Time For Turkey Prep

In a little over a month, the spring turkey season will be on us. I've written before that I believe the spring turkey season is the perfect starter hunt for young hunters. It's safe with the adult in total control of the shotgun and the youth. Hunting is done from a stationary position or blind, and the adult can be right next to the youngster to provide guidance. Spring weather is mild, and hunts usually only last a couple of hours. And hearing a tom gobble in response to the call, getting closer and closer, creates an incredibly exciting hunt.

The season for youth, archers and hunters with disabilities opens April 1 and runs for 10 days. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a kid out without a lot of competition from other hunters. All the spring WIHA areas are open, and the public hunting areas won't be crowded. Make plans now to take a youngster turkey hunting, and the first thing to do is give him or her a box call. Practicing with calls is an integral part of turkey hunting, and it's lots of fun. A box call is easy to use, and with a little practice now, a young hunter will be ready to call in a bird by the April 1 opener.