Hunting Wild Turkey: More Than Just a Wild Goose Chase

by Niall Barco

Turkey hunting is one of the most enjoyable and the fastest growing forms of hunting today. The most successful hunters use different techniques just to locate a bird. Many techniques are applied and each hunter would swear by their methods.

There are certain truths though that most hunters will agree upon. Some of them are obvious enough, like, being in a camouflage helps hunters stay hidden within gun range. Or that movement is the supreme enemy of the hunters. Much more than this, practicing makes your skills as a turkey hunter better. And the excitement of the hunt will hone the hunters alertness.

Like any sport, there are certain rules and regulations one must follow, here are some rules you need to remember:

* You will need a hunting permit and a small game hunting license - it is required when hunting wild turkeys. You can only buy one permit each year. If you have filled your limit, you may call for another hunter but you can never bring any fire arm or even a bow.

* Using rifles and hand guns are not allowed. You can only hunt using your bow and arrow, shot guns with shot sizes no larger than number two or smaller than number eight. These are the only weapons for catching wild turkeys.

* And you must fill out the tag which only comes with your permit and attach it to the turkey you shoot straight away.

* Do not disturb hen turkeys or their nests.

* Searching with a dog during spring is not permitted. But you may hunt with it during the fall season.

* You must not use any intensifying device to locate or hunt turkeys during open seasons.

Here are also some tips for a successful and safe turkey hunting season:

* If you will leave your gear and your turkey with another person, make sure to leave the following information for emergency purposes.

1. your name 2. your phone number 3. your address 4. your license hunting number 5. your turkey permit number 6. the 3rd partys name 7. the 3rd partys address 8. if necessary, your veterinarians name too 9. his or her contact number

* Look for signs of recent wild turkey activities. Locate appropriate calling locations. These signs includes tracks and droppings. Droppings offer positive data that wild turkeys are located in that area. It also indicates the birds sex. For gobblers, they have j-shaped, elongated droppings and hair-like feathers known as the beard extended from the breast. The beard is normally three to ten inches long. Most of them have spurs on the lower legs. Beard and spur length tend to increase with age. Some hens also have the beard but only 10 percent of their population contain it. Their head in general are dull gray-blue color, with pink and red coloration. Their breast feathers have a buff or white tip giving the hen its attractive and eye catching color.

* Turkeys possess a strong sense of hearing and sharp vision. You should remain unmoving while calling them. A camouflage outfit is also recommended in this kind of hunting hobby. Even hunters wrap their shotguns in camouflage to prevent gun barrel from being detected through their shiny metal.
 

Niall Barco has been learning about turkey hunting for five years. Turkey-Hunting.info offers news, information, tips and views about turkey hunting equipment.

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