Spring turkey season kicks off this weekend with the annual youth mentored spring turkey hunt.
Hunting hours for the junior event begin a half hour before sunrise on Saturday, April 20 and end at noon. All participants in the youth hunt must be accompanied by an adult.
Hunters are reminded that only bearded birds may be harvested and hunting is permitted by calling only. There is no requirement to wear orange although it is recommended. Harvests must be reported within 10 days.
Officials also recommend that hunters take precautions to protect against ticks as well as avian influenza which can infect humans although it poses a low risk. Any bird that looks sick should be reported to the Game Commission.
Spring Gobbler Season for all hunters begins next Saturday, April 30 and runs through May 31. Licenses can be purchased online but cannot be printed at home.