Adult Onset Hunting: The Best Affliction

It's Fall turkey season in Minnesota!

In this episode, Keng Yang from Minnesota Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Nick Bancks from Trust for Public Land discuss their collaborative mentored turkey hunting program. The initiative aims to connect new hunters with public lands through hunting experiences. Participants complete hunter safety training and attend online classes covering turkey biology, public land access, hunting ethics, and conservation.

The guests explore key motivations for new hunters, including connecting with food sources, family traditions, and understanding conservation. They emphasize the importance of public lands and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, highlighting how hunting provides critical funding for conservation through license fees and excise taxes, benefiting all outdoor enthusiasts.

Advice for aspiring hunters includes getting involved, joining local conservation organizations, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Those interested in future mentored hunting opportunities can join mailing lists or follow social media for TPL and BHA. The conversation underscores the value of hunting for conservation, community building, and connecting people with nature and their food sources.

Credits:
Producer: Randolph Briley
Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty
Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake