offered, emphasizing practical skills alongside ecological responsibility.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about the NWTF and its array of youth programs, additional information is readily available online. The organization is dedicated to inspiring passion and participation in wildlife conservation through engaging young minds and providing them with the tools they need for a sustainable future in hunting and outdoor activities.
As the sun set over the Mississippi hills, the success of this youth turkey hunt reminded everyone that with a little commitment and community spirit, it’s possible to instill lifelong values and skills in the next generation of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: Youth Turkey Hunt
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Turkey Hunting 2025
- Field & Stream: Mississippi Girl Bags Smoke Phase Gobbler
- Grand View Outdoors: Must-See Video of Youth Hunter
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Girl Harvests Rare Silver Colored Turkey
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
