Did you get your bird?
How many times will that question be asked over the course of spring gobbler season? It’s hard to tell. Just asking that question raises the hackles on the backs of the necks of a growing number of turkey hunters.
More often than not the reply to the question is, “Is there a bird out there with my name on it.” The act of hunting should be enjoyable. And in today’s world of COVID-19 concerns, the spring hunt brings with it welcomed much needed “down time” to shift gears and refresh one’s mind and body.
So why add even more pressure on an already good situation by adding peer pressure into the mix? Besides, when adding the “gotta have one” mentality into the hunt, peer pressure creeps in and often good judgment tends to take a vacation.
The joy of hunting gobblers in the spring is to call and have the bird respond. If it comes in and offers a clean shot, good hunting skills — and sometimes a bit of luck — will make the taking of a bird successful. But never should safe hunting practices be disregarded simply to take a bird.
After all, it’s not the number of birds taken or the longest spurs. It’s the quality of the hunt that matters.
Yes, there are those who will bend or break the rules of safe hunting practices, but what has been gained? Simply put, anyone can cheat, and those who do skirt what they know to be right show little respect for themselves, others, or the game they pursue.
Another aspect of hunting that has come of age is the cell phone. You can bet plenty of hunters now have them and use them. They are used for quick, in the field photos, and even a call to friends and family to share the excitement of the hunt. However, there are additional considerations when it comes to cell phones.
At this point in time, most hunters do carry their wireless phones with them in the field. Who knows, maybe you might need some help in the event of an emergency. Or in the case of someone breaking the game law, the cell phone can be used to call in the violation on the spot. When this happens, chances are the slob will stand a better chance of getting caught.
Cell service has and continues to improve. However, keep in mind that many locations in the mountains and valleys remain out of reach of a cell tower. When hunting anywhere, check to see if you have a signal.
Another growing concern is the posting of land. In some cases there are those among the ranks of hunters who believe they can hunt anywhere. If a bird is gobbling, who cares if they drift onto posted property?
If there is one thing that I’ll hear the most this spring, it is from landowners who had to chase a turkey hunter off their property. But does it really matter? You bet it does.
The sound of a gobbling bird has the potential to attract the attention of hunters from a good distance around. It’s tempting to go after that bird, but stepping over the line can potentially destroy another’s hunt, let alone ensuring the land that was infringed upon will remain posted for years to come.
The idea of interfering with another hunter is another problem that arises each and every spring. If you know another hunter is “working” a bird, simply back off. There are plenty of birds out there to hunt. Besides, wouldn’t you expect to be offered the same courtesy and respect?
Keep turkey hunting a safe sport. In general, hunting gobblers in the spring is safer than driving the interstate or some other highway. To keep recreational hunting safe, apply this rule: positively identify your target as a legal bird and insist on a good shot.
A survey was conducted some years ago regarding turkey hunting. It was amazing to learn that there are quite a number of hens that are still being shot during the spring of the year. This and should not happen. Identification of the target will reduce or completely eliminate the number of mistaken kills. Another benefit can be the reduction or elimination of hunting related shooting accidents.
Value the experience and appreciate the beauty of the wild turkey and the surroundings you are in when hunting. I’ve often commented to one hunting partner, especially during the predawn hour when the woods first begins to come alive, “And to think most everyone else is sleeping through this. They don’t know what they’re missing.”
Taking in what that early morning hour has to offer is a great way to start the day. Just being there has a way of putting the rest of the day in perspective.
For more than a few years, my choice has been to share the hunt. There have been times hunts shared have resulted in a single bird taken along with a few doubles as well. The good times of those hunts will be retold time and again.
Take the time this season to consider how you really want to pursue gobblers this spring. There are many ways to enjoy the hunt. Especially this year, it is up to each individual hunter to choose how.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
