Turkey Hunting Nate Lawrence Natural Resources March 22, 2009

Description Turkey hunting is a sport that involves the pursuit and kill or capture of a wild turkey. Even before European settlers arrived, Native Americans were hunting wild turkeys.

License Requirments The requirements to hunt turkey in Wisconsin are: A small game license, and the turkey stamp, license, and carcass tag combo.

Season Dates Spring Season Dates: April 15 th through May 24 th. Spring Season has set dates per individual permit. Fall Season Dates: September 12 through November 19 th. No set dates per individual in fall.

Pros of Turkey Hunting Wide Variety of calling choices. Using Decoys is very effective. Can allow for family time and bonding. Allows nature lovers to get outside.

Cons of Turkey Hunting Waking up very early. Attempting to be quiet while moving through thick brush in the early mornings. Potentially missing a turkey. Turkeys have extremely good eye sight and hearing.

Materials Camouflage should be worn from top to bottom. Blinds Optics Shotgun, bow, or crossbow. Decoys. Friction calls. Mouth diaphragm calls. Ammo

Education Turkey hunters safety is available in Wisconsin for those who choose. National Wild Turkey Federation provides information on turkey hunting. Wisconsin DNR provides useful habitat information and typical behaviors of wild turkeys in Wisconsin.

Weapons Shotguns are the most common weapon used for turkey hunters in Wisconsin. Turkey ammunition is very powerful and no shot larger than No. 4 shot is allowed in Wisconsin. Some turkey hunters will use bows as a choice weapon.

Habitat Easter turkeys, which are those found in Wisconsin have a wide range of habitat. From Northeastern Woodlands, to Southern Swamps, to Midwestern farmland. Mixed oak and pine forests with fields, creeks, and rivers are ideal for good flocks. In hilly areas, turkeys will roost on high points, on flat areas they will roost almost anywhere. Open areas like fields and food plots are necessary for breeding.

The Hunt Turkey hunting can be done by stalk hunting or sitting. Stalk hunting: Using calls to locate birds and approach them for a shot. Sitting: Using calls to lure the birds in for a shot. There are two main types of calls, friction and mouth calls.

Interview I used a poem written by Barry Arrington as my interview. He recalls his personal experiences turkey hunting. He discusses how turkey hunting meant more than just killing a bird, but spending time with his father and enjoying nature. He points out some of his likes and dislikes. Like: Spending time with his dad, and harvesting a tom. Dislike: Waking up early, and being quiet.

Fitness Sitting hunts: Potentially long walks can be needed to get to a good sitting spot. Walks are normally a easy pace and allow for rest along the way. Stalk Hunts: May need to move quickly and quietly through the woods or area. More terrain to cover in less time.

A Day in The Field A day in the field would consist of an early morning wake up call and being in the woods before sunrise. There would be a walk to the blind or area of hunting choice. Hunting could last a few hours or all day depending on the birds.