Spring turkey season is about more than longbeards and early morning gobbles. It is about passing down tradition, building confidence, and giving young hunters an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a meaningful way. That’s exactly what the 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown is all about! Hosted by Springhill Outfitters, this youth turkey hunting event is designed specifically for young hunters across North Carolina who are ready to put their skills to the test.

Event Details: 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown

The 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown will take place on April 4th, 2026. This event is open to youth hunters 15 years old or younger, providing a competitive but family-friendly environment to celebrate the next generation of turkey hunters.

Junior Turkey Takedown Rules and Requirements

To participate in the 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown, the following rules apply:

• All birds must be turned in before 3 PM on April 4th 
• Birds must be harvested in North Carolina
• All North Carolina hunting regulations must be followed
• NWTF scoring will be applied
• Participants must be 15 years old or younger

This ensures the event stays ethical, regulated, and aligned with proper conservation standards.

Entry Fee and What’s Included

The entry fee for the 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown is $25, and that includes:

• Official event T-shirt
• NWTF Jakes Membership

This makes the event not only competitive, but also educational and community-focused, encouraging youth involvement in conservation and responsible hunting.

Awards and Prizes

This year’s Junior Turkey Takedown will award:

• Top 3 hunters
• Heaviest bird harvested

Even more exciting, a North Carolina Lifetime License presented by Leupold will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! For young hunters, this is more than a prize. It is an investment in their lifelong journey in the outdoors.

Why Youth Turkey Hunting Events Matter

Youth turkey hunting events in North Carolina play a critical role in the future of the sport. They build confidence, teach ethical hunting practices, strengthen family bonds, encourage conservation awareness, & create lifelong outdoor memories. Events like the Junior Turkey Takedown are not just competitions. They are stepping stones into responsible outdoor leadership.

Preparing for the Junior Turkey Takedown

If your young hunter is planning to participate, preparation matters.

Before April 4th, make sure to:

• Confirm youth hunting license requirements
• Pattern the shotgun and confirm range
• Practice calling techniques
• Scout legal hunting areas in North Carolina
• Review all state regulations

Having the right turkey hunting gear also makes a difference. Getting prepared ahead of time builds confidence on event day.

Browse Turkey Hunting Gear at Springhill Outfitters

Register for the 2026 Junior Turkey Takedown

If you are ready to sign up your youth hunter for this exciting North Carolina turkey hunting event, register now! Spots fill quickly, and we encourage families to register early to secure participation.