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Spring Turkey Season

Each spring, a number of hunters quietly take to the woods. Patience, persistence and stealth are rewarded with one of the most challenging birds you will ever tackle - the North American wild turkey. The most common method for spring turkey hunting uses coaxing calls to the motionless hunter. Although the birds do fly, their usual behavior has them quietly picking through the underbursh on foot. A wild tom turkey has considerably better eyesight and hearing than humans, and uses sound to locate potential mates over a wide area. Tremendously wary, this bird will spook easily at the slightest foreign movements.

Turkey Hunting Checklist -

California's spring turkey hunting season opens in late March. Before the season opens, here are a few items to make sure you've addressed before heading out into the field:

- Appropriate camo; head to toe
Turkey season is not the correct time for "safety orange". These birds have tremendously strong eyesight, and can easily recognize patterns, shapes and contrasts which do not belong. If you expect to be successful, you must do everything possible to break up your shilouette and look like you are part of the scenery. This means everything. Most serious turkey hunters use full face masks, gloves, boots, pants and jacket with appropriate camoflage patterns. Mossy Oak is an excellent pattern for California woodland environments. Remember that your shotgun should also be conceled, either through camoflage tape or netting, used in a manner that will not effect the action of the firearm.

- Shotgun cleaned and patterned
Before heading out to the field, make sure your firearm is in perfect working order. If you lack the experience, take it to a qualified gunsmith to be cleaned and tested for worn or broken parts.

Although there has been great interest among turkey hunters in 10 gauge and 12 gauge 3.5" loads, you can chase these birds with a tightly choked standard 12 gauge with appropriate ammo. In any case, wild turkeys seldom stay around very long after the first shot. If you miss, the bird will probably be in the next county by the time it slows down. Because tight shot patterns are required, you should take the time to pattern your shotgun at appropriate distances. Use the same loads that you will hunt with, as pattern density is affected by shot size and powder loads.

- Correct loads
As we just pointed out, you probably won't get more than a single shot at a given bird. So, it's best to use the right loads for your situation. Depending upon how they pattern with your shotgun, magnum loads with copper-plated 4's or 6's seem to be the most popular. You want to use the most powerful load you can (after patterning to determine effectiveness) for your shotgun. It's generally a good idea to have a few more shells than you expect to use - we've yet to see a vending machine in the woods.

- Locator Calls
Often used in the evening before a hunt, these are used to get a response from roosting toms. The most common is a traditonal gobble call.

- Coaxing Calls
Used to bring a tom within range, these can be diaphragm, slate, glass or box calls. They mimic the purrs and clucks of a hen who might be interested in mating.

- Decoys
A "confidence" decoy is often used to lure the bird. This is usually a hen set up within range of the hunter.

- Area scouted
You don't want to be wandering around during the season. The tom turkey is tremendously wary, and doubly so after the season opens. Excessive activity will simply cause them to head elsewhere. It's best to take the time before the opener to scout the areas you intend to hunt. You can identify clear lines of sight, and find the optimum location to set up your position.

- Valid Hunting license
You should have a valid hunting license with a California Upland Bird Stamp before heading out into the field. Western Sport Shop sells California hunting licenses and stamps at both stores.

Any tips we've left out? We'd love to hear your techniques for success!
Send an email to turkeytips@westernsportshop.com with your best ideas.

From California Hunting Regulations-
Resident & Migratory Upland Game Birds
Spring Turkey Hunting Season: The last Saturday in March extending for 37 consecutive days. March 31, 2001 through May 6, 2001. Shooting hours for spring turkey season are from one-half hour before sunrise to 4 pm. Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day. Possession Limit: 3 per season. A bearded turkey is one having a beard visible through the breast feathers.

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