AFI JBLM Gobbler Grind Spring Turkey Camp - Hunters, WA

Event Start Date: 4/14/2026 8:00 AM

Event End Date: 4/17/2026 9:00 AM

JBLM AFI is Hosting the “Gobblers Grind” Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp near Lake Roosevelt!

Why You Should Want to Attend:

The Armed Forces Initiative of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is focused on building conservationists within the military community through immersive outdoor experiences that blend mentorship, conservation education, and hands-on skills. Join JBLM AFI for the Gobblers Grind Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp, a four-day camp designed to introduce participants to spring turkey hunting while fostering leadership, stewardship, and camaraderie.

This R3-focused camp emphasizes welcoming new hunters into the AFI community and teaching not just how to hunt, but how AFI events are planned, executed, and grounded in conservation principles. In addition to turkey hunting, participants will also have opportunities to fish for trout and walleye in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

What It Is:

The Gobblers Grind Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp is a mentored, learn-to-hunt experience that walks participants through every stage of a successful and ethical turkey hunt, paired with conservation education and outdoor leadership training.

Attendees can expect to:

• Learn turkey sign identification, scouting strategies, and habitat use

• Understand wild turkey biology and seasonal behavior

• Practice turkey calling techniques and communication strategies

• Pattern shotguns and review firearms safety for ethical harvests

• Hunt public lands and river corridors with experienced mentors (including boat access on the Spokane River)

• Learn how AFI events are planned and safely executed — from camp setup and logistics to emergency preparedness

• Participate in conservation discussions tied to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

• Build leadership skills and strong bonds within the military community

This camp is designed to develop confident hunters while reinforcing stewardship and conservation responsibility.

When Is It:

Tuesday, April 14 – Friday, April 17, 2026

Where Is It:

Hunters Campground
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Washington State

(Exact meet-up locations will be provided to selected participants prior to the event.)

Who Can Attend:

• Open to members of the military community — Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

• Participation limited to 3–5 attendees to allow for close mentorship (goal of 1:1 mentor support)

• An AFI participant application is required following RSVP

You do not need to be a BHA member to attend (but we’d love to have you join!).

Additional Details:

• Camp includes hunting, conservation education, and optional fishing opportunities

• Shotguns and some gear may be available for participants as needed

• Boats and fishing equipment provided for water access portions of the camp

• Meals and camp logistics coordinated by AFI leadership and volunteers

• Expect variable spring weather — prepare for cold mornings and outdoor camp conditions

Sample Camp Flow:

• Day 1: Safety briefing, shotgun patterning, gear checks, turkey biology, scouting birds at roost

• Day 2–3: Morning turkey hunts with mentors (boat and vehicle access), fishing as time allows, evening wrap-ups and conservation discussions

• Day 4: Camp breakdown and departures

Questions?

Contact JBLM AFI, afijblm@backcountryhunters.org