Turkey Workshop

On Feburary 26th, Texas Parks and Wildlife put on a Turkey Workshop for it's volunteer instructors. This class was held in New Caney and hosted by Duke Walton, an area chief. The class covered turkey habitat, hunting techniques, and calling just name a few subjects.

Did you know there are over 6 million wild turkey in the United States? This due in large part to organizations such as The National Wild Turkey Federation and sportsmen just like us. Were you aware that 15% of all hens are bearded? Or that there is a 70% loss of the population due to predators?

There are 5 sub-species of turkey in the U.S.; Oceola, Eastern, Rio Grande, Mariems and Goulds. And there is the Ocelated turkey in South America.

Turkeys have very poor night vision, but excellent day vision. And their hearing is second only to their sight. It was mentioned in the workshop that if turkeys could smell as well as deer do, we would never see them. As far as calling one, not just any old scatch on a slate or box call works. A turkey can make 28 different sounds and can do 13 different ones in 10 seconds. In all, this class was a great lead-up to my turkey hunt.

As with any hunting, you need to practice. Practice calling. Research hunting area. Pattern your shotgun!You need to know what your gun can do at what distance with the ammo you select. If you don't pattern and learn your shotgun, don't be upset when that turkey isn't around after you pull the trigger.

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This is a wall displayed with mounts taken by Duke Walton. It not only showed the beauty of the birds, but also demonstrated ways of displaying.

Instructos for Turkey Workshop, L to R: Sam McMannis, Duke Walton, Robert Linder, David Konarik  instructors
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The class was full as seen by this group picture. Of course I was elected to sit on the floor.

 

Some of the class was held outdoors between rains. This allowed for Duke to test us on judging distance. This is overlooked by a lot of hunters.

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