A Reminder For All Of Us On The Eve Of Youth Day

April 3, 2009

Tomorrow across the state of North Carolina youngsters will get the first crack at a spring gobbler. Turkey hunting is very safe as long as everyone follows some basic safety rules. I found these on Kansas Wildlife but they are good rules for all of us to remember.

Keeping one simple fact in mind should help prevent accidents: be sure of your target before you shoot. Only bearded turkeys may be taken in the spring, so positive identification is the key. In addition, take only clear shots, never walk through the woods calling, and never gobble. Another good tip is to wear hunter orange while moving.
Other safety measures that can help ensure a safe turkey hunt include the following:
• if you wear camouflage, cover your entire body, including face and hands, and never wear the colors red, white or blue, which appear on a turkey’s head;
• always set up to call in a fairly open area with good visibility in every direction, with your back against a tree or other object that is wider than your shoulders;
• when hunting with companions, be sure of everyone’s location;
• attempting to sneak up on a turkey can lead to accidents;
• never assume that you are alone in the woods, even if you are the only one with permission to hunt the land;
• assume that every sound you hear is made by another hunter;
• you must see the whole bird to determine whether it is safe and legal to shoot; and
• if you see another hunter approaching, remain still and yell or whistle. Never wave, use a turkey call, or stand up.

In North Carolina it is legal to take a beardless gobbler but please be sure of your target before shooting. Better to pass up a questionable shot rather than taking it and regretting or worse yet hurting someone. I don’t have a youngster to take out this year but I wish all the kids best of luck.