SULLIVAN COUNTY — Aspiring hunters across the county took to the fields this weekend alongside their experienced, licensed hunters, for a chance to take a first-place bird during the Sullivan County Long Beard’s Youth Turkey Hunt Contest. 

Hunters aged 12-15 had the opportunity to go out with a mentor for a chance at taking a bearded turkey (Tom).

“The smiles on the faces of all the entrants bringing their birds in to be measured were immeasurable,” stated the SCLB in a press release.

The scoring system used was the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF), which calculates weight, two times the beard length and ten times each spur length for a total assessment of the bird by numerical value.

Nathan Barber took first place, bringing in the biggest bird in the history of the contest, which scored a 69.3.

There were a total of ten birds brought into scoring stations for recognition, with numbers ranging from 47.5 to the record-setting 69.3.

Nathan Barber, who took first place, was hunting on his grandfather’s property with his father. They hunted for two days, with no birds cooperating to their calling the first day. On Sunday, the birds flew down from roost, responding to their calls, and the Tom moved within 40 yards to give Nathan the opportunity for a clean shot.

Ethan Sayers took second place in the contest with a turkey that scored 63.3. Ethan shot his bird while hunting with his father at a friend’s farm. The bird was very responsive and did not hesitate to come in.

Other entrants included: Aiden Fulton of Callicoon, Gene Fancher of Parksville, Anastasia Niforatos of Roscoe, Dylan Scardefield of Callicoon, Nicholas Agrillo of Roscoe, Arianna Kautz of Jeffersonville, Landen Ryder of Roscoe and Max Blumenthal of Callicoon.

“Thank you, Fur Fin & Feather and The Sportsmen’s Den for the use of their facilities and participation, along with chapter members Butch, LeJon and Nathaniel Vinigre and the Diehl family for scoring the birds. Most of all, thanks to all those that take the time to introduce youth to the joys and frustrations of turkey hunting. Please continue to preserve our hunting heritage and the goals of the NWTF. Pass it on,” the press release read.

“‘Good Luck’ to our fellow hunters during the upcoming Spring Turkey Season beginning May 1.”