Six Essay Winners to Participate in First Governor's Spring Turkey Challenge
May 10-12 at Flatwoods and Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

West Virginia BASS Federation sponsors event

Six winners of an essay contest have been selected to participate in the first activity in Governor Bob Wise's new Youth in the Outdoor Program, according to Ed Hamrick, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The first Governor's Spring Turkey Challenge will be held May 10-12 at Flatwoods in Braxton County and Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County.

"This event will be both educational and fun," said Hamrick. "These young people will work with DNR wildlife biologists to learn about fish and wildlife management programs, including taking part in a fish survey and a turkey trapping operation. They also will participate in a guided turkey hunt in the Flatwoods area and a fishing trip on Stonewall Jackson Lake. During a cookout at Stonewall they will have an opportunity to talk with Governor Bob Wise about their outdoor experiences."

"In addition to the educational experience for the youth participants, this is a great opportunity to showcase West Virginia's wildlife resources through the outdoors writers who will be attending the event," said Alisa Bailey, Commissioner for the West Virginia Bureau of Commerce and Tourism.

The Governor's Spring Turkey Challenge is sponsored by DNR, The West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the WV Division of Tourism, Days Inn, WV BASS Federation, Mossy Oak, Primos Hunting Calls and John Skidmore Development.

The six winners were chosen from among dozens of entrants into an essay contest with the theme "The Role of Hunting in Wildlife Management." The winners of the essay contest are:

• Logan Bailey, Sutton, WV
• Tim Hedrick, Shady Spring, WV
• Zac Leasure, Alma, WV
• Eric H. Bishop, Oak Hill, WV
• Todd Lambert, Independence, WV
• Blake A. Mattern, Star City, WV

Governor Bob Wise, DNR and several private organizations are scheduling a series of events as part of the Governor's Youth in the Outdoors Program, including at least two youth deer hunts, a youth squirrel hunt, and the ongoing Governor's Outdoors Youth Challenge held each year during the National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, set this year for Sept. 22-23.