WDFW to offer turkey hunting clinics this spring

OLYMPIA—The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Hunter Education Division will host free turkey hunting clinics around the state before the April 15 spring turkey season opener. WDFW staff will teach these hunting clinics with assistance from Hunter Education Instructors, Master Hunters, and members of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

“Our hunting clinics provide basic instruction and key information on how to be successful when hunting turkey,” said Dave Whipple, WDFW Hunter Education Division Manager. “These clinics are a helpful starting point for new turkey hunters or for those interested in refining their skills”.

The turkey hunting clinics are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• March 26 - Tacoma, Bass Pro Shop, 7905 S Hosmer St.
• March 27 - Tacoma, Bass Pro Shop, 7905 S Hosmer St.
• March 30 - Spokane, WDFW Regional Office, 2315 N Discovery Pl.
• April 2 - East Wenatchee, Sportsman’s Warehouse, 611 Valley Mall Pkwy.

Hunting clinics will include turkey call demonstrations and tips for hunting turkey from the Pacific coast to the Idaho border. Participants will also receive booklets that provide information on species identification, biology, habitat, how and where to hunt turkey, care of harvested game, and safety practices.

Later this year, WDFW will partner with local non-governmental organizations to offer additional hunting clinics for deer, elk, waterfowl, and upland birds. Past clinic partners have included Pheasants Forever chapters, Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Ace Hardware.

“We couldn’t offer these clinics without the volunteers, non-government organizations, and businesses helping out,” Whipple said.

Clinics will last about four hours. For more information or to enroll in a clinic, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/clinics.  To register for the Spokane clinic on March 30, please contact the Region 1 office at (509) 892-1001.