Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: Russ McDonald on March 14, 2018, 10:45:32 AM

Title: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 14, 2018, 10:45:32 AM: https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/clinics/ (https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/clinics/) For those of your that have kids 16 and under there is a registration at the link listed for youth opener April 7th and 8th. The for the regular opener there is also registration from mentor hunts for all first time hunters. Kids get first chance. I can tell you that the success rate is pretty high because they get permission from land owners. This is a awesome opportunity to get the first time hunter out there on some birds. Last year there was more mentors then hunters.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: jackelope on March 14, 2018, 12:20:43 PM: This is great, and deserving of a sticky.

Get your kids involved in stuff like this, folks. Involvement is what makes this kind of thing continue in the future.

:tup:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 19, 2018, 10:08:12 AM: Going to bump this. Youth season is coming up. Register for a mentor hunt. Good success rate.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: JasonG on March 19, 2018, 10:21:59 AM: I went to the wdfw to check out the clinic at the black diamond gun club and it says the class is full?
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 19, 2018, 10:44:48 AM: Quote from: JasonG on March 19, 2018, 10:21:59 AM
I went to the wdfw to check out the clinic at the black diamond gun club and it says the class is full?
Don't worry about it. Their event system only allows 25 and we are taking way more then that.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 27, 2018, 01:47:40 PM: Was told by Aaron this weekend they don't have many people signed up. Youth season is less then 2 weeks away. This is a great chance to get that first time turkey hunter out there and have a good chance at a bird.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: bearpaw on March 27, 2018, 01:50:04 PM: I'm surprised you don't have more signups? Sounds like a great program! :dunno:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 27, 2018, 02:08:59 PM: I have been doing mentored hunts for awhile now and really enjoy helping folks out learning the about turkey hunting. Youth is a ton of fun seeing kids so excited when a gobbler comes thundering in. :tup:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 27, 2018, 02:19:58 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 27, 2018, 01:50:04 PM
I'm surprised you don't have more signups? Sounds like a great program! :dunno:
I don't think the department promotes it enough. :dunno: plenty of mentors not enough hunters.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: jackelope on March 27, 2018, 05:12:08 PM: WDFW has it posted on their Facebook page. Posted Friday at 9:30am
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 27, 2018, 07:04:32 PM: Quote from: jackelope on March 27, 2018, 05:12:08 PM
WDFW has it posted on their Facebook page. Posted Friday at 9:30am
Have like their Facebook page though. I have been sharing their page to mine and our NWTF chapter page and here. I think they should send out cards or emails to people that have brought turkey tags. Some might have kids or relatives or even friends.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Stein on March 27, 2018, 08:07:12 PM: Unfortunately, I made plans for my son's first hunt before finding out about the WDFW program or I would have probably gone that way. If he doesn't get his two birds on the first weekend, we'll definitely check it out. It's a great program even for people that hunt but just haven't hunted turkey before like us.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 28, 2018, 04:48:26 PM: Quote from: Stein on March 27, 2018, 08:07:12 PM
Unfortunately, I made plans for my son's first hunt before finding out about the WDFW program or I would have probably gone that way. If he doesn't get his two birds on the first weekend, we'll definitely check it out. It's a great program even for people that hunt but just haven't hunted turkey before like us.
:tup: Good luck
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: jnordwell on March 31, 2018, 05:11:44 PM: I’ve got 2 kids, but only see 1 spot open for the mentoring hunt.. maybe next year I guess. Sounds like a good program.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 31, 2018, 05:18:23 PM: Quote from: jnordwell on March 31, 2018, 05:11:44 PM
I’ve got 2 kids, but only see 1 spot open for the mentoring hunt.. maybe next year I guess. Sounds like a good program.
Sign up they have waiting lists to. Sometimes they get more mentors that come in.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 05, 2018, 12:31:39 PM: My mentor/TFO hunt. First turkey. About to retire Army 1st Sargent. 10.5" beard 3/4 spurs 24lbs.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180505/e0b09c17487856127ac0e553e51706e6.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180505/19001650eeb3fb633736c146fdbec150.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180505/fb251a7769055b2a0a0d46a5bcf73bc6.jpg)

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: aaronwyle on May 09, 2018, 02:22:21 PM: I just finally found this thread. The spring season mentoring is full and I have gotten almost all of the people signed up connected with a mentor. I will be posting the fall mentored hunts about a month before season opens.

Russ, if we make another thread for that, I will make sure I subscribe to it so if anyone has questions I can answer them!
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: daballachris on May 09, 2018, 02:39:13 PM: Do they just do the mentor hunts for turkey and for kids? I'm new to hunting, and a common theme I've been hearing in the podcasts I listen to and the reading I've done is that hunter numbers are declining rapidly. It would make sense to offer mentor hunts to people of all ages to try to get new people into hunting. As someone who is trying to figure this all out on my own, I know that would be very beneficial as it is super intimidating/overwhelming to try to figure out on your own.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: aaronwyle on May 09, 2018, 03:38:54 PM: No, the mentored hunts are for any first time turkey hunters, with the exception of the hunts during the youth only season. There is no fall youth season so that entire time will be open to all ages.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 09, 2018, 04:10:02 PM: The department is also offering up clinics in other hunting areas to. I believe that turkey hunting is one of the most addicting and enjoyable hunts to start our with. The soldier I just took out said he never knew about turkey hunting and how fun it was.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: jennabug on May 29, 2018, 08:05:15 AM: Quote from: Russ McDonald on May 05, 2018, 12:31:39 PM
My mentor/TFO hunt. First turkey. About to retire Army 1st Sargent. 10.5" beard 3/4 spurs 24lbs.

Awesome job Russ. It's so great that you are able to do this for folks. Thank you!
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: aaronwyle on July 24, 2018, 03:55:46 PM: Fall 2018 Mentored turkey hunt registration is now up on the WDFW website - WDFW.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/clinics/

Youth pheasant season mentored hunts in region 3 are there also.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on July 24, 2018, 04:38:20 PM: Will promote this at our Jakes event next month.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: aaronwyle on February 14, 2019, 03:37:09 PM: Spring 2019 Mentor hunt sign up is on the clinic website. The youth season mentoring was difficult last spring, so I am not going to do a youth season mentoring specifically this year. I do have some mentors available for youth season, so if you have youth that are interested please message me and I will try to connect you.

Clinic Website - https://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/clinics/
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: ljsommer on April 23, 2019, 04:56:24 PM: Would anyone want to show me the ropes/help me find some birds? I posted my hunt report over here: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,238721.0.html

I was hunting bow and had an amazing time chasing birds, but I am pretty sure I was doing it wrong. (who cares, it was a blast!)

I'd love to find success and harvest my first animal.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 06, 2019, 06:57:45 AM: Here is another hunt. I took out this 13 year old, Braedan, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He and his family came in from Ohio. Life expectancy is only 25 and it is non curable. This was a NWTF Wheel'in Outdoors hunt. We do hunts for the disabled. So we went out very early Saturday. The family sat in a blind while I sat outside up against a tree. Had birds on the roost talking once the pitched down all silence. Was doing calls every 15-30 minutes. Had a single hen walk into our setup walking to with in 20' of me then 10' from the blind. She started putting but we also had 4 deer right about in our decoys to. She hung around for a good hour before wondering off. so around 7:30 or so. Did a series of calls and bang about 100 plus yards in front on us a gobbler. Got him into visual range 82 yards ranged by dad. They stopped and just skirted us. They couldn't see me because I positioned myself behind the blind and a big tree. The reason for this was that both dad and Braedan are experienced hunters and had calls to. He went total stealth to no gobbles after that until he got over and behind us and only once with an initial call from me. What I am pretty sure happened is that I had a feeder and alert hen with a strutting tom. He saw the tom decoy and probable had been getting his butt kicked. I snuck out around 10 and pulled the alert hen and tom for the rest of the day. No gobbles the rest of the day. We were in the blind from just before 5 am to 6:30 when this tom came in 5 minutes after I made a series of calls. No gobbles he got within 60 yards and started putting. I froze because it was coming in from the right and they had to re position inside the blind. They have a gun rest for Braedan they had to move. Tom stuck around I was still froze because if I moved I was busted. They re positioned but he was moving in between trees. I could hear his dad whisper kill him and then bang. I looked over and there was a flopping tom. So here is the fun thing. Braedan shoots a .410 with Apex TSS loads. He dropped that bird at 38 yards. His longest so far is 40 yards on a Ohio bird.

So remember I said he is a experience hunter. He has multiple slams. He is going for a double slam this year. He shot 2 Osceola's in FL with one shot. He has 3 easterns to. Add the one merriam just needs one more of those. He has a place for Rio's to. He has hunted with Mike Waddell, Ted Nugent and many others. Here is a link to his website. [size=78%]http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/ (http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/)[/size]
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Bob33 on May 06, 2019, 07:34:40 AM: Quote from: Russ McDonald on May 06, 2019, 06:57:45 AM
He has hunted with Mike Waddell, Ted Nugent and EVEN RUSS MCDONALD. Here is a link to his website. [size=78%]http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/ (http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/)[/size]
:tup:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 06, 2019, 07:38:22 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on May 06, 2019, 07:34:40 AM
Quote from: Russ McDonald on May 06, 2019, 06:57:45 AM
He has hunted with Mike Waddell, Ted Nugent and EVEN RUSS MCDONALD. Here is a link to his website. [size=78%]http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/ (http://braedansbridge.squarespace.com/)[/size]
:tup:
:chuckle: :chuckle: Thanks
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: ljsommer on May 06, 2019, 07:39:49 AM: Russ, you're inspiring. Thank you for what you do!
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Birdgetter on May 06, 2019, 07:40:50 AM: :yeah: :tup:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on August 28, 2019, 06:04:55 AM: It has been asked by quite a few people so I will be doing a fall turkey hunting seminar at the Sportmans Warehouse in Federal Way Saturday September 7th at noon. Hope to see you all there.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on October 28, 2020, 11:11:48 AM: Unfortunately covid shut down part of the spring turkey season so I was able to get some out on a turkey hunt. Well I got Rashaud out on a hunt today. He came all the way down from Alaska. I have a screwed up shoulder but I got my friend Rich to take him out. He had birds flying off the roost almost into their lap this morning. 2 down for his first every turkey's. First ever harvest for anything. 2 more to go. Go get them brother. That is what we like seeing is that smile after their harvest. That is what it is all about. My season is now successful even if I can't get out this year. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201028/60df4907f1291d041fdd435a01246bf4.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201028/522640ad732951579507cf13b0ad0222.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201028/82280f68f7215ffd185f5a26271a1fc9.jpg)

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on October 29, 2020, 06:05:19 PM: He filled his last 2 tags today. Forgot to mention Army vet. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201030/dd764b02cb6b69cab0142da6dd026ae8.jpg)

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: DIron on November 17, 2020, 10:29:28 AM: Awesome hunt, and very successful.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Bendejo on January 15, 2021, 11:01:19 AM: Hi, I'm new to hunting. Just finishing my hunter ed. Looking forward to getting a turkey this spring hopefully.
Given the covid situation, if there are any small group/masked/distanced or even zoom events being held for new turkey hunters I'd be interested.
I live in N Seattle.
Thanks!

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on January 15, 2021, 11:21:13 AM: Working on some virtual seminars

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Bendejo on January 16, 2021, 07:48:09 AM: Good to know. Will stay tuned in here. Thanks

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: alepocalypse on April 06, 2021, 11:08:33 AM: How does one, an adult, find a turkey hunting mentor these days? First time hunting, but licensed and stocked up.

The page in the original post is no longer valid.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 06, 2021, 11:27:42 AM: Don't think WDFW is doing any mentor hunts because of Covid. First Hint Foundation and NWTF. I can tell you that NWTF is pretty booked up vut I am setting up another NE run late April or early May.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: DIron on April 08, 2021, 11:47:42 AM: Quote from: alepocalypse on April 06, 2021, 11:08:33 AM
How does one, an adult, find a turkey hunting mentor these days? First time hunting, but licensed and stocked up.

The page in the original post is no longer valid.

Thanks!
Count me in this group, an adult who wants to learn how to hunt turkeys.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 08, 2021, 11:51:12 AM: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1fdgDbZ5ki6JmHENKUYPncKUAUmmcBehg
This might help you all. Looking for mentor hunts for this close to the season is super difficult. We are scheduling our hunts in January and February.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: alepocalypse on April 08, 2021, 03:20:49 PM: Quote from: Russ McDonald on April 08, 2021, 11:51:12 AM
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1fdgDbZ5ki6JmHENKUYPncKUAUmmcBehg
This might help you all. Looking for mentor hunts for this close to the season is super difficult. We are scheduling our hunts in January and February.

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This is just the content/transcript from the Turkey Hunting seminar that you put on? I attended, thanks for doing that.

Still unsure where to sign up for hunts, even back in jan-feb I couldn't find links/numbers/emails.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 08, 2021, 06:22:47 PM: WDFW is closed down for anything in person including mentor hunts for the most part. Probably why there is no links. NWTF is mainly find local chapters but Rich and myself are mostly the only ones that do mentor hunts for the NWTF. Look up First Hunt fondation to.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: wonder on May 25, 2021, 02:09:03 PM: I am hoping to get my son on birds perhaps for the Fall hunt. He is 16 and has only seen 1 bird in 2 seasons more than likely because we have been out too late in the season. Last year was the governor's fault. This year it was mine.

Is there a site where I might be able to get him hooked up with someone who actually knows how to get this done? I am batting .000
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 25, 2021, 04:30:24 PM: Quote from: wonder on May 25, 2021, 02:09:03 PM
I am hoping to get my son on birds perhaps for the Fall hunt. He is 16 and has only seen 1 bird in 2 seasons more than likely because we have been out too late in the season. Last year was the governor's fault. This year it was mine.

Is there a site where I might be able to get him hooked up with someone who actually knows how to get this done? I am batting .000
Where you located? I can probably do something for you this fall have to be willing to travel north of Spokane.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: wonder on May 26, 2021, 09:23:44 AM: More than willing to drive to have some success. We live in Marysville so it will probably be about a 5 or 6 hour drive but can make a 3 or 4 day trip out of it. Could start planning now.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on May 26, 2021, 11:27:28 AM: Quote from: wonder on May 26, 2021, 09:23:44 AM
More than willing to drive to have some success. We live in Marysville so it will probably be about a 5 or 6 hour drive but can make a 3 or 4 day trip out of it. Could start planning now.
I will touch bases with you via pm. Usually go late October through early December.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: wonder on October 11, 2021, 07:39:51 PM: Hello Russ, are you scheduling any Mentor Hunts for Turkey yet? It's almost mid October (fudge factor here a little bit)
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on October 11, 2021, 07:52:21 PM: Quote from: wonder on October 11, 2021, 07:39:51 PM
Hello Russ, are you scheduling any Mentor Hunts for Turkey yet? It's almost mid October (fudge factor here a little bit)
I am this spring now. 16th or 17th of April. If you immersed in a fall hunt I am going over and have the 24th open. I hunt property north of Spokane. Direct message me for more info if interested.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: shadowless_nite on March 12, 2022, 07:25:29 PM: Is this going to be a thing this year? I got a few kiddos I am thinking to take turkey hunting. And I my self know very little when I comes to anything Turkey. But feel like this would be something to get their feet wet.
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on March 12, 2022, 07:39:18 PM: I usually take people out but have to call me around November. Contact First Hunt Foundation or WDFW mentor hunts. I am booked up for this spring.

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Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: IslandStorm62 on December 21, 2022, 08:17:48 AM: Hi Russ,
Where can I find information as to what equipment should these youth show up with. My brother (retired marine) has two grands (maybe three) that he would like to get into hunting. This might just be a great way to get them started. As far as I know they have never been hunting, but they have been shooting (rifles). No doubt the spring season is booked and they probably won't be able to make it in any case. But, maybe he (we) can plan for the Fall.

FYI - we talked on the phone (about a month ago) at length regarding turkey hunting in Western WA. Yeah, it's me... I was hoping to find a loophole to hunt :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Mentor Turkey hunts
Post by: Russ McDonald on December 21, 2022, 09:21:32 AM: Quote from: IslandStorm62 on December 21, 2022, 08:17:48 AM
Hi Russ,
Where can I find information as to what equipment should these youth show up with. My brother (retired marine) has two grands (maybe three) that he would like to get into hunting. This might just be a great way to get them started. As far as I know they have never been hunting, but they have been shooting (rifles). No doubt the spring season is booked and they probably won't be able to make it in any case. But, maybe he (we) can plan for the Fall.

FYI - we talked on the phone (about a month ago) at length regarding turkey hunting in Western WA. Yeah, it's me... I was hoping to find a loophole to hunt :rolleyes:
.410's would be great for youth. Full on camo head to toe and patience. Youth season is also April 1-7. Keep and eye out for a turkey camp out near Diamond Lake. This will be for first time turkey hunters all ages. Only 20 hunters will be taken. I will be doing some seninars on the west side. The sports show in Puyallup. I am also doing one in Renton. I hope this helps.

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