Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the National Wild Turkey Federation are teaming up for a special youth turkey hunt in the Flathead Valley on May 2-3, 2026—a free, mentor-guided adventure for kids ages 10-15. Applications are open now, with the drawing set for March 21 at The Rendezvous in Columbia Falls. This isn’t your average tag-along hunt; it’s a hands-on educational program designed to immerse young hunters in the traditions of the outdoors, from scouting strutters to ethical shot placement, all under the watchful eye of seasoned mentors. Picture this: wide-eyed kids in the crisp Montana spring, shotguns shouldered, learning the thrill of the call and the satisfaction of a clean harvest. Spots are limited, so parents and aspiring young gunners should hit up FWP’s site pronto to get in the running.
For the 2A community, this event is pure gold— a masterclass in why the Second Amendment isn’t just about self-defense or sport; it’s the backbone of our hunting heritage and conservation ethic. In a world where anti-gun zealots push narratives of firearms as mere tools of violence, programs like this showcase kids wielding shotguns responsibly, fostering marksmanship skills that translate directly to personal protection and family provision. Montana’s wild turkey population has rebounded spectacularly thanks to hunter-funded conservation (hello, Pittman-Robertson Act taxes on ammo and guns), proving that armed citizens are the ultimate stewards of our public lands. This hunt counters urban myths by putting real faces—smiling, camo-clad youth—on the next generation of 2A defenders, who’ll grow up knowing that a well-placed 12-gauge round sustains both wildlife and freedom.
The implications ripple wider: as youth hunting participation dips amid screen-time epidemics and regulatory hurdles, initiatives like this are a strategic bulwark against declining hunter numbers, which directly fund 80% of state wildlife agencies. For pro-2A advocates, it’s a rallying cry—support these programs, volunteer as mentors, and amplify them to show how gun rights nurture self-reliance and nature’s balance. If you’re in the Flathead area or know a kid itching for their first feathers, this is the gateway to a lifetime of liberty-loving pursuits. Sign up, share the word, and let’s keep the tradition thundering.
