Schwieters Hosts NWTF Youth Turkey Hunt

HUGO - Jason Jones, sales manager for Schwieters Companies here in Hugo, is a man who wears two hats.

The one he wears when he is not working is most likely camouflaged, as Jason was the hunting coordinator for the 2008 special youth turkey hunt sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), held from sunrise until noon on April 19 and 20 this year.

This hunt allows mentors from the NWTF to take out young people who have never turkey hunted to learn about the sport. Only the youth are allowed to harvest a turkey. To participate, the youth must be at least 12 years of age, be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and have earned their gun safety certificate.

Congratulations to 14-year-old Joe Dreyling from Hugo, who bagged an 18-lb. turkey in eastern Hugo! He was mentored by NWTF member and Hugo City Council Member Chuck Haas, and accompanied by his dad, Ron, who did the calling for him.

Joe said that they set up a ground blind at 5:30 a.m. and they soon had turkeys gobbling all around them. Just before 7 a.m., he got the 32-yard shot at his tom. The bird had an 8-inch beard and 7/8-inch spurs. Way to go, Joe!

Thirteen year-old Alex McCord of Shoreview also participated in the hunt and was accompanied by her Grandpa, Dave Jacobson, and Jones, who served as her NWTF mentor. On the first day of the hunt Alex said she was plagued by a problem I have also encountered ... too many birds. Being the flock animals that they are, it?s sometimes hard to get a shot without hitting more then one bird. When she finally thought she had a clean shot, she took it .... but missed. Undeterred, Alex said she would be back at it the following morning. I could tell by the grin on her face and sparkle in her eyes that she meant it! (Note: Alex did, indeed, bag her 17 lb., 14 oz. turkey shortly after 6 a.m. the next morning.)

A big thanks goes to the NWTF and to the generosity of brothers Joel Schwieters and John Schwieters, owners of Schwieters Properties, who hosted a lunch at their place of business here in Hugo for the 45 participating young hunters, mentors and parents.

Thanks also to the Hugo landowners who allowed the kids to hunt their land. What a great way to support our youth and carry on the tradition of hunting!