AFI Holloman, Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp - Nogal, NM

Event Start Date: 4/24/2026 4:00 PM

Event End Date: 4/26/2026 1:00 PM

Holloman AFI is Hosting “Operation Thunder Gobble” Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp near Bonito Lake!

Why You Should Want to Attend:

The Armed Forces Initiative of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers helps build conservation leaders within the military community through hands-on outdoor experiences that combine mentorship, conservation education, and practical field skills. Join Holloman AFI for Operation Thunder Gobble, a three-day Spring Turkey Dual Skills Camp and Conservation Project designed to introduce participants to turkey hunting while strengthening stewardship of public lands and wildlife.

This R3-focused camp (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) emphasizes welcoming new hunters into the AFI community while teaching how ethical hunting and conservation go hand-in-hand. In addition to turkey hunting, participants will also have opportunities to fish for trout at nearby Bonito Lake and learn about ecosystem recovery following natural disturbances in the region.

What It Is:

The Operation Thunder Gobble Dual Skills Camp is a mentored, learn-to-hunt experience that guides participants through the fundamentals of turkey hunting while also highlighting conservation and outdoor leadership skills.

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 alongside experienced mentors

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

• Explore ecosystem recovery and habitat management with a Lincoln National Forest biologist

• Participate in discussions on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

• Build camaraderie and leadership skills within the military community

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

When Is It:

Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
🕐Friday 1:00 PM – Sunday 4:00 PM MST

Where Is It:

Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
Nogal, NM 88341

📍 Coordinates: 33.46726097104488, -105.79840598024106

(Exact meet-up details 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 is limited to a small group to allow for close mentorship (goal of 1:1 mentor support)

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

Additional Details:

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

• Shotguns and some gear may be available if participants do not have equipment

• Meals and camp logistics will be coordinated by AFI leadership and volunteers

• Participants should bring snacks, water, camping gear, and weather-appropriate clothing

• Expect variable spring conditions in the mountains of southern New Mexico

Sample Camp Flow:

• Day 1: Arrival, safety brief, gear checks, turkey biology, scouting birds at roost

• Day 2: Morning turkey hunts, optional fishing, evening conservation discussions

• Day 3: Morning hunt, conservation project with Lincoln National Forest biologist, camp breakdown and departure

Questions?

Contact Holloman AFI, afiholloman@backcountryhunters.org