event_title: Backcountry In Your Backyard- Turkey Hunting 101

event_time_zone: America/Chicago

event_start: March 29, 2025 12:00

event_duration: 240

event_end: March 29, 2025 16:00

event_address: 925 N Milwaukee Ave, Unit 100, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, United States

event_description:  Are you interested in learning about turkey hunting, but don’t know where to start? Would you like to get more involved with conservation?  Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Sitka Gear, along with our partners from Minority Outdoor Alliance as we set up camp in Chicago as part of our Backcountry In Your Backyard Program. We’re hosting a FREE, all-inclusive, entry-level workshop designed to introduce you to the exciting world of turkey hunting, and there is a spot open just for you!This is your invitation to join us Saturday, March 29th at the new Sitka Gear Store in Vernon Hills, IL. We will be taking over the store from 12-4PM with presentations hardcore turkey hunters, BHA staff, Chapter Leaders and representatives from MOA. We will cover everything from biology and conservation to scouting and access to gear and wild game. Learn the basics that will get you excited and help you feel safe and confident as you head into the woods.Turkey hunting is one of the best ways to be introduced to hunting, wild game, and helps build a greater appreciation for conservation. Youll find community, connect to conservation, and learn about opportunities to harvest your own wild food. We will also have a Spring Raffle going to support the Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Membership Incentives, and a 20% discount on Sitka Gear for all members and anyone that becomes a member at the event. Shake off the cabin fever and light your fire for getting outside this spring! Sign Up Below Today! What You Can Expect:Biology and Natural History of the American Wild TurkeyConservation and the North American ModelScouting and AccessCalling, Guns, and GearLearn how to Process and Cook Wild Game Bird Special In-Store Discounts, Raffles and Membership Deals SCHEDULE (may be subject to change)(Inside Store: 12PM- 2PM)12:00PM- 12:10PM- Introduction12:10PM-12:45PM- Biology and Natural History of Wild Turkeys12:45- 1:15PM- Conservation/ North American Model 1:15PM-1:45PM- Scouting & Access1:45PM- 2:00PM- Break(Outside: 2PM-4PM)2:00PM-3:00PM- Calling, Guns and Gear3:00PM- 4:00PM- Processing & Cooking4:00PM- Conclusion- Drinks/Food/Fellowship Meet your Presenters: Durrell Smith Durrell is the co-founder of the Minority Outdoor Alliance. He and his wife Ashley created the non-profit as a way of “bringing the unlikely to the outdoors”. Growing up in Atlanta he was fortunate to have access to nature just outside his grandfather’s back door. While hunting wasn’t part of his upbringing this small connection to the outdoors sparked big ideas beyond the urban setting. As a young adult, Durrell developed a passion for a life built around upland bird hunting. Today he shares his experience and knowledge with others through a blog and podcast called The Sporting Life Notebook. Come to hear Durrell’s story about entering the hunting world several years ago and never looking back. He’ll share insights on navigating a new community where most other participants look very different from you.Aaron HebeisenAaron is the Midwest Chapter Coordinator at Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He is a wildlife biologist, public lands advocate, and an obsessive turkey hunter. Growing up in Minnesota, he didn’t have turkeys that far north and was introduced to turkey hunting in college. His passion for wild things and wild places led him to professional roles with federal and state wildlife agencies and hunting industry brands before finding a home at BHA where he supports 10 states around the U.S., including Illinois. He lives in Southeastern MN with his wife and 2-year old son. Aaron enjoys mentoring new hunters and introducing people to a life closer to nature, be that for ducks, deer, and ESPECIALLY the kings of spring- the wild turkey.Jason HaffJason is a board member for the Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He is a designer, photographer, call-maker, and outdoor generalist. Jason uses his love for art and the outdoors to advocate for our public lands and waters through awareness and education. Whether it is foraging local delicacies, paddling one of Illinois many pristine rivers, or chasing birds with his trusty Deutsch Langhaar - Illinois is in his blood and so is his love for everything outdoors. Jasons dive into the turkey world started late. Seeing his first turkey in his mid-twenties started a series of events he could have never imagined. Many years later - and many trials and tribulations later, he is an accomplished public land turkey hunter and call maker. He has received 3rd place honors the past two years consecutively at the NWTF Grand Nationals Call making competition in the decorative category.   BHA is a grassroots, non-profit conservation organization with chapters across North America. We focus our efforts on keeping public lands public, bolstering access to public lands, ensuring we have quality fish and wildlife habitat, and upholding fair chase hunting and angling ethics. You can learn more about BHA here! Minority Outdoor Alliance works to cultivate inclusivity for a healthier outside. You can learn more about MOA here! If you have questions about the event, please reach out to Aaron Hebeisen from BHA!