Turkey Hunting...A Whole New Game

          With turkeys becoming more visible every year, the number of hunters buying turkey hunting permits is skyrocketing. The downside to all this is that turkey hunters are encountering other turkey hunters more and more often in the woods, sometimes with tragic results.

          The problem is that turkey hunting is so different from other kinds of hunting. The usual practices for hunting most species are not only unproductive when hunting turkeys, they can be disastrous. The thing that makes turkey hunting so exciting is the close interactions hunters have with the birds. Hunters have to communicate with a turkey to get it close enough for a shot. They have to pretend to be a turkey, and that's where the potential danger lies. Because some hunters are tempted to stalk instead of calling the turkey, hunters are stalking each other, and turkey hunting injuries are rising with the number of turkey hunters. Stalkers and callers are equally likely to be shot.

WILD TURKEY HUNTING TIPS:

Turkeys are challenging game because they are so wary.
    Hunters must remain motionless to avoid being seen.

Turkeys are hunted by calling them. Learn how to use a
    turkey call. It is not hard.

Stalking turkeys does not work. It usually spooks them
    before you can get close enough for a shot. In turkey hunting
    stalking stinks.

Turkeys are tough. You need to be close (within 30 or 40
    yards). You need to get a clear head and neck shot.

When calling, sit still with your back against a big tree,
    to hide you from turkeys and stalkers.

Don't be fooled. Identify your target as a whole turkey,
    and know what sex it is.
FACT: Nine out of ten turkey hunting accidents happen when a
              hunter mistakes a person for a turkey. It can happen.

Never stalk. You will sound just like a turkey walking
    and you could get shot.
FACT: The majority of turkey hunting injuries happen when one
              hunter tries to stalk, and ends up stalking another hunter.

Always assume any call or footsteps you hear are from another hunter.
    Don't shoot until you can clearly see the whole turkey and know what sex it is.

If you see another hunter, talk to him clearly, and don't move!
    Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.

Never wear turkey colors - red, white, or blue.

Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around.
Remember: The way to be a successful turkey hunter is to talk to
                    them in their own language. Talk, Don't Stalk, and Wear
                    Blaze Orange When You Walk.

NYS Conservationist October, 1998

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