News Release

FWC announces grand opening of Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center

February 27, 2008
Contact: Kenny Barker, 850-251-0638

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to announce the grand opening of the state’s first youth hunting and fishing facility at the Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center Saturday, March 8 in Jefferson County.

The center, located on U.S. 19 just north of U.S. 27, is the only private/state-run facility specifically geared at providing youths the opportunity to learn and develop hunting and fishing skills, and teaching land stewardship and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

The event is free and open to children of all ages, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m.  Pre-registration is not necessary.  Activities include fishing and casting competitions; Olympic-style archery; muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle shooting; and hunting dog and K-9 demonstrations.  An FWC law enforcement helicopter, as well as local NFL hall-of-famer Jack Youngblood, also will be on hand.

Every child attending will receive a free Shakespeare fishing rod-and-reel combo and tackle box (courtesy of Fish Florida), and a longleaf pine seedling (compliments of McElroy Forestry, Inc.) to take home.  They also have a chance at winning several door prizes, such as a pair of binoculars, fishing rods and reels, a Genesis bow, a Henry .22 rifle and a week of summer camp at the Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp.

Food will be provided for a small fee, or participants can bring their own sack lunch.

The goal of the 160-acre center, donated by environmentally conscious Beau Turner, son of television mogul Ted Turner, is to preserve Florida’s hunting heritage and teach youths how to hunt safely, legally and ethically.  The property features a stocked, 36-acre pond to fish and hunt waterfowl, a dove field, state-of-the-art rifle and shotgun ranges, a 3-D archery course and solar-powered skeet-shooting facilities that throw biodegradable clay pigeons.

During the event, parents can sign up their 12- to 17-year-old children for spring and summer classes in gun safety, archery, fishing, shooting and other outdoor activities.  These classes will be free, and the FWC will provide all necessary equipment and materials.

The center also plans to hold future youth hunts on an adjoining 900 acres through the FWC’s Youth Hunting Program of Florida.

For more information on the Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center, or to obtain more detailed directions on how to get there, contact Kenny Barker at 850-251-0638.