For many parts of the plains and midwest, this winter has been a winter we have not seen in a long time. Many of you reading this maybe haven't see a winter like this in your lifetime. It is cold weather and one snow storm after another. With that said spring is right around the corner. While you are waiting for the snow to melt, now is the perfect time to make sure you are prepared for this springs turkey season!
Farmers are nearby the farmsteads feeding cattle and working on equipment, getting ready for spring. Therefore they are easy to track down and gain permission to hunt their ground. Even if you have been hunting the same piece of land for years, it is good to go in and visit with the landowner. Show that you appreciate them letting you hunt their ground. Don't just assume that because you have hunted it for years, means that you can still hunt it without asking permission.
I often offer some labor or trade of work in return for hunting permission. Give up a weekend to help fix fence, help with chores or whatever the landowner may accept help on. In a time when gaining permission is getting harder and harder, offering some labor in return can go a long. The landowner may not even accept your offer, but I am sure they will certainly appreciate the offer.
Farmers are nearby the farmsteads feeding cattle and working on equipment, getting ready for spring. Therefore they are easy to track down and gain permission to hunt their ground. Even if you have been hunting the same piece of land for years, it is good to go in and visit with the landowner. Show that you appreciate them letting you hunt their ground. Don't just assume that because you have hunted it for years, means that you can still hunt it without asking permission.
I often offer some labor or trade of work in return for hunting permission. Give up a weekend to help fix fence, help with chores or whatever the landowner may accept help on. In a time when gaining permission is getting harder and harder, offering some labor in return can go a long. The landowner may not even accept your offer, but I am sure they will certainly appreciate the offer.
Now is also a great time to be sure your equipment is ready for the season. Shoot your bow to be sure it is dialed in and tuned well to have the most accurate set up possible this spring. Shoot from inside a blind, sitting on a chair. Imitate the situations you will be presented this spring. Try to even shoot 3D targets if possible.
Many people don't think about it, but pattern your shotgun. Grab the shells you plan to use and set up targets at 20, 30, 40 yards or farther if you feel you will take farther shots. With today's ammunition and available choke tubes, harvesting a turkey at 60 yards is a very real possibility. Maybe even further. Experiment with different loads and different chokes, until you are satisfied with how the gun is patterning.
Many people, including myself, often overlook other turkey hunting gear. Decoys, calls, blinds, chairs etc. Be sure everything is in tip top shape or not lost since last season. Paint may wear on decoys. Call can need maintenance or get lost. Blinds may have holes, broken hubs and the chairs may also have issues. You hate to discover these issues the night before your first hunt, or even worse, setting up in the morning.
Take some time and make a quick checklist. Make sure you are prepared for a smooth going turkey season. It will be here before you know it. This also gives you a reason to get out of the house for a few hours.
Good luck this spring and happy scouting! Remember to Hunt Hard, Hunt Smart and Hunt Safe!
Brett Kleinschmit
Many people don't think about it, but pattern your shotgun. Grab the shells you plan to use and set up targets at 20, 30, 40 yards or farther if you feel you will take farther shots. With today's ammunition and available choke tubes, harvesting a turkey at 60 yards is a very real possibility. Maybe even further. Experiment with different loads and different chokes, until you are satisfied with how the gun is patterning.
Many people, including myself, often overlook other turkey hunting gear. Decoys, calls, blinds, chairs etc. Be sure everything is in tip top shape or not lost since last season. Paint may wear on decoys. Call can need maintenance or get lost. Blinds may have holes, broken hubs and the chairs may also have issues. You hate to discover these issues the night before your first hunt, or even worse, setting up in the morning.
Take some time and make a quick checklist. Make sure you are prepared for a smooth going turkey season. It will be here before you know it. This also gives you a reason to get out of the house for a few hours.
Good luck this spring and happy scouting! Remember to Hunt Hard, Hunt Smart and Hunt Safe!
Brett Kleinschmit
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