Troopers and mentors collect after their morning of looking at Fort Rucker throughout the set up’s inaugural Commanding Basic’s Turkey Hunt, April 25, 2026. The occasion introduced collectively first‑time hunters and skilled outdoorsmen to strengthen camaraderie and construct confidence amongst first‑time hunters.
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. — Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commanding common of the U.S. Military Aviation Heart of Excellence and Fort Rucker, opened the set up’s inaugural Commanding Basic’s Turkey Hunt on April 24 with each mentorship and satisfaction in seeing Troopers strive the game for the primary time.
“What number of of you is that this gonna be a primary time you’ve been turkey looking?” Gill requested, smiling as a number of arms went up. “Superior. Superior.”
Gill informed contributors that the occasion was impressed by a protracted‑operating custom at Fort Campbell, which grew into a preferred annual gathering. He stated he hopes Fort Rucker’s model will comply with the identical path.
Turkey hunters overview maps and plan their routes throughout the welcome dinner for the inaugural Commanding Basic’s Turkey Hunt on the Lake Lodge on Fort Rucker, April 24, 2026. The occasion paired first‑time hunters with skilled mentors forward of the following morning’s hunt.
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“A part of that is simply sharing the game with somebody who hasn’t been looking earlier than, particularly turkey looking,” he stated. “It’s nice to see so many younger people out right here doing it for the primary time. I’m actually happy with you all for popping out right here… Hopefully tomorrow we’ve obtained a complete bunch of images with turkeys over your shoulders.”
Amongst these serving to convey that custom to Fort Rucker was Jack Smith, a seasoned outdoorsman, former Military Aviator, and, based on Gill, “a turkey savant.” Smith helps run the annual hunt at Fort Campbell and traveled to Alabama to mentor younger Troopers, demonstrating turkey calls, fieldcraft, and the finer factors of studying terrain and chicken conduct.
Jack Smith, an skilled hunter and former Military aviator, teaches 2nd Lt. Stone Mendez, a future UH‑60 pilot, the right way to use a turkey name following the inaugural Commanding Basic’s Turkey Hunt at Fort Rucker, April 25, 2026. Smith, described by Maj. Gen. Clair Gill as a “turkey savant,” mentored first‑time hunters all through the occasion.
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The occasion introduced collectively 29 hunters, together with 15 first‑time contributors, based on 1st Lt. Pierce Garver, a future AH‑64 pilot, and 1st Lt. Chris Sowinski, a future UH‑60 pilot, each assigned to 1‑145th Aviation Regiment, who helped manage the hunt.
Garver stated the purpose was easy: to create an entry level for brand spanking new hunters and construct a sustainable neighborhood on publish.
“The intent is to offer alternatives for brand spanking new hunters or people entering into looking, after which pair them with somebody skilled who can present them the ropes,” Garver stated. “This yr is the trial run, and we’re trying to develop it within the coming years.”
Sowinski, who grew up looking, stated turkey looking is a perfect introduction as a result of it’s lively and difficult.
“Turkey looking is likely one of the most intricate types of looking,” he stated. “It’s interactive. With deer looking, you arrange and wait. With turkey looking, you’re calling, transferring, and making an attempt to persuade a chicken to come back in. It’s a chess match.”
Each officers stated the occasion additionally strengthens ties between Troopers, civilians, and skilled hunters within the surrounding Wiregrass neighborhood.
“It’s an ideal alternative to convey folks collectively, these in uniform and out of uniform, who share a ardour for the outside,” Garver stated.
From left, 1st Sgt. Jonathan Felts, Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, and Jack Smith wait within the woods throughout the inaugural Commanding Basic’s Turkey Hunt at Fort Rucker, April 25, 2026. The trio joined Troopers and mentors throughout the set up for a morning of turkey looking, mentorship, and camaraderie. (Contributed picture)
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The hunt commenced early Saturday morning. Though the turkeys proved elusive this yr, the officers stated the expertise delivered one thing simply as precious: time within the woods, camaraderie, and the shared tales that outline looking tradition. Mentors and first‑time hunters alike traded tales from the morning, in contrast strategies, and mirrored on what they discovered.
To acknowledge the hassle behind the inaugural occasion, Garver, Sowinski, and 2nd Lt. James Windsor, a future CH‑47 pilot, obtained Military Achievement Medals from Fort Rucker Garrison Commander Col. Jeffrey Paulus for his or her planning and execution of the hunt.
All concerned stated they hope this primary gathering turns into the muse for a protracted‑standing Fort Rucker custom, one which grows annually, brings extra Troopers into the game, and strengthens the neighborhood of hunters who return season after season.
