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Turkey Hunting Basics Still Rank Higher Than Gadgets

MADISON - Hunter safety skills and turkey expertise have more to do with a successful and enjoyable hunt than loading your gear bag with every new gadget and technology tool on the market, according to Wisconsin's top hunting safety official.

"Today's turkey hunter has about as many choices for gear as we all do when we want to buy a candy bar at the local convenience store," said Tim Lawhern hunter safety administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "Ultimately it's a hunter's knowledge, skill and well-practiced abilities that make or break the hunt."

Knowing the different sounds a turkey makes and what those sounds mean are more important than the type of camouflage or fancy blind the hunter is toting to the favorite site.

Study the turkey literature if you don't know how to read tracks or why cow patties are flipped, Lawhern says.

Not sure where to start?

"There are many good turkey hunting tips and videos available from the National Wild Turkey Foundation," Lawhern said. Visit: [www.NWTF.org] (exit DNR).

"Use whatever equipment you find enjoyable, but remember coming home safe is the top goal," Lawhern said. "And if you wondering if I've got some of the new fancy stuff in my truck. Absolutely. But I know I can hunt without all of it if I had to.

"But there is one tool I could not hunt successfully without - patience."

The spring wild turkey season runs for six time slots of five days each in April and May.
Contact:
Tim Lawhern - (608) 266-1317