While conducting research on the Ocellated Turkey, one of only two species of wild turkey in the world, which is found in the Yucatan peninsula of Central America, I stumbled across the name Keenan Adams. The name by itself didn’t hold any significance to me until I came to realize the incredible person behind that name. The more I read the more I was intrigued by this individual and his accomplishments.

Although Keenan Adams was born in 1993 he already has the experience most wild turkey hunters will not attain in their lifetime. At just seven years old Keenan achieved his first Turkey Grand Slam and accomplished a second and third title the following two years. At age nine Keenan entered his first Royal Slam. In 2003 Keenan achieved his second and third Royal Slam and first World Slam at ten years old. On April 7, 2003 Keenan entered the world record books as the youngest person to bag all six species of wild turkey while in the jungles of Mexico on the Itzamna Ranch. Now some of you who are familiar with wild turkey hunting will know what all this “slam” talk really means but for those of you who do not, I will try to explain. Of the two species of wild turkey, four subspecies live primarily within the borders of the United States and a fifth subspecies lives on the borders of the United States and Mexico. The subspecies of North America is comprised of the Eastern, Florida or Osceola, Merriam’s, Rio Grande and Gould’s turkey. The other species, Meleagris ocellata, or ocellated turkey ranges in portions of southern Mexico, northern Belize and northern Guatemala. To earn a Grand Slam title a hunter must take all four subspecies of turkey. Should a hunter be successful at a Grand Slam and take a Gould’s turkey he or she will have earned a Royal Slam. Now add to the Royal Slam an Ocellated turkey and you will have a World Slam titleholder. This sounds like a flash in the pan but the National Wild Turkey Federation has only certified approximately 66 World Slam record holders to date. Not an easy feat.

The wild turkey at one time was considered not to be worthwhile game to experienced hunters because they were unwary and easily taken with nets, snares and pens. Boy how times have changed. Today the wild turkey is one of the most challenging of game animals. Most state regulations limit hunters to one or two male turkeys during the spring but most hunters will not be that successful. Although the wild turkey lacks a significant sense of smell they more than make up for that with acute senses of sight and hearing. Many of turkey hunters, not turkey killers, will attest to that. A saying that I like to repeat is, “The wild turkey is the only animal that can read a newspaper at 200 yards.” Roy Adams, Keenan’s father, learned to hunt from his brothers at the age of five and has been an avid hunter since. Roy has passed the tradition of hunting onto his seven children, of which Keenan is the youngest and only boy. Since the age of three Keenan has accompanied his father and/or uncle in the woods because he would cry to go with them when they would leave to go on a hunt. With this privilege came the diligent teachings of hunting safety and respect of the land and wilderness by his father and Uncle Buddy. When Keenan turned five his Uncle Herb, who is retired from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, continued teaching him the importance of hunter safety. At the age of seven Roy Adams encouraged Keenan to study for the hunter safety certification because Keenan would beg to hunt by himself. When it came time for Keenan to test for the certification the instructor perceived him too young and if he allowed Keenan to participate, Roy could not assist his son. Roy agreed, believing that Keenan was ready to take the test. Keenan took the test, on his own merit, and was the only hunter out of forty others who received a score of 100. Keenan Adams with his trophies that earned him the World Slam title.

Keenan Adams with his ocellated turkey taken at the Itzamna Ranch in Mexico. Keenan is not like most youngsters as he is fully aware of the differences between life and death and has respect for both. He knows factually that once he pulls the trigger the outcome is final. Most children today, growing up with computer games, are use to the convenience of the “reset” button.

Keenan’s first love is turkey hunting but he is an accomplished deer hunter as well with 6 eight-point bucks to his name. He also enjoys fishing, dove and duck hunting. Keenan attends Grace Christian School and has been an “A” honor roll student since 1999. Keenan plays soccer and baseball and was selected as part of the All-Star Soccer team in 2002 and All-Star baseball team in 2003. When you’re on a roll you’re on a roll.

Take a state sponsored hunter education and hunter safety class even if it is not required in your state. Next is to go hunting or scouting every chance you get. Also join a conservation organization such as National Wild Turkey Federation-JAKES program.

Learn to enjoy the hunting experience by learning to identify non-target species. Learn to identify birds, insects, mammals and reptiles by their sounds and well as by sight. It is also fun to name the plant life such as trees, grasses, vines, and flowers. All of these things can be very difficult when you travel to a new area to hunt.

A combination is needed, but the field experience is most important. There are just some things that are not in most books. Besides, turkeys can’t read so they do not always do what the books say they should.

Nature kills in a much more cruel way than hunters. By using hunting to control animal populations there are fewer animals that starve or die from disease. If you live in a house, drive on a road, eat grain products, wear clothes then you have effectively killed animals because you have helped take habitat away. The destruction of habitat kills more animals than hunting ever will.

Yes, because I love all the wildlife, game as well as non-game species. I have two Labrador retrievers and their names are Bo and Drownder.

My most memorable turkey hunt is my first one. I was only five and Dad and I were going turkey hunting when I asked if I could shoot a gobbler. He said, ‘Sure!’ So we waited and not to long we spotted several gobblers with a couple of hens. They got within shooting distance and Dad gave the signal to shoot. I was so nervous that I was shaking. I held my breath and took the shot. The next thing I know is that I’m on the ground. I got knocked down from the recoil of the gun. The first thing I said was, “That didn’t even hurt.” Dad and I got out of the blind and looked at my first turkey. I was so proud and so was my dad.

Some people who have never seen animals in the wild and have not hunted, trying to stop future generations from being able to hunt. The insects are very annoying. But, the worst part for me is having to leave the woods, which I enjoy so much.

The most special part of hunting is just listening and seeing God’s nature at work. Being with my Dad and Uncle. Keenan Adams taking a break during a Gould’s wild turkey hunt.