Recap: California BHA’s 2025 Spring Turkey Hunt
In the heart of California’s spring turkey season, the California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) hosted its third annual Spring Turkey Camp - a weekend of learning, mentorship, and chasing gobblers on our shared public lands. This year’s event brought together over 25 hunters at Cowboy Camp, nestled near the Cache Creek Wildlife Area and the recently expanded Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
Led by BHA board members James Fey and Nick Rizzo, the camp served as a space for both seasoned hunters and first-timers to connect through the shared pursuit of wild turkeys and the values that unite us: conservation, community, and access to public lands. The weekend focused on skill-building and safety, with hands-on sessions covering turkey calling, behavior, regulations, and field practices. Mentors took new hunters out into the field, offering a safe and supportive introduction to the thrill of spring turkey season.
Jeff Llomas, Sacramento President of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), joined us for the weekend as a guest speaker and mentor. Jeff shared practical turkey hunting tips and field insights with participants and wowed the group with his impressive turkey calling skills. California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) wardens Keith and Henry also stopped by on Friday night to share important regulation reminders and field questions about hunting laws, safety, and responsible field practices.
Despite rainy weather, the birds were active, and the group’s persistence paid off. Everyone had the opportunity to engage with turkeys and hear the “spring thunder” that keeps bringing us back to the turkey woods year after year. Several hunters harvested birds once the Sunday skies cleared.
But above all, the camp was about community. Around the fire and out in the field, stories were shared, lessons and wild game recipes were passed down, and friendships were formed. The gathering strengthened our collective commitment to preserving the traditions of hunting and protecting the wild spaces that make them possible. The weekend also offered a powerful moment to reflect on the importance of the Antiquities Act in safeguarding areas like Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument for future generations to hunt, fish, camp and revel in the shared legacy of our public lands.
For many, the wild turkeys harvested were a memorable reward—but the real takeaway was a deeper connection to land, tradition, and each other.
About Joel Weltzien
Joel grew up backpacking and river running in rural Montana, and as an adult began hunting and fishing every chance he got. As California's Chapter Coordinator, Joel seeks to advance diverse coalitions in support of BHA's mission in the Golden State.