SCI Foundation’s recent “Learn to Hunt Turkey Program,” conducted by staff and contractors for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), was a success for 12 aspiring turkey hunters. This achievement was made possible through our collaboration with dedicated instructors. SCIF and Sables have a history of partnering with various organizations. This workshop was crucial in educating new hunters about turkey biology, hunting techniques, and the important role hunting plays in conservation.
The program’s success was due to the partnership between the SCI Four Corners chapter, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and volunteers/instructors, who all collaborated with SCIF and Sables. This “Learn to Hunt” program took place from May 2-4, 2025, near Bloomfield, New Mexico, specifically designed for 12 first-time turkey hunters. Supported by the NMDGF, this initiative aimed to assist new hunters in the state.
A wide variety of activities and instruction were provided to the participants including learning about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, turkey biology, rules and regulations, calling tactics, decoy strategies, and other turkey hunting related techniques. Participants were also provided two hunting opportunities with a mentor.
While all groups got to experience the thrill of the chase by calling or seeing turkeys on their hunts, no one harvested a turkey. However, all the participants went away with the increased knowledge on how to hunt turkeys in the springtime; with many first-time hunters planning to go out again on their own during this turkey season.
Many partners contributed to make the learn to hunt workshop a success. For example, instructors Hank and Mia Anstine, in addition to being instructors and mentors, obtained permission for blind locations and did all the blind/location preparation for the program. Mia who serves as an SCI Regional Representative, working with the SCI Four Corners chapter to provide swag bags to all participants, which included turkey hunting masks and other turkey hunting and SCI related items. Volunteers Adrian Vigil and DeAnn Roggenkamp provided mentoring and captured the event by taking photos and videos for future promotion and social media. Helen Butt, President of the New Mexico State NWTF chapter also served as a mentor and provided NWTF hats.
We want to thank all our partners for their dedication, efforts, and contributions to the program. The old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is so true especially when introducing someone to hunting. With this success, plans are already being made to hold additional Learn to Hunt workshops with NMDGF for fall/winter 2025 and 2026.
If you are interested in starting a program in your state, would like to partner with SCIF and SABLES, or you know someone who is interested in participating in these programs, please check in or follow our SCIF and NMDGF social media sites for future details about
offerings. You can also contact Assistant Director of Education, Todd Roggenkamp at 520-954-0664; or email Todd at [email protected].
