Nearly every outdoorsman has a child, friend or neighborhood youth who asks questions about outdoor experiences.

Often these youngsters are dropping subtle hints that they want to go hunting or fishing. Spring turkey hunting is the perfect opportunity to get those curious youth involved in the outdoors.

“The early morning sights and sounds of spring are usually more exciting to most kids than an action-packed video game,” Wildlife and Parks official Bruce Taggart said. “There’s nothing like the sight of turkeys flying off the roost and strutting right in front of you.”

Taggart urges caution when introducing the youth to the outdoors and turkey hunting because they can be easily overwhelmed. Turkey hunting for adults requires early mornings, extensive walking and long periods of sitting.

“Most first-time kids can’t handle too much early morning stress,” Taggart said. “Go at their speed. Take them on a morning hunt on Saturday and an evening hunt on Sunday.”

Taggart also advises scouting the area and timing the outing so youngsters don’t have to sit for hours.

“Build a blind so they can move around a little and take some snacks and drinks,” he said. “Camouflage them well and let them call, and they’ll feel like a part of the hunt, not a hindrance.”

Anyone wishing to take a youth turkey hunting has a special opportunity the weekend before regular turkey season April 14 through May 31.

April 9 through 11 are the dates for the spring youth turkey season.