Spring Turkey Season Checklist

Author Gayne C. Young, who also knows about great spring turkey hot spots in Texas, offers these things to keep in mind on your next turkey hunt, wherever that may be.

• Spring is prime time for snakes. Protect yourself with snake boots or snake-proof chaps such as those by TurtleSkin. And check surroundings before sitting and reaching for downed gobblers!
• Babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, alpha-gal and more are just a few tick-borne diseases found in the U.S. Protect yourself by treating clothing worn afield with permethrin and ALWAYS wearing repellant.
• Turkeys have phenomenal eyesight and will react immediately to anything spooking them. Wear camouflage from head to toe and don’t forget gloves and facemask.
• Sit against a wide tree or bush to help break up your silhouette.
• Always examine your setup! Look for snakes, thorns and other nuisances on the ground. Ensure vegetation is clear enough to allow a shot. Add more cover where needed.
• Ensure you have valid ID and proper licenses for your state at all times while afield.
• Tag your turkey correctly and immediately after harvesting. Keep proof of sex (leg with spur, patch of feathers with beard) attached until you get home.
• Slate and mouth calls are great but simply can’t compete with a box call’s volume. Box calls are especially beneficial on windy days.
• Pattern your shotgun before heading afield and become comfortable holding it while sitting.

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