OUTDOORS NOTES

Minnesota Pheasants Forever recognized the Morrison County chapter as its Chapter of the Year at the recent state convention in Grand Rapids.

The chapter supports the Minnesota Pheasants Forever Habitat Fund and is active in acquiring and improving habitat on public lands. Additionally, the chapter hosts youth camps, youth mentored hunts, supports local firearms safety courses and sent Pheasants Forever magazines to troops stationed in Iraq.

Two of the chapter's committee members also were recognized - Gary Groskreutz was the recipient of the Dedication Award and Mike Olson was inducted to the Long Spur Society for his continued chapter support.

DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey hunt applications due Feb. 15

First-time youth turkey hunters ages 12 to 17 have the chance to go afield this spring and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation volunteer.

Applications, maps and general information for the wild turkey hunt are available online at www.mndnr.gov/youthturkey. Application deadline is midnight Feb. 15. Participants will be selected through a random lottery.

All but one of this year's youth hunts will come April 17-18, the first weekend of the regular wild turkey season. Nearly all youth will hunt on private land thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the NWTF volunteers who obtained permission.

To be eligible, a youth hunter must be age 12 to 17 on or before April 17, have a valid Firearms Safety Certificate and be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program is for first-time turkey hunters only. Any youth who has ever purchased or been selected by lottery for a Minnesota turkey license of any type is ineligible.

Hunters and their mentors will be assigned a volunteer guide, who must accompany the youth and parent/guardian throughout the hunt.

Those who would like to participate as a mentor or volunteer their land for the youth mentored hunts may contact their local NWTF chapter online at www.nwtfchapter.org/minnesotastatechapter. Click "In Your State" on the left-hand side of the page to locate the nearest chapter.