| You can hunt turkeys in the spring and in the fall. | | | | familiar sound of them all, the gobble. Make |
| You always need a permit if you are going to | | | | yourself familiar with each of these turkey calls. |
| hunt turkeys. The spring and fall permits, | | | | The most important thing you will do to ensure a |
| however, are different. The spring permit allows | | | | pleasurable turkey hunting experience is to |
| you to hunt in a specific area during one of the | | | | practice safety. Turkey hunting, as with all forms |
| 5-day turkey hunting periods. In the fall, your | | | | of hunting, poses a threat to those who do not |
| permit will enable you to hunt any day during the | | | | use caution and wisdom in the field. Use gobble |
| season, as long as it is within the zone listed on | | | | calls only when you are locating a tom. Do not |
| the permit. Once you have obtained your turkey | | | | use it to attract one. This will cause another |
| hunting permit, there are a number of things you | | | | hunter to think that you are a turkey. You run |
| can do to have a successful outing. Be prepared | | | | the risk of being shot if this happens. Keep your |
| to practice patience. Turkey hunting takes a lot of | | | | hands and head camouflaged when you make |
| patience. Spring turkey hunting involves less | | | | turkey calls. |
| patience, as you make hen turkey sounds to try | | | | There are other things you can do to ensure |
| to get a gobbler to come to you. Turkeys do not | | | | your safety and the safety of others. Never stalk |
| mate in the fall, though, so you will have to | | | | a turkey. Do not get closer than 100 yards to a |
| patiently engage in stand hunting. Stand hunting | | | | gobbler. Choose a calling site that allows you to |
| involves finding a spot and then waiting for the | | | | see at least 40 yards in all directions. Do not |
| turkey to come to you. Since you will at some | | | | move an uncovered decoy. Wear an orange cap |
| point be hunting turkeys in the spring, you must | | | | or gloves while walking, as your camouflaged |
| become familiar with the several devices used to | | | | clothing can be mistaken for a turkey by other |
| make a turkey sound. There are two main types. | | | | hunters. Most shooting accidents happen because |
| One is called a friction call, which is produced by | | | | one hunter mistakes another hunter as game. |
| rubbing two surfaces together. The other is a | | | | Finally, remember the three basic rules of hunting: |
| mouth call. | | | | 1. Treat each and every gun as if it is loaded. |
| This occurs when air is either inhaled or exhaled. A | | | | 2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, |
| third type of caller, a shaker, creates a "gobble" | | | | away from others. |
| noise when you shake it in a rapid motion. | | | | 3. Be 100% sure of your target. Following these |
| Regardless of which type of call you will be using, | | | | rules and guidelines will allow you to have a |
| you must practice the call diligently. You will also | | | | successful turkey-hunting season, be it spring or |
| learn a lot by listening to the turkeys themselves. | | | | fall. As with all forms of hunting, safety is always |
| They are the best examples to follow. Listen to | | | | your highest priority. Keep this in mind, and you |
| live turkeys or a calling recording. You can also get | | | | are ready for the upcoming season. Have as |
| help by contacting an experienced turkey hunter. | | | | much fun as you can while practicing as much |
| Turkeys are capable of making more than two | | | | safety as you can. |
| dozen different calls. Most hunters, however, can | | | | Information on bobcat hunting can be found at |
| only notice about 10. Their sounds include the yelp, | | | | the Hunting Info site. |
| the cluck, the purr, the cackle, and the most | | | | |