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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Spring gobbler hunting season opens with a bang…bang

Two wild turkey toms bagged on opening morning of Washington's spring gobbler season. (Rich Landers)
Two wild turkey toms bagged on opening morning of Washington's spring gobbler season. (Rich Landers)

HUNTING -- In case you missed it, Washington's spring gobbler hunting season opened this morning.

In many years of hunting the same place in Spokane County on opening day, I've never heard so many toms gobbling at first light.  I was surrounded by so many gobblers it was almost scary.

This is a banner year for wild turkeys in the Inland Northwest from all accounts.

It's not about missing out. It's about doing your duty.  Bag one for the good of the planet.

So far, I'm 2 for 2 for 2016.

The first gobbler came in to my deeks around 7 a.m. lagging 15 minutes  behind five hens.  He did the usually flopping and flapping after the shot. The hens weren't too spooked. So I figured the wing flapping might me an attractant. Sure enough. I called lightly and had two more toms coming in within 15 minutes. Done deal.

Turkey leg curry and turkey breast stir fry is on the menu.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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