Introduction to Turkey Hunting Class in Knoxville

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Participants at the Introduction to Turkey Hunting Class in Knoxville practicing their skills.

News Summary

Knoxville residents have a unique opportunity to participate in the Introduction to Turkey Hunting Class offered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) on March 22. This free class is aimed at equipping enthusiasts with the essential skills and knowledge needed for turkey hunting, covering topics such as turkey biology, scouting techniques, and calling methods. Attendees will practice with experienced hunters and can obtain the necessary licenses to join in the excitement of the upcoming turkey hunting season.

Exciting Opportunity for Turkey Hunting Enthusiasts in Knoxville!

Knoxville residents, get ready for an exciting chance to dive into the world of turkey hunting with the Introduction to Turkey Hunting Class, hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). This fabulously informative class is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John Sevier Hunter Education Center.

What You Can Expect

This class is designed for those who are eager to learn the ropes of turkey hunting! Participants will acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary to successfully harvest a bearded turkey this spring. The agenda will cover essential topics such as turkey history, identification, basic biology, and effective scouting techniques. You will also learn how to locate gobblers, choose the right gear, develop your hunting strategies, and master the art of calling.

What’s more, attendees will have the thrilling opportunity to practice calling with seasoned turkey hunters. This hands-on experience can be invaluable for anyone wanting to up their hunting game! Plus, don’t forget to bring one shotgun for patterning after the classroom discussion. If you’re worried about ammunition, no need! Target load ammunition will be provided, or you can bring your own.

How to Join and Requirements

The best part? The course is completely free for those who hold a current Tennessee Small Game Hunting and Fishing Combination License along with a Big Game Gun Hunting license. If you don’t have an active license, don’t fret! You can purchase a daily range permit (Type 222) for March 22. Just make sure to arrive early to sort this out before the fun begins!

Looking to get your licenses or permits? They can easily be purchased online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. To sign up for the class, head over to the registration page at http://license.gooutdoorstennessee.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=57873. It’s that simple!

Location, Location, Location

You’ll find the John Sevier Hunter Education Center nestled at 2327 Rifle Range Road in Knoxville. It’s a prime spot to get acquainted with the ins and outs of turkey hunting before the season kicks into gear.

Don’t Miss the Spring Turkey Season

Speaking of gear, the spring turkey season is just around the corner! The season kicks off with a special Young Sportsman hunt on April 6-7 for kids ages 6 to 16, while the general turkey hunting season runs from April 13 to May 26. Enthusiasts can take advantage of a generous bag limit of two bearded turkeys, with a stipulation that only one can be a jake each day. And remember, adult gobblers must meet specific age and physical criteria, such as having a beard longer than six inches. A friendly reminder: no hens, even bearded ones, should be harvested during this season!

Harvest Insights

Last spring saw about 117,680 hunters participating in Tennessee’s turkey season, resulting in approximately 60,335 turkeys being harvested. However, experts at the TWRA caution that the numbers may dip this year due to a lower hatch rate two years ago. It’s worth noting that Middle Tennessee claimed the title for the highest turkey harvest in 2023, closely followed by northeast Tennessee.

Explore Your Options

For those looking to hunt, there are over 100 public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that provide a perfect backdrop for your turkey hunting adventure. Detailed information regarding these areas can be found conveniently on the TWRA website. So, gear up and mark your calendars for both the class and the upcoming season!