In late February, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) formally opened the Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center. Beau Turner, son of television’s Ted Turner, leased more than 100 acres of land at no charge to help create Florida’s first youth hunting and fishing facility, located in Jefferson County.

The goal of the facility is to teach teens how to hunt legally, safely and ethically, while instilling some of Florida’s hunting heritage. On the 160 acres, the property houses a stocked, 36-acre pond to fish and hunt waterfowl; a dove field; rifle and shotgun ranges; 3-D archery course and a solar-powered skeet shooting facility that throws biodegradable clay pigeons.

Parents can sign up 12- to 17-year-old children for spring and summer classes in gun safety, archery, fishing, shooting and various other outdoor activities at the facility. FWC provides the necessary equipment and materials. The center is also expected to hold future youth hunts on an additional 900 acres nearby through FWC’s Youth Hunting Program of Florida.

“We want as many youth out there, active, as possible,” said Mark Trainor, Public Awareness Coordinator for the FWC. “Because that’s what Beau wants, to see the land get used by teens…Beau has made this all possible.”

On April 9, FWC Commissioners, state legislators, stakeholders, outdoor writers and other figures will come together to see the new facility firsthand. A facility tour and “strategy session” are part of an initiative to make this conservation center successful for Florida youth. The Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center is located at 9194 S. Jefferson Highway in Monticello.