Seven turkeys taken at first Savannah River Site hunt in two years

Matthew Christian, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

May 16—Seven turkeys were recently taken in the first public hunt at the Savannah River Site in over two years.

A group of 15 selected by the National Wild Turkey Foundation participated in the 17th annual Wounded Warrior and Mobility Impaired Wild Turkey Hunt on April 30.

The hunt is a partnership between the Department of Energy, owner of the Savannah River Site, the U.S. Forest Service, the entity maintaining the forest at the site, and National Wild Turkey Foundation.

"Pulling back on the curtain and allowing the public to see and experience the successful land management practices employed on Savannah River Site is just one of the benefits this hunt provides," U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Biologist Thomas Mimms said. "We want each and every participant to leave the Savannah River Site with newfound friendships and fond memories that will last a lifetime."

National Wild Turkey Foundation Outreach and Educational Programs Coordinator Teresa Carroll said the foundation was proud to partner with the forest service and department of energy to offer members of its Wheelin' Sportsmen program an opportunity to hunt at the site.

"The hunt escorts and other volunteers set aside their time to make this hunt a safe and successful hunt for all involved, and we could not do it without them," Teresa Carroll said.

People from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia participated in the hunt. They were paired with badged employees of the Savannah River site to act as guides/escorts that are familiar with hunting the Savannah River Site to ensure safety of participants as well as those working on site.

Hunts at the Savannah River Site were canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was announced last month that deer hunts at the site would return this fall.

To learn more about Wounded Warrior and Mobility Impaired Hunts sponsored by the NWTF visit their website at nwtf.org. To learn more about upcoming hunting and fishing tournaments on Savannah River Site sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Energy, visit fs.usda.gov/main/savannahriver/home.