TOPEKA – Westar Energy invites youth 12-17 years old to its spring turkey hunt, April 1-11, 2017, at Jeffrey Energy Center, located seven miles north of St. Marys. The event is open to young hunters who have not harvested a turkey. Westar Energy Green Team volunteers, who are veteran hunters, will be available to assist the youth and their mentors.
Youth must be accompanied by an adult mentor, preferably one who does not have turkey hunting experience. These hunts will take place in enclosed blinds around small crop fields scattered through the plant’s property, where turkeys are abundant.
A shotgun is all the equipment a youth needs to participate. Hunters 15 and younger will need to purchase a youth spring turkey permit. Hunters 16 and older will need to purchase a Unit 3 turkey permit and have a hunting license, and a hunter education certificate. If they haven’t completed Hunter Education, they need an apprentice hunting license.
Hunts will take place primarily during weekend mornings, but weekdays and afternoons are possible, based on volunteer guide availability. Registration will be open through Friday, March 17, or until all slots are filled. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with preference for inexperienced mentors. Please contact Barb Cornelius at 785-575-8125 to apply or for more information.
The Westar Energy Green Team is a group of employees and retirees who volunteer for environmental projects across Kansas. They work closely with conservation groups, agencies and schools, and complete between 50 and 70 projects per year.