This past weekend we were fortunate enough to visit Licking River Outfitters, of Cynthiana Kentucky. Licking River Outfitters is a non-profit outfitter, who commits their efforts to provide hunts for youth, disabled youth, and wounded soldiers of this great nation. You simply cannot argue with what Robin and Ellen Gassett do. This particular weekend was the 4th annual Youth weekend hunt, and it was an experience we will never forget.

When we pulled up, there were a few kids and parents standing around getting to know each other. After everyone had shown up and settled in, Robin, the manager of Licking River Outfitters, began to lay out the guidelines for hunting and the game plan for the next day. After socializing for a while, we then went to check out our blinds for the morning hunt. Once everyone got back from scoping out their spot, we ate a fantastic dinner and our good friend Todd Perkins, also a volunteer, broke out his diaphragm jig and started making calls for everyone. A few hours later everyone decided to call it a night, morning could not come soon enough.

Our first crew was shooter: Jordan Stamper, caller: Marty Stamper, and cameraman Mitch Strobl.

- I was lucky enough to hunt with Marty and Jordan from Louisville KY. We entered the blind nice and early to enjoy the talkative birds while they were on the roost. We had birds in every direction, but as soon as they hit the ground, like they always seem to do, they completely shut off. We stayed at it for a while, and just before we were about to call it a morning, a boss gobbler hammered about 70 yards behind us. Jordan got ready, Marty continued luring the big bird in with some soft calling, and after about ten minutes we had this guy peaking his head over the crest of the ridge. He circled around full strut, spitting and drumming the whole way, to position the sun at his back, this along with some unfortunate gun troubles made for a very risky situation. Luckily enough, after a few minutes we got the gun figured out, and Jordan put a fantastic shot on the bird. As the cameraman, watching Marty and Jordan share this father son experience, it reminded me what hunting is really all about. I personally would like to thank Marty and Jordan, they were a great team to work with, and I wish them the best of luck in their upcoming hunting adventures.

Now Chris is going to tell us about how things went on the other side of the property.
- The previous night I was paired up with Hunter Shelton of Vicco, Kentucky. Hunter’s grandfather was supposed to bring him down to hunt but had to go to the hospital, so his friend Dennis was nice enough to bring him and his mother to the hunt. I was very grateful that he could make it. We got in the blind and set everything up, Hunter and Dennis in front of me, and the decoy about 20 yards out. I gave an owl hoot and heard a couple gobble off in the distance, but nothing close. I decided to give a few tree yelps, as soon as I did, three long beards hammered back and were on the ground in no time. I began to yelp and cut a little, then they all came out strutting about 80 yards from us. I put the camera on them and began to work them our way.

It took about ten minutes, but the birds finally came within about 50 yards and then spotted the decoy. As soon as they saw the hen, they came running single file in to about 20 yards. I told hunter to get his gun ready, Dennis then cocked the hammer for him. The three long beards stayed grouped up and we could not get a clear ethical shot. Finally two of the birds separated and left a single bird behind, I told hunter to put the bead right below his head and fire. Hunter squeezed off a shot and folded his very first long beard. It was a very memorable hunt, not only being the first time I have filmed someone shoot their first bird, but Hunter found out the difference between a turkey load and bird shot. I would like to thank both Hunter and Dennis for allowing me to film their hunt, they were a great bunch and I wish them and Hunter’s grandfather the best of luck.

With a couple successful harvests, we came back around lunchtime to share the morning’s stories, take some pictures, and enjoy some entertainment provided by Robin and his band. Once the music wrapped up, it was time for the evening hunt. That evening conditions were not the best, but it was still a fun evening for everyone in the woods, even though nobody harvested a bird.

Overall, this weekend hunt is one that we will try to make every year. Meeting people that are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that the kids have an opportunity to get a bird is very refreshing. There is nothing better than helping a child harvest their first turkey. It is an experience that they, their family, and we will never forget, and we thank the Licking River Outfitters crew for providing the experience. They had a fantastic setup and were very hospitable. Check out the Licking River Outfitter crew at http://www.lickingriveroutfitters.com/. We would also like to send a special thanks to Zach Slinker and his fraternity brothers of Theta Chi Eta Gamma Chapter of Morehead State, for donating to the cause.

Visit our site daily, throughout the next week or two we will post a podcast including kill shots from this youth hunt.