Starting to plan, could use some pointers

[EMPyre]

Hey all,

Well I'm working on building up the knowledge base and put some plans together for Turkey this spring.  I'll likely be going with my cousin who's just home from Iraq, and its kinda of a welcome-home, way to keep your head on your shoulders, thank you for serving trip.  Neither of us have gone out for the big birds before, so I could use some advice on locales, calls, and other 'must haves'.

Thanks for any input.
Erich

[ICEMAN]

Try first reading everything on this site: South Sound LongBeards...

http://www.tacomanwtf.org/

The have tons of great info about where the birds are located in the state, and how to get them.

I am no pro. First bird last year, second year trying...awesome fun. Can't wait...

[groundhog]

A "push pin" call is a good way to go for a beginner. They are very easy to use and give good sounds. You should also have a couple of decoys. Scouting is key. Turkeys will usually talk a little before they fly up and then while in the tree. They will also talk before flying down. If you know where they are roosting and where they will be going in the morning all you have to do is set up in between the two and do a little calling and you should have action. Get some turkey hunting videos to see how the pros do it. I usually have a couple of kids in tow so I use a ground blind. This really helps conceal movement. Good luck and have fun!!

[Machias]

If you and your cousin would like to come over to the eastside, I'd be very honored to take you two out.  If you spend a day or two hunting with someone you will learn in leaps and bounds.  I have been chasing birds for the past 30 years.  I grew up in MO and really love chasing spring gobblers.

[EMPyre]

Machias:
Thank you very much for the offer!  I'll get back to you as April approaches, and I find out if/when he'll get leave from TX.  I would be nice to spend a day with a pro, and as long as its sometime Thursday night through Sunday afternoon the Eastside is not a problem at all.

[Machias]

Anytime...one thing, as soon as you think your a Pro they make you look silly   I'm no Pro, just been doing it a while and I can figure out a few of their tricks right as they are pulling them, doesn't always mean they don't change tatics. 

[DeKuma]

Can someone get a link to the actual flier on here?  I do not want to register for another website while at work........

Thanks in advance.

[snohohunter]

If anyone is a member of the Refuge Forums, can you pull the Word doc and post it here.  It says they're not accepting new registrations at this time, and I'd be interesting in going.

Thanks!

[Ray]

Attached

Turkey Hunting Clinic
Learn the basics of locating, calling, and hunting wild turkeys!
March 16th, Noon – 2:00pm
Sponsored by:      Wellspring Fellowship Outdoors

Guest Speaker:           Al Prante - National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) “Narrows Strut Busters” Chapter President, Puget Sound District Director, State Chapter Board of Directors Member, and NWTF Senior Sponsor .

Location:        Turning Point Community Church
                9911 Burnham Dr. NW        Gig Harbor WA

Space is limited so register today to reserve your spot! 
Call  Chris Henderson   253-884-1802 or email Chris@wellspringfellowship.net

Supervised child activity room for kids under 5, so bring the family!

[snohohunter]

I'm thinking about registering  I'm in Snhomish/Mill Creek area, if anyone is interested in carpooling.

[brewzer13]

 
 If any of you cant make it on Sunday to the clinic, there is one on Saturday March 15, at the Silverdale Sportsmans Warehouse. The clinic will run from 1 - 3 pm but we will have an information table at the front door from 10:00 til 6 pm.  One other way to learn some pointers, is to attend a local NWTF Banquet. There are banquets all around the state that have live and silent auctions, raffles, and games for guns, equipment, etc. Its a good place to get in contact with other hunters. You can log on to www.wanwtf.com  and there are links to all of the local chapters and a listing of all of the upcoming banquets.

[LITTLEBUCK]

Brewzer you beat me to the punch. I also was going to mention the SPORSTMANS WAREHOUSE clinic. I do want to add that Al does put on a pretty informative clinic that all will get something out of. One thing I can say about Mr. Prante is he is very passionate about his turkey hunting and likes to share his knowledge that has been learned throughout the years. I have sat through many of Al's clinics and still pick up something new each one.

Also want to mention about the Gig Harbor Chapter of the NWTF is having their Banquet  Saturday March 29 in Port Orchard. Many games for guns, raffles, live and silent actions. If I remember correctly 9 guns, Mathews outback bow, gun safe, etc. Salmon or Prime Rib Dinner. Also after the chapter live action we will be actioning a Remington 597 22 cal. where proceeds will go directly to one of our own families that lost their 17 year old son to a tragic auto accident. Josh was a very talented athlete and musician loved by all. A bronze memorial is being erected at his school and we are going to help start the $$$ rolling at the Banquet with the 22 cal. auction.

Come and join the fun.    If interested give me a shout for contact info.    Bruce

[brewzer13]

  Sorry Littlebuck, wasn't sure if you got signed in OK or not.
You are so correct about Al and his passion for turkeys. It's tough to find one person with that much knowledge and we are lucky to have the opportunity to learn from and hunt with him.

[FISHBOY]

Here is a tip, when your buddy calls in a big Tom within 20-30 yards and another one is gobbling don't wait for the other one to come in, shoot the one that was called in for you.  THis is just hypothetical of course, it never happened to me.  By the way Miles is a hell of a caller.

[klickriverchromer]

i think i may know a spot or two, and possibly how to call/persued one in to the yardage for a bow or if you shoot a shotgun.

[EMPyre]

So here's my update for my Turkey plans, I could still use some help...

My cousin hasn't been able to secure leave to come hunt this spring so I'll be deferring my partnering to my usual hunting partner.  He however doesn't think he can get away Thursday night like I could.  This pretty much limits the distance we can travel and still effectively hunt to only about 3 hours tops from Seattle, IMO.

I've got a job interview in Yakima this Friday, and plan to try and do some scouting afterward on the way back over the hills.  Anyone got some suggestions on where I should poke my head around?  I'm more familiar with the Ellensburg area, I just don't know how the snow looks now, or where exactly I should concentrate my efforts.

Thanks again all. Hoping to get me that gobbler!

Erich