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Brenda Valentine NWTF Spokeswoman |
The best way to hunt
What is the best way to hunt turkeys? It's a simple question that's sure to ignite an instant firestorm in any hunting camp or online chat room. I can almost feel the heat as many of you prepare to defend your favorite tactic, shotgun or yelper for putting turkeys on the ground.
But my question is what's the best way to hunt, not how to kill the most turkeys.
2011 was my year to find out.
My season began in mid-March in central Florida. I was to guide a couple of hunters who won a hunt through an auction at the Wekiva Springs Strutters banquet. Richard Boliek won the bid and requested I take his two grandchildren in hopes of getting them their first turkeys. I crossed all my fingers that somehow I could make it work.
The short version of an unbelievable story is, during the afternoon hunt, two huge longbeards answered the call, challenged the decoy and bit the dust. Both of the JAKES members killed their turkeys with the same pump shotgun — the one their grandpa killed his first gobbler with in 1964.
We all mean to get together with old friends just to hunt and hang out, but all too often those good intentions pass us by. But this year I made sure a couple of my dearest friends inked on their calendars to join me for a turkey hunt in Tennessee. It was not an official Women in the Outdoors hunt, but it definitely had the makings of one. No cameramen, no makeup, no schedule, just a reunion of the spirit that made us friends many years ago. And we left with a renewed awareness of the importance of sharing the outdoors with other women.
For three years I have been honored to take part in the Gaylord Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunt of a Lifetime, also sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and the NWTF. Daniel Norrod and his parents were chosen as the esteemed guests at Opryland this year. Hunting with Daniel, I realized once again why we should share our time and talents with those who need it.
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Daniel was born with a rare debilitating health problem. Things most of us take for granted require monumental effort for Daniel, but the weakened state of his body did not dampen the intense determination of this young hunter. We saw lots of turkeys and even had a few close encounters the first day, but no shot.
Daniel was uncertain if he would be up for going back out the next day. I felt our chances for shooting a bird were excellent, but not at the risk of Daniel's health. He decided to try one more day, if I would let him take naps. I suggested he bring a blanket and pillow for the slow times.
We waited for that first gobble. Hens flew down, fed and left. Several jakes tempted fate by coming within feet of the blind, but the gobblers seemed to have vanished. Hours dragged by, as I yelped, purred, putted and pleaded for a gobbler to come before Daniel became too exhausted to pull the trigger.
At 10:30, I finally spotted a red head 150 yards away in a fencerow. Daniel got his 20-gauge in position. The next few minutes were intense. The mature tom cautiously made his way to us, only to turn and leave just out of gun range. I'm not sure if I called him back or mentally willed him back, but at 30 yards I took the safety off and told Daniel to shoot.
I don't possess the words to describe the unbridled emotions of the following hour. The Norrods are hard working NWTF volunteers who share their time and compassion at outreach events every year. At last they experienced their only child enjoying the same satisfaction they've helped so many others in the Wheelin' Sportsmen program realize.
If you've yet to get involved with any of the NWTF outreach efforts — JAKES, Women in the Outdoors or Wheelin' Sportsmen — I challenge you to discover some of the very best ways to hunt. — Brenda
Keep up with Brenda and her adventures at www.brendavalentine.com