In Hunting Turkeys, Call ‘Em As You See ‘Em

As numbers of wild turkeys and turkey hunters continue to grow in Washington and Idaho, details of the sport are increasingly important.

Turkeys are becoming more wary of unpracticed calls, and a steady infusion of new hunters demands constant emphasis on safety.

“The two most common causes of turkey hunting accidents are stalking game and wearing improper clothing.” said Pete Elkins, spokesman for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

As unpatriotic as it sounds, never wear anything red, white or blue while hunting turkeys, and don’t wear clothing with large spots of black. These ara all colors that might be associated with a gobbler.

Spring gobbler hunting involves dressing to resemble a tree and calling to sound like a turkey. This is a compromising position in areas where there’s a chance of encountering other hunters.

Stalking a tom is dangerous because it creates movement in the vicinity of gobbling. An inexperienced hunter may not know whether he’s stalking a real gobbler - or another inexperienced hunter.

Diaphragm, box and friction calls that make the yelping and clucking sounds of hens generally are safe and effective ways to lure a spring tom.

As a last resort, hunters may use a gobble call to entice a stubborn male. But here again, you must be alert for what might respond to the call.

To avoid sounding like every other caller in the woods, some hunters are looking for new ways to light a gobbler’s fire. One manufacturer has altered the traditional slate call with an aluminum version that gives a louder, higher pitch.

New friction calls area being touted for having turkey-turning sound frequencies beyond those that can be heard by the human ear.

Specialized turkey guns have tight choke tubes in short 21-inch barrels, which require less movement to draw a bead on an incoming turkey.

Scopes are finding their way onto more turkey guns to deliver tight patterns more accurately.

Good hunters pride themselves in calling turkeys to very close range. They also avoid body shots to prevent wounding loss and damage to the meat.

With a tight choke, a careful aim isn’t necessary at 40 yards, but it’s critical at 20 yards. A scope also allows a more careful look at the quarry, which in most Western states, must have a beard to be legal game in a spring hunt.

Most literature favors No. 6 shot for turkey loads. But some hunters who have spent time at a patterning board can make good arguments for No. 5 shot, which offers ample coverage with better penetration.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: TALKING TURKEY A turkey hunting and calling seminar sponsored by the Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be presented Saturday, 7 p.m. at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council building, 6116 N. Market.