The Illinois Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers partnered with Minority Outdoor Alliance and Sitka Gear for a Turkey Hunting Workshop in the Vernon Hills suburb of Chicago. The workshop was held at the recently opened Sitka store, providing an ideal setting for the event.
The event was part of BHA's "Backcountry In Your Backyard" Program. This free, entry-level workshop designed to introduce attendees from all backgrounds to the basics of wild turkeys and turkey hunting. The goal was to empower new hunters to feel safe and confident when venturing out this spring and to build community amongst new outdoorsmen and women. About 70 people attended the event, ranging from longtime hunters to absolute beginners. Some attendees, hunters native to Maine, Mississippi and other states, who had relocated to the Midwest and attended to gain some local knowledge.
After introductions, BHA Chapter Coordinator Aaron Hebeisen kicked off the discussion with a basic biology and natural history of the wild turkey in the U.S. and Illinois. Durrell Smith of MOA provided background on the influences that black and indigenous cultures had on turkey hunting, specifically in the south after the Civil War. Conversations transitioned to scouting and finding access in Illinois and beyond, where Illinois BHA Chapter Board member and callmaker Jason Haff provided some crucial local knowledge on applying for tags, public hunting, and traveling to fill your tag.
After a short break, the event shifted outside, where presenters described and demonstrated different turkey calls and provided scenarios of when – and when not – to make them. Attendees and presenters discussed gear and took questions over barbecue and beers while Hebeisen prepared wild turkey nuggets from last year's bird. The crowd left with full stomachs, inspired to dive into turkey hunting.
Thirteen new BHA members joined the organization, with many already planning to attend future Chicagoland events. Special thanks to all attendees, our partners at Minority Outdoor Alliance, and Sitka Gear for hosting this memorable event.
About Illinois BHA Chapter