Have you been waiting for turkey season since the last one ended? If so, you are like many of us who think about turkey hunting all year long. As I drive, I'm always glancing in the fields and wooded areas for turkeys. I look for sites that seem likely or sites where I've seen them previously. I never tire of seeing a gobbler or hens with poults.
For some of you, the season has already begun and maybe you've even taken your first gobbler for a ride. For many of us however, we're still in the anticipation stage. If you're like me in that stage, maybe a few reminders would be in order.
I always decide which gun I intend to take to the turkey woods and fields and then give it a thorough inspection and cleaning. If it has sights, I make sure they are tightly installed. After triple checking to make sure no rounds are in the magazine or chamber, I test fire the gun several times. I always begin the season with a "deep cleaned" bore https://allaboutshooting.com/blogs/blog/98772615-deep-cleaning-a-shotgun-barrel
Next, a trip to the range is in order. No matter how many times I've used a gun for target shooting or hunting, I always check it at the range to make sure everything still works as it should. There are just too many things that can happen to leave this to chance.
Then I check all my hunting clothes to make sure I have everything I need. Gloves and facemasks seem to disappear and gloves get ripped on briars or simply wear out over time. I like to have at least 2 sets of both of these items since I've lost both in the woods on hunts.
I have become a "minimalist" hunter over the years but I still like to have several mouth calls with me. At any time one may just work better than another. I like to have a few emergency supplies with me. I carry a very loud whistle, a small space blanket and my cell phone. I have a few extra shells, a good knife and of course my licenses and tags.
Each year I remind myself of hunting safety. I always sit with a large tree to my back and I never wear anything that that is red, blue or white, even if I think it's completely covered. When I sit next to that tree, I make sure that I can move my gun in all directions without hitting anything. I also make sure that I can see the background of any place that I might shoot. Modern guns, chokes and shells can allow shot to carry very far.
Before I leave for the first hunt, I practice just a bit with a few calls to make sure they sound like I want them to sound.
Lastly, if I'm hunting alone, I make sure that a couple of people know where I will be and what time I plan to return home. Hopefully, I'll surprise them by being home early with a nice gobbler but if not, I'll let them know I had another great hunt anyway.
I hope you all have a great, safe season.