COLUMBUS, OH – A group of 10 young adult hunters experienced the thrill of turkey hunting during the spring’s Ohio Partnership Hunt, which was put on by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The ODNR divisions of Forestry and Wildlife partnered with Ohio’s NWTF State Chapter and passionate volunteers to provide this opportunity for young people to hunt wild turkey.
All 10 hunters were winners of the Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship, which is open to graduating high school seniors who are memberships of NWTF and plan on pursuing higher education. The annual hunt rewards the scholarship recipients with a unique hunting opportunity in addition to the financial assistance they each receive to help in the pursuit of a college degree.
The young hunters included: MaeKayle Robinson, Coshocton; Danielle George, Milford Center; Matthew Goddard, Urbana; Wyatt Grimm, Okeana; Adam Crock, Zanesville; J. D. Stickley, Urbana; Josie Pucel, Windsor; Griffin Howell, Warren; Joyce Barr, Cadiz; and Rachel Hampp, Zanesville.
Numerous volunteers assisted with the hunt, and 20 mentors donated their time and expertise for the event. Each of the scholarship winners was provided with all the gear they needed for the hunt – camouflage clothing, decoys, calls, a shotgun, and a guide and mentor.
Matt Goddard, a scholarship recipient from Urbana, called the hunt “one of the best and most unique experiences” of his high school career.
“Being welcomed and having the opportunity to talk and even hunt with so many kind, skilled people was a great time I won’t soon forget,” Goddard said.
The Ohio Partnership Hunt is centered on rewarding the conservation-minded youth of Ohio, and hopes to encourage more participation in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation among young people. To learn more about the hunt and scholarship opportunities, visit nwtf.org.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
For more information, contact:
John Windau, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-6325
Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860