Friday, April 25, 2008

Trackin’ Toms & The Youth Hunt (Includes Video)

For me, the last few weeks have been devoted to one thing, locating turkeys and keeping track of them for the opener of spring gobbler season. There seem to be plenty of birds in my area and they’ve been very vocal lately, which has made them much easier to find. The longbeards have been putting on quite a show and I can’t wait for the season to begin!

Roosted Turkey


A hen sits on the roost as daylight fades; Two nice toms strut their stuff.



Most of my pre-season scouting has focused on figuring out where the turkeys are roosting and where they spend most of their time during the day. Depending on the weather, the gobbling in my area usually starts between 5:45 and 6:00 in the morning. If it’s warm and sunny, I can expect the birds to be on the ground around 6:15. However, heavy clouds and rain will usually keep them in the roost longer.

Turkey Tracks


A large gobbler track in soft sand; Drag marks left by the wings of a strutting tom



I can’t always be in the woods at first light to listen for gobbles, so I also spend time looking for sign. Tracks in the mud along field edges or sand along creek banks are usually easy to see. If you get lucky, you might also discover drag marks left by the wing tips of a strutting tom. I always pay close attention to this kind of sign because it may indicate a gobbler’s strut zone. Strut zones are a very good place to set up on a longbeard because it’s likely that he’ll visit them after leaving his roost.

Turkey Sign


The j-shaped dropping of a gobbler; This feather was snagged on a briar between a roost area and strut zone.



Other sign that I pay attention to is droppings. One interesting fact about turkeys is that the droppings of males and females are different. Hen droppings are spiral-shaped, like a small cork-screw, while gobbler droppings are usually longer and j-shaped. Turkeys also routinely lose feathers and finding them along travel routes can help you pattern a flock of birds.

Turkeys Full Fan


‘The Mailman’ spends a lot of his time near the local Post Office; ‘Gapper” is missing a feather from his fan.



After watching these birds in the pre-season, many of them have taken on their own personality. I’ve even named a few of them, and there’s one bird in particular that has caught my attention. I call him ‘The Gimp’ because he walks with a bad limp and always lags behind the other birds. Due to his injury, he is no longer the dominant bird in the flock, although I’m sure he once was. He sports a very thick beard and some of the longest spurs I’ve ever seen. I really hope our paths cross at some point during the season.

Turkeys Hiding


‘The Gimp’ is a huge old bird that has an injured left leg; These two gobblers routinely compete for the same strut zone.



Last Saturday’s youth hunt was a welcomed change to my scouting routine. My good friend AJ was taking his daughter Morgan out for the start of her second gobbler season. My job was to come along to help carry gear and run the video camera.

Darkhorse Blind


The Darkhorse blind was a real asset during our hunt


Inside Blind


AJ and Morgan sit inside the blind.



AJ had located several gobblers the week before that were roosting on an oak ridge in the local Gamelands. We got there early to set up our ground blind and put out some decoys on an abandoned logging road. As we eased into position a little before 6:00, we could hear gobbling on the ridge about 150 yards away. AJ responded with a few soft tree yelps on his glass call and we waited for the birds to leave their roost.

Morgan's Bird


Morgan shows off her second spring gobbler.


About fifteen minutes later, we could tell the birds were on the ground. AJ tried a series of yelps and then mixed in some excited cutting with his mouth call. Several gobblers answered and we could tell they were on their way. As a loud gobble echoed directly below us, I caught sight of a tail fan behind a brush pile. The strutting jake was climbing the hill straight toward us. At the sight of our decoys, he broke strut and ran straight to them. He stopped on the logging road and began strutting around the decoys. As he closed the distance to about ten yards from our blind, Morgan’s 20 gauge boomed. The bird dropped in his tracks and the celebration ensued.





All Smiles


Our crew was ‘all smiles’ after Morgan bagged her bird


Heading Home


Morgan and AJ head for home.



There are few things in the outdoors that compare to the excitement of a successful young hunter, and I was very glad I could share the hunt with Morgan and AJ. It was a beautiful morning to be in the woods and the harvest was just icing on the cake. Good luck to everyone during the upcoming season. Please be safe and remember to positively identify your target!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Drake’s Training Part 1

Click Here For Part 2 Of This Story
Well, most of you that have seen any of my journals or posts have seen pictures and mention of my yellow lab Drake.

Drake is an awesome dog. Very easy going and loves to hunt! Drake isn’t just a hunting dog but a very loved part of our family. So a recent decision I made was a very hard one. Sending Drake away for training.

Now, a little history as to why I decided to do this. First of all, I have invested many hours in training Drake on my own to go hunting. There is no doubt he loves it! And in all actuality Drake doesn’t do too badly for the type of hunting we do around here. But after a few of the incidents this past season, and having booked a snow goose hunt out West next year that Drake will be accompanying us on.... I decided it was time for some professional help!

Puppy Drake
Drake’s 1st day home.


Drake was an easy pup. By saying that he was so easy to housebreak, doesn’t bark, will ride in a car forever with no problems and literally loves everyone and every dog he comes into contact with. Love of people and other dogs, that is problem #1. We took Drake to the Lake at 10 weeks old and he didn’t hesitate to jump right into the water and tried retrieving any loose stick floating by. Drake LOVES to swim. That is problem #2. Drake also is not afraid of anything! At 12 weeks old we were outside and Don started his lawn tractor and it backfired. Drake about 5 feet away never flinched. We knew then he would have no problem with gunfire, and he never did. Then came time to take him out and about in the woods, fields, etc. Again, nothing bothered him! He loved the smells and to explore. Although I always kept him on a 30 foot lead, which really helped when it came to him not wondering too far. That usually isn’t a problem. However, be it his personality, his immaturity, Drake can and does become very distracted! That is problem #3.

So we took Drake hunting at 5 ½ months old. He loved it...went right in for the birds, retrieved just like he should and all was great!

Drake Retrieving
Drake retrieving at 5 ½ months old.


Then the next year came. Did Drake do well? Yes! Great! But being as an adolescent, (Drake is only 2) Drake had his own idea, on certain days, of how things would be done this year!

Problem #1: Drake LOVES people and other dogs. I have had extensive obedience training with him and one thing stays true...Drake doesn’t care about the correction. Drake thinks everyone on Earth was put here to pet him! And every dog...is here to play with HIM! This becomes a problem. First Drake doesn’t realize he is 85 pounds. So he knocks people around like a pro wrestler! And...not all dogs WANT to play with Drake. Snickers, our friend Bob Miller’s chocolate lab and Drake are buddies! But, hunting pheasants this year, Drake encountered dogs that weren’t looking for a new buddy. Thankfully we were able to leash Drake and get him away from the dogs ganging up and attacking him. Which Drake totally didn’t understand their hostility! He gave them a look like, “Hey what’s up with you? This isn’t right!” There isn’t a mean bone in my dog’s body unless he is running down a cripple goose or duck. That is the way I want it. However, him running off at the sight of other dogs, as it proved, can possibly be a danger to him.

Drake Retrieving
Drake on a “text book” water retrieve this past fall.


Problem #2: Awe, the water! Nothing better than watching a hunting dog do what it was bred to do...and love it! And labs love to swim! We started taking Drake down to the Lake when he was 3 months old and would throw him dummies in shallow water. Drake would retrieve all day. If you would stop he would go out and swim! And swim, and swim, and swim.

Drake at 3 months
Drake at 3 months old.


He even incorporated Problem #1 with problem #2. He saw people about 50 yards out in a canoe and of course, “Oh how cute is that puppy!” Well to Drake it was an invitation to go see them! This year, during second season, Drake made some totally awesome retrieves in cold water! Retrieved right to hand! First season...well it depended on the day. Oh he would retrieve anything you downed. Even swam after a wounded goose for 15 minutes until he got it! But....if it were a really HOT day, Drake would retrieve and swim in circles around the lake, pond, etc. See he figured out.....”Well if I give mom that bird.....I’m done swimming!” So Drake would come in when he felt like it. Example: Goose hunting...perfect set up and morning. We downed about 4 birds with the first round in. Some floated down into some thicker cover....sent Drake on his retrieve and he came back with one goose in seconds. PERFECT! THEN....he stopped about 4 feet short...something caught his eye....A POND!!!! Drake, with the goose still in his mouth looked at me...looked at the pond...looked at me as if to say, “Hey I didn’t know that water was there!!!”....and off he went into the pond to take himself and the goose for a swim.

Problem #3: Drake can become distracted. Not all the time but times when you really don’t want him too. Especially on longer retrieves. Drake will mark and retrieve like a pro 9 times out of 10. Then that one time...he’ll be right on mark...pick up the bird...then on his way back...”Hey, who’s that kid down by the farm?” OR ”hey....that’s a new smell”....and half way back drops the bird and starts sniffing around.

Now, I tried correcting these on my own and with help from other dog owner’s. Don’t get me wrong, there was one occassion, Drake ran circles around a 4 year old that was “trained”. But, when he ran onto a road after a grouse retrieve...We decided we needed help. I realize that going out West next year Drake will need to be a well mannered hunting dog. For the most part he is. But for his safety I wanted him trained. I am a smart enough person to know...that there is a right way and wrong way of doing things. And, if you do them the wrong way it can be worse than the original problem. So I decided to start checking out some professional trainers. Problem was I wanted one close enough that I could travel in a day to visit Drake. So the research began. The Breeders that I got Drake from, Barnes Puppy Love Kennels have awesome dogs and quite a few of them are titled and professionally trained. Their Trainer is in Ohio. That was a little too far for me. So I started checking some more places. Some I just didn’t get a good feel when I talked to the Trainers and can’t say the references were that great. I did a search on the web and found the Professional Retriever Training Association. There in the East Coast I saw “Ponderosa Kennels” in Smithsburg, MD. So I clicked on their web site www.ponderosakennels.com. I was impressed by the web site alone. But how good are they? So I then started reading Pat Nolan, Owner and Trainer’s credentials. About a mile long to say the least. Ok, but could he help me with Drake? One Trainer I spoke to said “Two years old? He’s too old. Sorry!” Well, I explained the issues to Pat in an email and asked if Drake’s age was a factor and did he think he could help me? I received a nice email replying, “Oh my yes!” I also received an open invitation to come down any time and visit the Kennel, watch a day of training, and bring Drake along to meet him. Jimmy and I did just that one day in March.

During our day we got to see various levels of training and some of the other trainers that worked with Pat. I also meet with other dog owners that had dogs trained, and some that are currently being trained by Ponderosa Kennels. I was very impressed! Pat is a super nice guy and has a very calming way around animals. The dogs seem naturally drawn to him. I felt very comfortable about taking my baby there for training. I made the arrangements and we dropped Drake off 2 weeks later. I won’t tell you I wasn’t upset when I drove away. I was excited and sad at the same time. I would miss my shadow terribly! But I knew that at the end of 3 months he would be a much better dog!

Last Friday, Jimmy had off school so we decided to go down and see Drake. I called Pat on Wednesday and he was very inviting and freely welcomed us down. The dogs were being trained at their retriever ponds. It was about a 2 hour drive from my home in Blair County. These ponds were amazing. All laid out and created by Pat himself out of 2 small fish ponds originally.

Retrieving Ponds
Couple pictures of the different retriever training ponds.


Pat welcomed us with his warm friendly demeanor and explained some of the training he was doing at the time with another young lab. Then a more experienced lab named Sunny.

Pat Nolan
Pat Nolan, far right working Sunny on Swim by retrieves.


It is so nice to have him explain the different drills they do with the dogs, point out weaknesses and how they work at correcting them. I simply could not wait to see Drake. Pat introduced me to the very nice young lady, Annie who was the Trainer working with Drake the past 2 weeks on his obedience training and collar conditioning. Annie is a very friendly, kind spoken young lady. I liked her right away and was thrilled she was working with Drake.

Drake got out of the truck and immediately greeted Jimmy and I. I almost cried. He looked great and I so miss his greetings every day home from work.

Annie and Pat did a live bird retrieve with Drake.




Drake retrieved the bird, took it to Pat instead of Annie then back for a swim. Well hey...it was hot!

Then Annie took us over to the other field and showed us some of the basic obedience and collar conditioning she was doing with Drake. I was quite impressed after 2 weeks how he responded. He was staying steady on his platform post with DISTRACTIONS! First Jimmy and I were there; then Pat was doing the live bird retrieves with the other dogs in the next field, (Drake loves gun fire...means dead bird!); there were other labs running free in the same field we were in; vehicles pulling in with more dogs, and geese honking in the pond 100 yards away. Yes, there was a POND, water, that close. And Annie had Drake staying and sitting without a flinch. I was impressed with only 2 weeks of work. Now I am sure every dog is different in their capacity of learning and progression.

Annie and Drake
Annie and Drake.


But I was happy with the fact Drake seemed happy, seemed to be doing well, still had the same loving personality, still glad to see us!

Drake
Me, Drake and my son Jimmy

I am looking forward to what Pat, Annie and the rest of the crew has in store when I go in May. I will be sure to update everyone with a more detailed Field Journal on Drake’s training. Until next time…
Click Here For Part 2 Of This Story

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Kids Getting Ready for the Youth Turkey Season

Well Spring is here and not only is it time for us to finally be able to get out and spring gobbler hunt, it is again time for the youth to prepare their journey out also.

In 2006, the Pennsylvania Game Commission launched the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. The objective behind the Program is simple and clear: create expanded youth hunting opportunities while maintaining safety afield. The program provides added means for youngsters to nurture their early interest in hunting and allows them to take a more active role in trips afield with mentoring adults. The program was introduced to hopefully acquire the interests of the PA youth at an earlier age in the hunting sports that have so much competition these days as they get older.

Last year my son Jimmy (SPIKE), at the ripe age of 11 years old was able to harvest his first spring gobbler through the Mentor Youth Hunting Program. Not to mention a few squirrels and ground hogs. Jimmy is now 12 and rearing to go for spring gobbler. He has been practicing his shooting skills with his shotgun at various targets and simulations we have provided for him.
Jimmy's First Turkey
Jimmy with his first spring gobbler in 2007

Jimmy SHooting
Jimmy practicing at the Range


Another youngster I have had the pleasure of knowing, Madison Faith, is also preparing for her first PA spring gobbler hunt. Madison is 8 years old and is the daughter of Jim and Debbie Faith of Duncansville, PA. Madison’s parents are both hunters and last year on their hunting trip to Africa, Madison was able to harvest her first animals. A spring buck and a bles buck. Both were beautiful animals and Madison at the age of 7 was able to close the deal. One evening while she, Jimmy and I were sitting around talking; she told me that she, like Jimmy, has been shooting since a very young age. She was excited to be able to hunt in Africa where there is no age limit as long as the child can prove itself at the target range and are in the company of an adult. So being able to finally hunt back here in her home state of PA at the age of 8 excites her just the same. She will be participating in the Mentor Youth hunt. Madison has her gun picked out and said she, her father and a good friend Ed Miller will be practicing and preparing her for the opening day of youth spring gobbler. Which both Jimmy and Madison knew off the top of their head, was April 19, 2008!

Madison's Turkey Gun
Madison Faith with her 870 Express 20 gauge she will be using for the Youth Turkey hunt


Back home, Jimmy prepared his turkey vest and did some practicing with his shotgun with his “dummy shells”. Using the dummy shells is a great way for kids to practice at home all year long. It gives them more hands on and experience handling the firearm they are going to use in the field.

Practice Shells
Dummy shells Jimmy uses to practice handling his shotgun at home

Turkey Stuff
Some of Jimmy’s gear for turkey hunting

The Mentor Youth program is a wonderful program to preserve and teach our youngsters about our sport. With so many distractions pulling kids indoors, such as video games and TV, it is crucial to encourage and protect activities that maintain a child’s connection to his and her natural surroundings. Hunting teaches and allows children to feel comfortable within nature. There are many important lessons that can be taught in the wild. Youth hunting teaches young people about the outdoors and helps them understand the importance of conserving wildlife and the habitat. But it also encourages an appreciation for the outdoors.

For adults and children, youth hunting is a great way to create life lasting memories with family and friends. It generates a common interest that builds a strong relationship between two people. Involving the kids in the scouting, planning, exploring, and hours in the field. Kids appreciate the sense of involvement. Jimmy and Madison thought it was really neat to have both been able to provide a meal for the family with animals they have gotten. When asking Madison and Jimmy what their favorite part of hunting was so far... BOTH replied, being with their family and friends. This is coming from two children who already have harvested animals under their young belts. Madison harvested African animals. Yet, she recalls the whole trip, the people she met, the food, sights all like it was yesterday! Memories! Jimmy recalled memories afield not just of his turkey kill, but of fun times spent with family and friends and laughs shared.

This program is not only about the legal taking of an animal. It’s getting the kids involved earlier, making them a part of our natural resources. Teaching them skills, ethics and knowledge in order to safely and responsibly enjoy the outdoors. This will help them to appreciate hunting more. For hunting takes quite a few skills and yet, children love to learn. Jimmy has learned many skills already in hunting. How to identify waterfowl, use a compass or map, tracking, calling, photographing wild animals, identifying scrapes, tracks, etc. These are life long skills that reflect our interest in the natural world. I feel that the Mentor Youth program is only encouraging and helping preserve our sport and encourage our youth to be active and responsible in the outdoors as adults. It also promotes the continuation of hunting into adulthood.

So as Jimmy and Madison prepare for the upcoming season, we hope too that you to take the time to pass on the heritage of our sport. Take a kid who has the interest hunting. Some of the most memorable times I have afield are of times I have shared with my son. I look forward to many more! We’ll be sure to update you all on how Jimmy and Madison’s seasons go.

Here are a few tips I found on line about introducing and taking a youngster hunting. (Adapted from National Shooting Sports Foundation materials. Tips on hunting with kids)

Hope they help and you enjoy!

  1. Instill safety, etiquette and ethics. Teaching safety standards gives youngsters
    the responsibility they’ll need to enjoy a lifetime of great hunting
    experiences. By teaching etiquette and ethics, you’ll show them what the
    hunting tradition is all about.

  2. Keep it fun. Don’t get too serious or competitive. There’s no need to turn
    novices into pros their first time out. It’s far more important to just have a good
    time.

  3. Start with the basics. If you learned to hunt when you were young, today you
    probably perform the whole process automatically. Make a conscious effort
    to explain and show step-by-step what newcomers should do, so they will feel
    comfortable later doing these things on their own.

  4. Create instant success. Recognize small accomplishments. Shooting game
    is always a bonus and helps kids appreciate the experience even more.
    Young people also enjoy the pride of having provided a meal for their family,
    like Mom and Dad do.

  5. Be positive. If you build a youngster’s self esteem and confidence, they’re
    more likely to enjoy hunting and want to go again. A well-timed compliment
    can go a long way.

  6. Share your love of the outdoors. Help your young guests notice things
    around them. Stop and listen to birdcalls and sounds of a rushing stream.
    Draw their attention to signs of wildlife. Help them understand the important
    role that hunters play in conservation of natural resources.

  7. Provide appropriate equipment. Make sure the equipment you use is the
    right size and weight for a youngster.

  8. Hands-on instruction helps. Everyone learns best by doing. Sometimes
    you may need to lecture, but as much as possible, intersperse the talking with
    doing. A few trips to practice at a local shooting range are key to becoming
    comfortable with handling a firearm.

  9. Create a feeling of independence. Youngsters want to become increasingly
    independent. Have youths develop new skills and then give them the freedom
    to practice those skills on their own.

  10. Choose the right location. Convenience is a consideration. Whether on
    public or private land

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Truglo XTreme Universal Sight

Product Review by Mike Bell, PSP Field Staff
Shotgun Sights

COST
Purchased this item online for $45.99

PRODUCT FEATURES

  • Rifle sight system designed to attach securely to the rib of your shotgun

  • All metal construction

  • Choice of 2 rear sight blades (the ghost ring, or the regular V style back blade)

  • Bright fiber optics (front diameter .060 rear diameter .029)

  • Fully adjustable for windage and elevation


PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
There are several reasons that I use this sight on my turkey gun, but the most important is how easy it is to adjust.  My shotgun, for whatever reason, has shot 3 inches right and a couple inches high at 30 yards since I bought it several years ago.  I’ve had other people shoot the gun and ran several different loads and choke tubes in my gun but came up with roughly the same result. This product enables me to make fine adjustments to ensure my pattern is going exactly where I’m aiming.  The sights make it easy to acquire your target and are designed to allow you to aim rather than point your shotgun.  I also like the fiber optics on my gun which allows me to see my sights and target more clearly.  They glow well even in low light conditions, such as an overcast day or in areas with heavy tree cover.  Durability was an initial concern but after a couple seasons hunting, I haven’t had an issue.  I’ve found these sights are designed to take the punishment turkey hunting can put on equipment year after year.

PRODUCT LIMITATIONS
A couple limitations come to mind associated with the Truglo Xtreme Universal Sight.  The universal design which will fit most ventilated rib shotguns, can be a slight challenge to put on your firearm.  The pieces of both the front and back sight are small including very small screws (allen head), but most anyone can put these sights on themselves.  They are extremely solid once in place and tightened on your shotgun.
If you use your shotgun for other types of hunting such as goose or on the clay field, you will probably need to remove these rifle style sights.  Though I’ve never tried it, I can’t imagine these sights would be good for pointing and fast wing shooting.
Finally, a minor concern is the fiber optic in the front sight is somewhat exposed, and could possibly break if hit hard.  I don’t believe this happens often and has never happened to me.

RECOMMENDATION
I would recommend this product to any turkey hunter.  For very little cost, you can greatly enhance the accuracy of both you and your gun.  I know having these sights on my turkey gun has given me a great amount of confidence when it comes time to pull the trigger.  Turkey hunting is a sport that has never come easy to me, so when I work a gobbler close, I want to be prepared to make the shot count.  Truglo sights shine bright, are very durable, and the adjustability on them are second to none.