02/23/11 kkh

HAYS, Kan. -- Turkey hunting enthusiasts of all ages will have the chance to learn more about the sport in a free turkey hunting seminar from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 6th, at Fort Hays State University's Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend.

All levels of experience are welcome to come learn more about wild turkeys, what it takes to get started turkey hunting and to learn tips about turkey hunting and calling.

Featuring Rod Pettit, Elite Hunting Team pro staffer for Knight and Hale Game Calls, the day's activities will include mouth calling for adults and children, shotgun trap shooting, a laser game, and the seminar, "Hunter vs. 6 Tons," which will cover hunting scenarios and techniques, decoy use, equipment and gear.

Pettit's credentials also include being the current Kansas State Turkey Calling Champion.

Firearms and ammunition will be provided free of charge.

Participants who bring a non-perishable food item will receive a free mouth call. Donations will be made to a food bank, and there is a limit of one mouth call per person.

Door prizes donated by local businesses will also be drawn throughout the event.

The seminar is sponsored by the Great Bend Recreation Commission, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Knight and Hale, KWEC and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

For more information, call KWEC at 877-243-9268 or e-mail Eric Giesing, KWEC educator, at ergiesing@fhsu.edu.