The Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers hosted a Turkey Hunting 101 Workshop at the recently opened Sitka Gear- Maple Grove location In early April. This free workshop was designed to introduce attendees from all backgrounds and experience levels to the basics of turkey hunting, conservation and access. 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. 70-80 people attended the event, ranging from longtime hunters to absolute beginners.
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 Minnesota, and touched on the North American Model of Conservation and its funding mechanisms like the Pittman-Robertson Act. Conversations transitioned to more tactical, and included information about e-scouting using tools like OnX Hunt, scouting and finding access in Minnesota, and crucial local knowledge on applying for tags, public hunting, and traveling to fill your tag out of state.
After a break, presentation outlined and demonstrated different turkey calls and gear and provided scenarios of when – and when not – to use them. Attendees discussed gear and we took questions while the audience enjoyed beer provided by Unmapped Brewing and turkey tacos made by Minnesota BHA chapter leaders Neal Jacobson and Keng Yang from a 2024 harvest. The crowd left with full stomachs, inspired just in time to kick off the 2025 season.
About Minnesota BHA Chapter
Minnesota BHA seeks to ensure our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting on wild, public lands and waters through education, advocacy, and boots on the ground work.