On the weekends of April 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, the Westar Energy Green Team will guide youth who have never harvested a turkey at its Jeffrey Energy Center west of Topeka. Assisted by experienced volunteer guides and hunting from stationary ground blinds, youngsters will hunt accompanied by an adult mentor in prime fields closed to the public until the youth hunters are through.

While an adult mentor is required, the Green Team is looking for both youth and mentors with little or no turkey hunting experience. (While most participants are teens, young adults who have never hunted are welcome to apply.) The hunt is designed for those who have minimal access to turkey hunting areas, as well. The youth must bring a shotgun and shells. They will hunt from enclosed blinds, so no camouflage clothing is needed. The volunteer guide will bring decoys and calls, as necessary.

The youth must provide their own turkey permits for Unit 2 and, if they are 16 or older, have a valid Kansas hunting license. Everything else will be provided.

Turkey densities are high in this area, so chances for a close shot are excellent. Sixteen hunters will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, contact Brad Loveless at 785-575-8115 by Tuesday, March 31, and give him the hunter and adult mentor’s names, a phone number, and a mailing address.