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Forests, water and wild animals: turkey hunting tips

Three popular turkey calls are a table and a striker, a box call and a mechanism call. The slate and box calls are easier to master, but the call to mouth enables the hands-free response that is sometimes needed. Giving the best with one is sufficient, but is camouflaged and very important. (Photo by John and Vicky Jefferson)

By John Jefferson

TPWD says that there will be many turkey – including young hunters – and an excellent hunting. Late season means fewer hunters and anxious gobbler.

The hunt for South Texas opens on March 15 – but to check for all zones of the outdoor year for the data and pocket boundaries of your district. The north zone (most Texas) opens on March 29. The East Zone opens on April 22nd. One Truthy Bag Limit Counties opens on April 1.

And remember-shotguns can only have a three-shell capacity!

Do not be intimidated by videos that show experienced experts with handmade calls that cost more than you can justify your partner.

Horace Gore -one or the first Texas spring turkey hunter in 1970, told me when I started hunting turkey that more important than winning Truthahn call competitions makes the best possible noise, wearing camouflage and head net and then sit perfectly!

A successful requirement for a turkey within the shotgun range is one of the best experiences of hunting. A few hunts will be remembered.

Don't call too happy. Some birds come in quickly and silently. Once a Goobbler came into my call. I wanted to call again when he suddenly appeared 20 feet away and slowly strut from right to left in front of me!

I frozen. I had never been so close to a turkey. Our comfort zones were invaded by his presence. I promise you; I don't even have my eyes blink!

When he reached about 25 feet away and searched for this hen, I picked up my shotgun. When I did it, the netting of the netting tore it, which covers part of me. He started a quick turkey trab when I threw the gun to my shoulder. It disappeared behind a bull mesquite tree. My heart sank. Then, to my astonishment, he stuck his head and a few centimeters of neck around the tree to see what had frightened it.

He could see me now. I only had to shoot for a moment. I pulled the trigger and dusted six -inch tree bark in the air. In its final energy release, a wing thrust of Türkiye was on the ground.

Another time my caller and I had hunted hard, without success. At sunset, four gobblers moved out of the brush to get more cover. I threw up the gun when she reached the brush 50 meters away. I didn't hesitate. I pulled the deduction with the shotgun somewhere towards the last bird in the small herd.

My caller screamed – “You got him!”

I do not say that further shooting for the shotgun accuracy shooting another. It was a despair with just one millisecond to shoot. Both shots would only have belonged to tree bark and brush if I had hesitated.

So pay attention to the head of the turkey when you have the luxury of time and a stationary turkey. I had no hunting. Fast decisions are required!

The more you hunt – and shoot – the easier it gets.

JJ