CA BHA Turkey Camp 2026: A Weekend Well Spent at Cowboy Camp

Last weekend, members of the California Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers gathered at Cowboy Camp in the Cache Creek Natural Area for our annual Turkey Camp — held this year in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Advanced Hunter Education Program. The event had more than 25 attendees from around the state.

Friday evening kicked things off with a presentation by Bureau of Land Management representatives covering recreational shooting and individuals’ responsibility to leave no trace, hazards in the area, and respectful hunting in a mixed-use area. From there CDFW wardens walked the group through regulations, safety best practices, and how to hunt turkeys ethically and effectively. When the formal sessions wrapped, everyone pulled chairs around the fire for a Turkey Hunting 101 roundtable. Experienced BHA members shared tips and tactics to help newer hunters build the confidence to step into the field (either solo or mentored depending on their preferences) and try their hand at a spring gobbler the next morning.

The birds were talking. Gobbles rang out across the hills throughout the day, sightings were plentiful, and everyone got some kind of turkey interaction. By the time Sunday camp broke, two turkeys and a jackrabbit had been taken — memorable moments for hunters new and old alike. 

But the spring gobbles were only part of the story. Turkey Camp is about building camaraderie among a community of hunters who understand the value of what they're protecting. It's less about leaving with a bird than leaving with a deeper appreciation for our public lands and the experiences only they can provide.