Arizona Drawing Results For Spring Hunts

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ –-(AmmoLand.com)- The more than 35,000 hunters who applied for a tag to hunt spring turkey, javelina, buffalo or bear in 2010 can find out if they were drawn by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 (option 2).

Game and Fish officials said that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Dec. 4. Unsuccessful or rejected applicants will have their refund mailed out by Nov. 27.

There are plenty of remaining tags available on a first-come, first-serve basis for those individuals who forgot to submit an application or were unsuccessful in the 2010 spring drawing. Remaining tags include more than 10,000 javelina tags (328 juniors-only), nearly 200 turkey tags, and just over 70 tags for archery-only bear hunts. For a detailed listing of leftover permits, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or call (623) 236-7702.

There are now two systems to obtain a leftover tag. Paper applications will be accepted by mail only starting on Monday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. (MST). However, beginning on Monday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can also obtain a leftover tag in person (over-the-counter) from any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available. For additional information on Camp Navajo, call (928) 773-3306 and Fort Huachuca call (520) 533-2549.

Juniors-only hunts
Youngsters interested in hunting have many choices and special seasons that are only open to kids. These hunts offer an outdoor family experience and a memory of a lifetime.

There are more than 300 juniors-only spring javelina tags remaining from the draw for $22.50 (by mail or from department offices only). Juniors-only spring turkey hunts (shotgun shooting shot) are available over-the-counter from any license dealer or department office for just $10. A unique December hunt for sandhill cranes still has several tags (good for three birds) available for $22.50 (by application sent via U.S. mail only).

Both javelina and turkey are big game animals and the minimum age to hunt them is 10 years old. Kids age 10 to 13 must complete an Arizona certified hunter education course to hunt big game which includes turkey and javelina.

The anticipated drawing deadline to apply for a 2010 pronghorn antelope and elk tag is the second Tuesday in February 2010. Winter drawing information and regulations should be available on the department’s web site, www.azgfd.gov, by mid to late December 2009.

Sidebar:
With small game season in full swing, now is a great time to get out in the field and do some hunting and scouting for your upcoming hunt. Most of the habitat that javelina occupy is also good habitat for quail (Gambel’s, scaled and Mearns’), cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, dove, squirrel and even ducks. Not to mention, all of these species make great table fare when cared for properly.

Other great hunting opportunities
Young hunters can hone many of the same skills needed to hunt javelina when pursuing rabbits and squirrels with a .22 rifle including, using their binoculars to discover game, identifying habitat, stalking, marksmanship, and proper field care for dressing harvested game.

Small game season offers big fun, with plenty of pursuits and long seasons, including:

• Year-round – cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits
• Oct. 2, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Gambel’s and scaled quail
• Oct. 2 – Dec. 31, 2009 – Squirrel season
• Oct. 9/23, 2009 – Jan 17/31, 2010 – Waterfowl season (mountain/desert zones)
• Nov. 20 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010 – Dove season
• Nov. 27, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 – Mearns’ quail

To learn more about the fun hunting small game, including events, tips and outlooks, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml.

Note:

Hunting and fishing continues to be the cornerstone and a primary source of funding for wildlife management and conservation in North America. In Arizona alone, more than 418,000 hunters and anglers spend $3.8 million a day, or $1.3 billion per year, participating in these activities to the benefit of local economies. Regardless of whether one chooses to actively participate in hunting or angling, people interested in wildlife and its future should understand the role sportsmen play in conservation.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Arizona Game And Fish Announces Drawing Results For Spring Hunts

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)-The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife wants to remind hunters that lottery applications for six-day turkey hunts on state wildlife areas next spring must be received in the Division’s Dover office no later than Friday, Dec. 18. Applications will be drawn at random to allow hunters to participate in one of three six-day hunts on state lands during turkey season in April 2010.

For the first time, a limited number of permits will be available for the C&D Canal Wildlife Area, bringing the total number of wildlife areas open during Delaware’s spring gobbler hunt to 20. To be considered for the lottery, hunters must have completed the Delaware Turkey Hunter Education Class and must hold a valid Delaware hunting license unless exempt from state licensing requirements.

“We have been offering this spring hunting opportunity for several years, and it has been very successful,” said Ken Reynolds, a Wildlife program manager with the Division. “Last year, 31 birds were harvested on public land – a new record that also accounted for 10 percent of the state’s total turkey harvest.”

An application form for the hunts can be found on page 46 of the 2009 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide, or hunters can print the form online at www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Wildlife.aspx. Applications should be mailed in time for the Dec. 18 deadline to Wildlife Section, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

For more information about Delaware’s spring gobbler hunt or the lottery, please call the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Delaware Opens Lottery Applications For Six-Day Turkey Hunts

Countrymen Innovations

Red Hook, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Countrymen Innovations, the manufacturer of the popular Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy, announced today it will launch several new and innovative hunting and fishing products during the 2010 ATA Show on January 13 – 15 in Columbus, OH.

Countrymen Innovations, based in Red Hook, NY, has a long history of designing and developing innovative hunting and fishing products. The new products unveiled at the 2010 ATA Show will provide solutions to issues hunters and fishermen encounter and are unlike any products available on the market.

Countrymen Innovations previously launched their Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy earlier this year and it is available through an ever-expanding network of dealers across the United States. The Jake Intimidator is like no other decoy on the market. So innovative, so easy to set up, and so easy to use, the effectiveness of the Jake Intimidator has created the GotMotion Revolution with turkey hunters.

“We’re really looking forward to introducing our new products at the 2010 ATA Show in Columbus. We feel these products will be a great benefit to hunters and fishermen.” said Rich Wyant, president of Countrymen Innovations, “The ATA Show will also be a good opportunity to introduce our Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy directly to the large amount of buyers attending the show.”

Countrymen Innovations continues its search for high-quality sales representation for their Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy and other products in the Southern, Great Lakes, and Northeast regions. Interested sales agencies can contact Mark Murphy at mark@wildsportsmarketing.com for more information. Murphy will also attend the ATA Show with Countrymen Innovations.

About Countrymen Innovations in Red Hook, NY
Countrymen Innovations, owned and managed by Rich Wyant and Guy Magarelli, is the manufacturer of the innovative Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy and the GotMotion Revolution. Wyant and Magarelli are life-long outdoorsmen with a 25 year history of designing and developing hunting and fishing products. For more info, visit Countrymen Innovations on the web at: http://www.CountrymenInnovations.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Turkey Hunting Decoy Maker Bringing Innovation To 2010 ATA Show

Arkansas Spring Turkey Season Dates Set by AGFC

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Little Rock, AR --(AmmoLand.com)- For the fourth consecutive year, commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have agreed that a shorter season is needed to match gobbler harvest to recent below-average turkey brood production. It also will allow more hens to breed and start nesting before hunters take to the woods.

The season framework was approved after a review of recent harvests, brood surveys and gobbling chronology data along with input from turkey hunters.

Commissioners also approved adding two zones on Arkansas lands east of the Mississippi River. Zone 17A will follow the season frameworks and bag limits of adjacent Tennessee lands, while Zone 17B will follow season frameworks for adjacent Mississippi lands.

A Saturday opening day amendment was approved in a close vote. The proposal that came out of committee called for a Monday opener of the spring turkey season. The vote was 4-3 in favor of the Saturday opener.

The spring 2010 turkey season youth hunt will be April 3-4 for most of the state. The youth hunt in zones 17 and 17A will be March 27-28, and zone 17B will be March 6-12.

The statewide spring turkey season will be April 10-27 in zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9 and 10; April 10-20 in zones 4, 4A, 5A and 9A, April 3-20 in zone 17, April 3-May 16 in zone 17A, and March 13-May 2 in zone 17B. Zone 1A will be closed.

The bag limit for the spring season will be the same as last year’s turkey season. Individual limit of two gobblers or bearded turkeys for spring season in turkey zones 1, 2, 3, 4B, 5, 5B, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 10 and 17; one gobbler or bearded turkey in turkey zones 4, 4A, 5A and 9A. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day, no more than one jake (sub-adult male) may be taken per season and no more than two legal turkeys may be taken during the spring season in any combination of zones. In zone 17A, hunters will be limited to four bearded turkeys with no more than one legal turkey per day. In zone 17B, the limit will be three adult gobblers (or gobblers with at least a six-inch beard) with no more than one adult gobbler taken per day.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Spring Turkey Season Dates Set by AGFC

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Those participating in the state’s fall turkey season are encouraged to report their harvests through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new online system.

To report a turkey harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the blue box with rotating script in the upper right-hand corner of the website, select “Harvest Reporting,” then click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.

A series of options will appear for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed. Responses to all harvest questions are required.

Roe noted that hunters still have the option to file harvest report postcards, which are included as tear-out sheets in the annual digest they received when they purchased their licenses.

“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online reporting system, which will ensure that their harvest is recorded and save the Game Commission money on postage,” Roe said. “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a turkey report it to the agency.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Turkey Hunters Encouraged To Report Harvest Online

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Every fall, hunters head into Pennsylvania’s forests and woodlots in pursuit of wild turkeys. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, it’s one of autumn’s greatest competitions as hunters try to call in their quarries. It’s also a time when hunters really need to be in tune with their surroundings.

“Staying alert and making sound shooting decisions will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and the safety of others in turkey season this fall,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “So, too, will always handling your sporting arm in a safe and responsible way.

“The Game Commission has worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation and the agency’s cadre of volunteer hunter-trapper education instructors over the past decade to reverse what was a growing number of turkey hunting-related shooting incidents. Today, Pennsylvania’s woods are safer for turkey hunters. But hunters must remain vigilant. Paying attention and hunting safely ensure that your trip afield remains an enjoyable one.”

Hunters are urged to follow the SMART rules for firearms safety that is reinforced in the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education Program. Being SMART with firearms will ensure you hunt safely and responsibly.

The acronym SMART reinforces the following rules:

• - Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction;
• - Make Sure: Positively identify your target;
• - Always Check: Know what’s beyond your target before shooting;
• - Respect Firearms: Treat all firearms as if they were loaded; and
• - Trigger Caution: Don’t touch the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.

Turkey hunters should always hunt defensively, assuming every movement or sound they hear is another hunter until they can be absolutely certain that it isn’t. If you see another hunter approaching your calling location, don’t move or wave to get their attention. Yell, “Stop!” to verbally announce your presence.

Protect your back by sitting at the base of a large tree or rock. Make sure you positively identify your target as a turkey before you disengage the safety of your sporting arm.

Don’t shoot at movement or sounds you think might be a turkey. Let the turkeys come to you and watch their approach carefully.

In addition, while wearing orange is required for all fall turkey hunters while moving, hunters should consider wearing or posting orange at all times. For orange requirements, please see page 70 of the 2009-10 Digest.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Turkey Hunters Urged To Be Attentive & Safe

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Each year, Pennsylvania Game Commission field officers and foresters develop game forecasts for the areas they work to share with interested hunters and trappers. Observations on local wild turkey populations are always a part of this annual offering.

The Game Commission’s “Field Officer Forecasts” can be found in the center of the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Developed to share field officer perspectives and observations on game and furbearer trends in their respective districts and to help hunters and trappers get closer to the action afield, this information helped many sportsmen and sportswomen have more enjoyable days afield last year.

“Our field personnel spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in the areas hunters and trappers are most interested in learning more about,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“Their observations have value to hunters and trappers, so in 2006 we set up a cyber-clearinghouse where anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident – can access game and furbearer forecasts from every county of the state. It’s the detailed field reporting hunters and trappers seek out, and part of our longstanding commitment to be the first and best source of hunting and trapping information in the Commonwealth.”

Roe noted the Game Commission divides the state’s 67 counties into six regions, and then each region is divided into WCO districts comprised of about 300 square miles each.

There are 136 WCO districts statewide. Each of the 29 LMGS groups is comprised of a number of counties or portions of counties within each region, and seeks to equally distribute the amount of State Game Lands and public access lands within the region. The number of foresters ranges per region, from four to nine.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvania Local Wild Turkey Information Also Available Online

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is expecting hunters to encounter a sizeable wild turkey population when they head afield for the opening day of wild turkey season on Oct. 31. And, because of the abundant acorn crop this year, finding birds this fall may be more difficult than it was last year.

“Wild turkey hunting is one of Pennsylvania’s premiere outdoor experiences,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “The satisfaction derived from calling in and taking a game bird that can see you twitch at 50 yards is a fulfillment that veteran hunters never tire of and new turkey hunters can’t wait to experience.

“The good news for this fall is that we believe there are great opportunities for wild turkey hunters throughout the state. But, as always, pre-season scouting and planning will be important to your hunting success.”

Season lengths vary in the state’s Wildlife Management Units for fall turkey hunting: WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 4A and 4B – Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMUs 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E – Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 5A and 5B – closed to fall hunting; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 31-Nov. 4. (NOTE: On page 52 of the 2009-10 Digest, the fall turkey season dates for WMU 2F are incorrect. The correct dates are listed above: Oct. 31-Nov. 14.)

Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist, said fall turkey hunters will face two challenges, but nothing that a little pre-season scouting can’t remedy. Those challenges are: smaller flocks of young turkeys in the woods caused by a cool, wet spring that decreased nesting success, which translates to a lower than average population of young turkeys; and an abundant crop of acorns, mostly red oak group, though white oaks tend to be scarce in many areas, which research has shown tends to disperse turkeys and flocks throughout the woods, making them harder to locate and hunt.

“Fortunately, the turkey population in the spring prior to nesting was above average, at about 345,000 birds, rebounding during the past three years from its low, in 2006, of 291,000, so there remains an above-average population of turkeys in Penn’s Woods,” Casalena said. “The state’s wild turkey population is above the 10-year-average thanks to good reproduction the past two springs and generally conservative fall season lengths, which prevents the overharvest of hens.”

Locating a flock is only part of the hunt, Casalena said. Properly setting up and bringing a turkey within range is another challenge, and is what makes turkey hunting simultaneously tricky and enjoyable.

“Overall, I anticipate turkey hunters to enjoy success rates only slightly lower than last year, when 16 percent of fall turkey hunters harvested turkeys, a great improvement from the 12 percent success rate over the previous three years. Hunter success has been as high as 21 percent (2001, a year with excellent recruitment), and as low as 4 percent (1979). The final 2008 fall harvest was 24,288, similar to the previous several years.”

The preliminary spring 2009 harvest, calculated from hunter report cards, was about 41,400, which is similar to last year. Additionally, during the spring season, hunters harvested about 1,880 gobblers using the second tag, or “special turkey licenses.” Even though spring harvests are down from the record 49,200, in 2001, Pennsylvania hunters have consistently maintained spring harvests above 30,000 bearded turkeys since 1995, exceeding most other states in the nation.

“Turkey population management is centered on regulating the fall either-sex season,” Casalena said. “Our goal is to maximize recreational opportunity without adversely affecting populations. According to guidelines outlined in our Turkey Management Plan, we increase fall season lengths when turkey populations are increasing, but must reduce season lengths when populations are declining.”

Casalena noted that fall turkey seasons were changed in three WMUs: WMU 2D was shortened to two weeks (Oct. 31 – Nov. 14) to help the population rebound to former abundance levels; WMUs 5C and 5D were shortened to 4 days (Oct. 31 – Nov. 4). Also, WMU 5A remains closed to fall turkey hunting for the seventh year to help restore the turkey population there.

“Research showed that the fall harvest was one factor adversely impacting that turkey population,” Casalena said. “Reopening the fall season in WMU 5A is our goal, and the turkey population has shown improvement. The fall season also remains closed in WMU 5B, where we are continuing to allow the population to grow after three years (2001-2003) of transferring wild turkeys into parts of the WMU that had sufficient habitat, but no turkeys. Citizens now regularly see turkey populations where they had been absent for close to 70 years.

“Also, please remember to report any leg-banded turkeys harvested. Leg bands are stamped with a toll-free number to call, and provide important information for the joint research project being conducted in partnership with other states and the National Wild Turkey Federation.”

In both spring and fall turkey seasons, it is unlawful to use drives to hunt turkeys. Hunters may take only one turkey in the fall season.

Shot size is limited to No. 4 lead, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or No. 2 steel. Turkey hunters also are required to tag their bird before moving it and to report their harvest within 10 days of taking a turkey. (For more information on the new online harvest reporting system, please see the fourth article in this news release titled TURKEY HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT HARVEST ONLINE).

Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information, please see page 12 of the 2009-10 Digest for the legal hunting hours table. Also, it is lawful to use a dog to pursue, chase, scatter and track wild turkeys during the fall wild turkey season. Hunters are prohibited from using dogs to hunt any other big game animal, including spring gobbler. For minimum orange requirements, please see page 70 of the 2009-10 Digest, as the requirements differ depending on the Wildlife Management Unit.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvnania’s Fall Turkey Season Begins Oct. 31

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters harvested 438 wild turkeys during the first five days of Ohio’s fall wild turkey hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The season opened on October 10 and will run through November 29.

Last year, hunters killed 547 birds in the same time period. The top 10 counties for wild turkeys killed to date are: Coshocton – 24, Ashtabula – 23, Guernsey 18; Brown and Tuscarawas – 17, Perry, Ross, Trumbull and Washington – 15, and Highland – 14.

Wild turkeys can be hunted in 48 counties during the fall season with the addition of two additional counties: Defiance and Williams. More than 20,000 hunters pursued wild turkeys in Ohio last fall.

Fall wild turkey hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex per hunter for the fall season. A fall turkey permit is required in addition to a current Ohio hunting license. All turkeys killed must be taken to an official turkey check station by 8 p.m. on the day of harvest.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

NOTE: The following is a breakdown by county of wild turkeys checked and tagged through October 14. The number taken during the 2008 fall turkey season is marked in (_): 2009 (2008); counties marked (NA) had no fall season in 2008. A final tally will be provided at the close of the season.

Adams – 6 (17); Ashland – 13 (7); Ashtabula – 23 (39); Athens – 11 (15); Belmont – 8 (7); Brown – 17 (22); Carroll – 10 (11); Clermont – 7 (23); Columbiana – 6 (18); Coshocton – 24 (19); Cuyahoga – 0 (0); Defiance – 5 (NA); Gallia – 5 (10); Geauga – 10 (11); Guernsey – 18 (13); Harrison – 12 (20); Highland – 14 (15); Hocking – 9 (2); Holmes – 12 (18); Jackson – 12 (17); Jefferson – 4 (5); Knox – 8 (11); Lake – 7 (4); Lawrence – 12 (6); Licking – 9 (10); Lorain – 5 (8); Mahoning – 3 (4); Medina – 5 (8); Meigs – 8 (12); Monroe – 9 (5); Morgan – 11 (9); Morrow – 4 (5); Muskingum – 5 (7); Noble – 2 (21); Perry – 15 (6); Pike – 2 (8); Portage – 9 (13); Richland – 6 (16); Ross – 15 (10); Scioto – 9 (8); Stark – 8 (5); Summit – 4 (4); Trumbull – 15 (17); Tuscarawas – 17 (21); Vinton – 6 (15); Washington – 15 (20); Wayne – 0 (5) and Williams – 3 (NA).
Preliminary total – 438 (547).

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio’s Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Season Underway

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that leftover and unclaimed Fall Turkey Permits and all Non-Lottery Deer Permits will become available for sale on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Leftover and unclaimed lottery permits for deer seasons at Fort Dix (Zone 37) and Monmouth Battlefield (Zone 64) will also become available at that time. Permits can be purchased at all license agents or online.

All lottery award winners are reminded that they have until 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 11 to claim their permit(s). Permits that remain unclaimed will become available for sale on the 13th.

For more information, including which Deer Management Zones and which Turkey Hunting Areas have permits available, dates for obtaining Antlered Deer Permits, Special Deer Areas information, and how to check on current permit availability after October 13 visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/deer_turkpermits_fall09.htm on the division’s website.

About:
Division of Fish and Wildlife is a professional environmental agency dedicated to the protection, management and wise use of New Jersey’s fish and wildlife resources.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

New Jersey Deer and Fall Turkey Permit Information

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)-The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources predicts a slightly higher harvest of wild turkeys during the 2009 fall hunting season compared to the fall 2008 harvest of 1,206, according to Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management for DNR. This prediction is based upon the increased number of turkey broods reported in July and field notes reported by cooperators in the 2009 West Virginia Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook.

“The poor and spotty mast conditions reported this fall will tend to concentrate birds, and wildlife biologists expect many flocks to be out feeding in open fields or along field borders,” Johansen predicted. “These factors will serve to make birds more accessible to hunters and vulnerable to harvest.”

The spotty hard mast production found in the Eastern Panhandle and mountain counties should concentrate turkeys in areas where the beech and oak mast “hit.” This concentration of turkeys around available food sources in the traditional fall-hunted counties will provide turkey hunters with greater opportunities for success.

Wildlife biologists expect the fall turkey harvest in the mountain counties to be up slightly, while the fall harvest in the Eastern Panhandle is expected to be similar to last year’s numbers. The non-traditional fall-hunted counties found in the Northern Panhandle and along the Ohio River Valley are also expected to see fall turkey harvests similar to last year.

Hunters should be aware of changes in the counties that will be open for fall turkey hunting during the 2009 hunting season. Fourteen traditional fall-hunted counties will be open to a four-week season Oct. 24 through Nov. 21, 2009.

Preston County will have a two-week season from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7. Nine counties (Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Marshall, Mason, Ohio, Upshur, Wirt, and Wood), will be open Oct. 24 through Oct. 31. Consult the 2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for details or log onto the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Web site at www.wvdnr.gov for additional information.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

West Virginia Forecasts Higher Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Harvest

ATI’s Adjustable Hunting Stock

ATI Gun Stocks

Milwaukee, WI --(AmmoLand.com)- After one year of new ownership under John Chvala and Eric Pfleger, Advanced Technology International (ATI), has developed and announced a new generation of shotgun hunting stock and forend that transitions your gun into a universal and versatile hunting tool.

ATI’s New Adjustable Hunting Stock adjusts in four positions from 12-3/8” to 14-3/8” with one easy push of a button, making the adjustment quick for your changing length of pull due to extra clothing during those winter months in the field. Hunters also may prefer a shorter length of pull during turkey season when you’re setting up on that gobbling tom.

Another big advantage to this system is that it enables youth to have a properly fitted gun, making their hunting experience much more rewarding.

The incorporated neoprene cheek rest and recoil reducing buttpad with non-slip surface, offers added comfort when shooting. Interchangeable grips allow you to put your personal touch on your stock.

The forend has been ergonomically tailored with a non-slip grip for added confidence.

This new DuPont Reinforced Polymer shotgun stock and forend fits the 12 and 20 gauge Remington 870, Maverick 88, Winchester 1200/1300 and Mossberg 500/590 models.

The adjustable Hunting Stock and Forend is weather proof, has a limited lifetime warranty and is available in Matte Black, Camouflage and ATI’s exclusive DyeHard™ Camo finishes.

~Take ATI To The Field~

About:
ATI is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is an ISO Certified facility complete with its own plastic mold injection plant consisting of state of the art robotic machinery. ATI has its own in-house tooling facility for a quick turn around on new product development. The testing facility, located in Iowa, warrants the safety and quality of ATI products, and is taking advantage of the advancements in synthetic polymer resin engineering. ATI’s guiding principles are to provide high quality gunstocks and accessories for a vast variety of rifles and shotguns, to produce economical priced products that never compromise quality and develop products that are easy and safe to install onto your firearm. www.ATIgunstocks.com

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

ATI’s New Hunting Stock Adjusts To Hunter’s Full Range of Tactics

(From Left)BOA host, Joe Coogan, Benelli’s, Stephen McKelvain, and Florida turkey guide, Wayne Shelby pose with McKelvain’s Osceola gobbler taken in central Florida

Benelli On Assignment

ACCOKEEK, MD —-(AmmoLand.com)- This week BOA host Joe Coogan and Benelli’s VP of Marketing & Communication, Stephen McKelvain team up with outdoor writers, Dave Dolbee and Terry Gibson, to hunt the elusive and challenging Osceola gobbler in central Florida with outfitter and turkey guide, Wayne Shelby.

Watch as they stalk long-beards through palmetto thickets and cypress swamps and set up Hazel Creek Taxidermy’s real-life decoys to attract these tough-to-call turkeys.

This action-filled turkey hunt showcases the brand new Benelli Vinci shotgun on its inaugural North American hunt. Introduced in March 2009, the12-gauge Vinci is the fastest-shooting, softest-kicking, most reliable lightweight shotgun in the world.

Watch for tales of this exiting hunt in upcoming issues of Petersen’s Hunting Magazine and Outdoor Life.

Benelli On Assignment, an original program from Benelli TV, now in its third season, teams BOA host, Joe Coogan with editors, writers and photographers from national outdoor publications to field test and showcase Benelli products at top hunting spots around the world. From Argentina’s incredible dove-filled skies to North America’s waterfowl-packed marshes and spectacular plains and prairies, BOA presents the very best in hunting adventure that is also featured on the pages of your favorite outdoor magazine.

Watch BOA each week on VERSUS, every Friday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 8:30 am. Below are the dates and times of upcoming BOA TV shows.

Upcoming Episodes
Date Time Episode

Sept. 25 5:00 pm Florida Turkey #1
Sept. 27 8:30 am Florida Turkey #1
Oct. 2 5:00 pm Florida Turkey #2
Oct. 4 8:30 am Florida Turkey #2

For more information on Benelli TV shows log on to www.benellitv.com.

About:
Join us on the Outdoor Channel for the seventh season of top-rated Benelli’s American Safari. Host Tom Knapp and his guests hunt birds and big game all over the world using a selection of Benelli firearms. Also appearing on the Outdoor Channel is Benelli’s newest TV show Benelli Presents Duck Commander, showcasing the “first family” of duck hunting and featuring the original “Duck Commander,” Phil Robertson. Benelli On Assignment returns to the Versus network for the third year with host, Joe Coogan traveling the globe with recognized writers and photographers, hunting large and small game, and putting the Benelli guns to the test for articles and photography appearing in top national publications. Benelli TV has the hunting shows to watch, featuring high adventure, exhilarating hunts and your favorite guns from the complete Benelli USA family of fine firearms.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

This Week’s Benelli On Assignment – Florida Turkey #1

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Rick White

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rick White of Cedar Rapids, Iowa recently finished first in the Iowa State Championship turkey calling Contest.

The annual contest draws competitors from Iowa and surrounding states. There are contest categories for Junior, Intermediate, Hunter, Owl Hooting, Friction calls, Seniors and Overall State Champion.

Rick not only took first place overall, he also placed first in the Senior Open and was second in the Owl Hooting event.

Rick has also won a number of other turkey calling contests including the Iowa Open (seven times), Wisconsin (1997) and Nebraska Open (Twice). He also won the Minnesota Owl Hooting Championship from 1994-1996 and the Iowa Owl Hooting Championship in 2001 and 2007.

As a member of the Pro Staff, White’s experience and knowledge of the Midwest woods is a valuable asset to Hunter’s Specialties. He has shared his expertise on Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors on The Outdoor Channel and ESPN Outdoors with Tom Miranda. He has appeared on the Hunter’s Specialties DVD series PrimeTime Bucks, PrimeTime Bulls and Cutt’n & Strutt’n. Rick has also appeared on American Whitetail and In Pursuit with Greg Miller.

Rick is an accomplished videographer and films hunts for Hunter’s Specialties TV and DVD series. When he is not hunting or filming, Rick travels the country, conducting seminars on turkey and deer hunting, sharing his knowledge, expertise and passion for the outdoors with others.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

White Wins Iowa State Turkey Calling Championship

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- New Jersey’s 2009 Wild Turkey Fall Hunting Season begins Monday, October 26 and continues through Saturday, October 31. Great turkey hunting opportunities, fabulous weather and spectacular foliage all combine to make fall turkey hunting a wonderful autumn experience. Don’t miss out this year. Leftover permits will be available over the counter for all of the turkey zones open for the fall season.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife continually monitors the state’s wild turkey population. This year’s monitoring of productivity indicates production of young birds (poults) was fair to good, which bodes well for fall turkey hunters. Hunters should expect a decent density of juvenile birds in the forests and fields this fall.

A permit is required to hunt during the fall turkey season. Leftover Fall Turkey permits will be available beginning 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13 for the following Turkey Hunting Areas (THAs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, , 8, 9 10, 11, 20. 21 and 22.

These leftover and unclaimed permits will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Permits can be purchased via the on-line licensing system or at a license agent. The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is the only Division facility that sells permits. Permits cost $21.00 for each adult permit and $12.00 for each youth permit.

For more information on over-the-counter turkey permit sales call the 24-hour computerized permit hotline at 609-292-9192 or visit the Permit Information page at www.njfishandwildlife.com/permit_info.htm on the division’s website. For information on wild turkeys in New Jersey visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/turkey_info.htm , also on the division’s site.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Fall Turkey Season Opens October 26 2009

Countrymen Innovations

Red Hook, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Countrymen Innovations, the manufacturer of the innovative Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy and the GotMotion Revolution, announced today an official endorsement agreement with Bob Walker, executive producer and host of Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV airing on the Sportsman Channel and other networks.

Walker will join the Countrymen Innovations’ GotMotion Revolution Pro-Staff and will raise awareness of the Jake Intimidator Wild Turkey Decoy through his TV show and the Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies website.

Walker is a former Pennsylvania-licensed hearing healthcare specialist and the founder of Walker’s Game Ear. He is an avid hunter- traveling and filming hunts around the world. Now entering its 9th season, Walker’s TV show Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV has won the Sportsman Channel Viewer’s Choice Award 4 times.

“Over the years I’ve had many opportunities to field test a number of turkey decoys. The Jake Intimidator is so effective because of its REAL LIFE look and MOTION.” said Walker, “As time goes by and the reputation of the Jake Intimidator spreads, there is no doubt in my mind that the Jake Intimidator will absolutely change the turkey decoy industry!”

Walker’s testimonial drives home the benefits of the Jake Intimidator and is posted in its entirety on the Jake Intimidator Blog at: http://blog.jakeintimidator.com
About Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV

Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV is a fast paced show that delivers as much outdoor information as possible to viewers in a 30 minute action packed program. With over 100 years of outdoor experience combined on the pro staff, join Paul Butski, Ray Eye, Terry Rohm, Bob Walker and the rest of the SOS team for Strategies that may help you the next time you venture into the great outdoors. For more information, please visit: http://www.sportsmensoutdoorstrategies.com

About Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV
Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV is a fast paced show that delivers as much outdoor information as possible to viewers in a 30 minute action packed program. With over 100 years of outdoor experience combined on the pro staff, join Paul Butski, Ray Eye, Terry Rohm, Bob Walker and the rest of the SOS team for Strategies that may help you the next time you venture into the great outdoors. For more information, please visit: http://www.sportsmensoutdoorstrategies.com

About Countrymen Innovations in Red Hook, NY
Countrymen Innovations, owned and managed by Rich Wyant and Guy Magarelli, is the manufacturer of the innovative Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy and the GotMotion Revolution. Wyant and Magarelli are life-long outdoorsmen with a 25 year history of designing and developing hunting and fishing products. Their products make hunters and fisherman more successful by providing solutions to common issues encountered in the woods and on the

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy Endorsed By Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops - -(AmmoLand.com)- If your goal is to take an autumn gobbler, get out there and find their roost trees and under them, look for gobbler tracks, j-shaped droppings, and black-edged breast feathers.

If you can, also find the sunny, shallow, loose, soil depressions they use for dusting areas.

Now, find their preferred food sources like grasshoppers in the fields and acorns in the woods. To really improve your odds, get out real early one morning and find out which way they fly down from the roost.

Once the season is underway, you will know all their preferred areas. When you find them, rush the flock to scatter them and then set up and wait for them to regroup while listening and calling sporadically. Do not call aggressively and stay alert. Gobblers will sometimes answer with a cluck or yelp.

Hunting autumn gobblers will test your skills, senses and patience but it sure is fun! Walter Parrott is a member of the RedHead® Pro Hunting Team.

For more tips, log onto basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Scouting For Autumn Gobblers

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Get ready turkey hunters; it is going to be a long season. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to remind those hunters used to an October opening that the fall season begins Sept. 15.

From Sept. 15-Dec. 31, holders of fall turkey hunting permits may pursue gobblers using either shotgun or archery equipment. Also, there is no need to suspend the hunt in November. They may hunt turkeys during the November firearm deer season, although they must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest and back during the November firearm deer season.

The longer season and hunting in November are the two biggest changes to fall turkey hunting in 2009.

No longer are there separate archery and shotgun fall seasons, with permits required for each respective weapon. Hunters only need to purchase a fall turkey hunting permit, then may harvest turkeys with either equipment.

In 2008, 11,335 fall turkey permits were sold and 8,775 birds were taken. Those numbers are expected to increase dramatically this year due to the large population of birds and the liberalized season.

“Fall turkey population numbers should be outstanding,” according to Kit Hams, big game program manager for the Commission.

“We have a record adult population and good spring weather resulted in big increases in the Summer Rural Mail Carrier Survey,” he said. “The summer survey results were up 40 percent from 2008 and up 230 percent from 2002. The Panhandle and central Nebraska regions increased the most, but all regions showed an increase in turkey numbers. In general, the number of birds should be the best we’ve ever seen in most areas.”

Fall turkey permits allow the harvest of two birds of either sex and are valid statewide. Nebraska turkey permits costs $24 for residents, $91 for nonresidents, and up to two fall permits per hunter can be purchased online or at any Commission office. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

For more information about turkey hunting regulations in Nebraska, go to OutdoorNebraska.org or pick up a copy of the 2009 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting Seasons pamphlet, available at Commission offices and permit vendors across the state.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Nebraska Perdicts Record Turkey Harvests

Remington Arms Company

Madison, NC –-(AmmoLand.com)- Remington Wingmaster HD has set the industry standard for waterfowl, turkey and predator hunting ammunition since its introduction. Now, hunters seeking the ultimate in performance from their shotshell ammunition have one more reason to choose it – a new lower price.

Remington Wingmaster HD derives its Drop-Dead-Better® performance from two main attributes. The proprietary alloy from which Wingmaster HD pellets are made is specially-formulated to provide the perfect balance of pellet weight and pattern density. Additionally, Remington’s precision manufacturing process ensures consistent pellet size and shape.

This translates into more consistent pattern density at all ranges and greater overall pattern energy at extended ranges. Despite the new great value at your favorite retailer, Remington is still manufacturing Wingmaster HD with the same quality components and awe-inspiring performance hunters have come to expect.

With the roundest, most consistent heavy-density pellets we’ve ever produced, its on-bird pellet count and downrange energy are second to none. Compare density and performance with others at any price, and you’ll see why birds aren’t the only ones crushed by the news.

Remington Wingmaster HD Ammunition

Gauge Shell Length Oz. Shot Muzzle Velocity Shot Size
10 3 1/2″ 1 3/4 oz. 1300 fps BB, 2, 4
12 2 3/4″ 1 1/4 oz. 1325 fps 4, 6
12 3″ 1 1/4 oz. 1450 fps 2, 4, 6
12 3″ 1 3/8 oz. 1450 fps 2, 4, 6
12 3″ 1 1/2 oz. 1350 fps T
12 3″ 1 1/2 oz. 1300 fps BB, 2, 4
12 3 1/2″ 1 5/8 oz. 1350 fps T
12. 3 1/2″ 1 3/4 oz. 1300 fps BB, 2, 4, 6
20 3″ 1 1/8 oz. 1300 fps 4, 6
20 2 3/4″ 1 oz. 1300 fps 4, 6

About:
Remington Arms Company, Inc., headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Remington Wingmaster HD – The Ultimate Extended-Range Shotshell Ammunition

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Nick Brichacek

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Nick Brichacek, a Pro Staff member of Hunter’s Specialties, has a passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Nick’s dad introduced him to the sport of hunting when he was 6 years old, and he has loved it ever since. Nick has done most of his hunting at home in eastern Nebraska on the Platte River chasing waterfowl.

He was introduced to waterfowl calling by his dad at a young age. Nick learned how to call by watching instructional videos which led him to competition calling. He competed in his first contest at the age of fourteen and has placed in and won many junior calling contests in the Mid-West. Nick won the 2005 Nebraska State Duck Calling contest to qualify him to compete in the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, AR.

Nick enjoys competing in contests, working at shows, and giving seminars for Hunter’s Specialties as well as gaining and sharing knowledge of waterfowl hunting with others. He appreciates the opportunity to talk with and meet fellow waterfowlers from all over the U.S. and Canada. Nick is also involved with the Schuyler Ducks Unlimited Committee.

Nick has appeared on Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors and Waterfowler TV, along with the

Hunter’s Specialties Take’em and Bigfoot’s Series of DVDs

His calling achievements include WCA/Bass Pro Junior National Duck Calling Contest (1st), Nebraska DU State Meet Duck Calling Contest (1st), and Nebraska State Duck Calling Contest (1st).

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Nick Brichacek

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Matt Morrett

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Matt Morrett of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania began his outdoor education while accompanying his father to the woods at the age of six. He soon turned into an accomplished deer and turkey hunter and began entering turkey calling contests.

To date, Matt has won over 50 turkey calling titles, including the 1990 Grand National. He has won five World Friction Calling Championships and has won the U. S. Open turkey calling Championship seven times.

He has been featured on Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors TV show on The Outdoor Channel, along with the PrimeTime Bucks, PrimeTime Bulls, and Cutt’n & Strutt’n DVD series. He has also appeared on ESPN, as well as numerous other TV and radio shows and magazines.

Matt is a sought after speaker, making public appearances throughout the country sharing his knowledge of hunting deer, turkeys, and other big game.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Matt Morrett

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Alex Rutledge

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Alex Rutledge, of Birch Tree, Missouri, has over 30 years of hunting experience. Alex is an accomplished turkey, deer, elk, and predator caller.

He holds several turkey calling titles, including the National Amateur turkey calling Championship in 1987, the Missouri State turkey calling Championship in 1987, and the Grand National Gobbling Championship in 1988. He is also a two-time South Central Missouri Ozark Calling Champion, Southeast Missouri Gobbling Champion, and the Southwest Open turkey calling Champion.

Alex has appeared on the Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors television show on The Outdoor Channel, the PrimeTime Bucks, PrimeTime Bulls and Cutt’n & Strutt’n DVD series, ESPN’s Whitetail Country, and others.

Alex conducts seminars across the country on hunting whitetails and turkeys, sharing his knowledge, faith, and sense of humor with the hunting community. He enjoys guiding smallmouth fishing trips on Ozark streams in his off time.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame for his lifelong dedication to the sport of hunting and his efforts to introduce women, children, and disabled individuals to the outdoors.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Alex Rutledge

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Eddie Salter

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Eddie Salter, of Evergreen, Alabama, began hunting at the age of eight. Using the techniques learned from his father and grandfather, he managed to take his first turkey at the age of 10. That early success has led to a 45-year love affair with the sport of turkey hunting.

He began competitive turkey calling in 1981 and has won two World Open turkey calling Championships, six Alabama State Championships, and seven Southeastern Open Calling Championships.

Eddie is an accomplished deer hunter with a number of trophy bucks to his credit.

In 1985, he created Eddie Salter Calls, Inc., producing a complete line of turkey and deer calls, scents, and hunting videos. He sold the company in 1994, joining the Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff shortly after.

Eddie has appeared on Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors TV on The Outdoor Channel, along with PrimeTime Bucks and Cutt’n & Strutt’n DVD series, ESPN, and ABC’s 20/20 show among others.

Eddie travels the country giving deer and turkey seminars at stores, conferences, and churches, sharing his knowledge and southern humor.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Eddie Salter

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Rick White

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rick White, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was introduced to the hunting tradition at age eight by his father. He began hunting small game and gradually progressed to the challenge of larger species such as deer and turkeys.

White is an accomplished turkey caller. He has won a number of turkey calling contests, including the Iowa State turkey calling Championship eight times and the Iowa Open six times. He was the Wisconsin turkey calling Champion in 1997 and is a two-time winner of the Nebraska Open. In addition, he won the Minnesota Owl Hooting Championship from 1994-96 and the Iowa Owl Hooting Championship in 2001 and 2007.

White’s experience and knowledge of the Midwest woods is a valuable asset to Hunter’s Specialties. He has shared his expertise on Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors on The Outdoor Channel and ESPN Outdoors with Tom Miranda. He has appeared on the Hunter’s Specialties DVD series PrimeTime Bucks, PrimeTime Bulls and Cutt’n & Strutt’n.

Rick is also an accomplished videographer and films hunts for Hunter’s Specialties TV and DVD series. When he is not hunting or filming, Rick travels the country, conducting seminars on turkey and deer hunting, sharing his knowledge, expertise and passion for the outdoors with others.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff Member Rick White

SHE Field Staffer Susan Armstrong and her daughters Alli (l) and Adriana (r) pose with turkeys from their grand slams.

Shesafari.com

Illinois --(AmmoLand.com)- At age 7, Adriana Armstrong may be the youngest girl to harvest the grand slam of turkeys. Her older sister, 11-year old Alli, also scored a grand slam in the spring of 2009. Although many hunters strive to achieve this coveted milestone, the two Illinois siblings are believed to be the youngest grand-slam-sister-team on record.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) identifies the grand slam of turkey hunting as harvesting an Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam’s and Oscelos (Florida) birds. The NWTF awarded the girl’s accomplishments with official certificates and pins. Adriana is believed to be the youngest girl to complete a grand slam. When she started the season, Adriana was 6-years-old and turned 7 during her quest. The entire Armstrong family went on every hunt and all were captured on video. In fact, every member of the family now has grand slams.

Susan Armstrong, the girls’ mother, was the first member of the family to get her grand slam and is a member of the SHE Outdoor Apparel field staff. Susan recalls their recent adventures,” We started out in Florida in Alachua County where the girls took two jakes on the first evening. This completed Alli’s first grand slam and started Adriana’s. As soon as Adriana shot her Osceola she started talking to her daddy about going after her own grand slam.”

The next day Alli and her father Darrick accomplished what Susan describes as, “the ultimate DDD or daughter-daddy-double. They scored on two gobblers, which completed Darrick’s grand slam and started Alli on the trail to her second.”

Upon returning to their farm in Southern Illinois Adriana doubled on two Easterns and Alli took another great gobbler. Soon the family was headed to Donley County in Texas to hunt with All American Outfitters. Adriana got a jake and a gobbler in the same morning. Later that evening Alli called in a four-bearded gobbler and scored her Rio.

Next, they headed to Trophies Plus Outfitters in southeastern Montana to hunt Wyoming Merriam’s with outfitter Mike Watkins. Alli and Darrick pulled off yet another successful DDD.

Alli shot her turkey then gave her dad the gun and took control of the camera to video
his hunt. Adriana completed her grand slam on this hunt too.

This hunt completed Alli’s second grand slam all in one season. Susan describes an added twist to the story,”What made it even more special for everyone is that Alli was able to take her second grand slam with Mark Cubley’s 12 gauge Benelli. Mark was a close family friend who passed away suddenly in the spring of 2008. He had always dreamed of getting his grand slam. Mark was more like an uncle to Alli and Adriana and he loved turkey hunting. Alli and Mark had traveled to Florida the year before he died to try for a slam, but neither one harvested an Osceola. After he passed away, Mark’s family wanted Alli to have his Benelli. She graciously accepted the gun and pursued the emotional grand slam in his memory.”

The hunt culminated a season that would make any hunter proud. For more information on the Armstrong girl’s hunting adventures visit www.alliarmstrong.com.

About:
SHE Outdoor Apparel is a Texas based company specializing in high quality outdoor clothing for women. For more information visit www.shesafari.com or call 281-448-4860.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

The Youngest Turkey Grand Slam

Benelli Performance Shop SBE II Turkey Edition Shotgun

Benelli USA World Class Shotguns

ACCOKEEK, MD – -(AmmoLand.com)- Benelli USA is pleased to announce the release of a special new turkey shotgun—the Benelli Performance Shop SBE II Turkey Edition.

The Super Black Eagle II, already one of the greatest semi-automatic shotguns with fast, deadly field performance, now becomes the ultimate turkey gun with Performance Shop enhancements designed by Rob Roberts of Gobbler Guns, world renowned for his shotgun pattern development.

These finely crafted turkey guns have been fitted with features that provide excellent handling characteristics and enhanced performance. This ultra-reliable Inertia Driven® semi-auto shotgun guarantees tight uniform patterns at long range with reduced felt recoil and fast handling reliability.

Benelli’s Performance Shop Turkey Edition Crio® barrel features a lengthened and polished forcing cone that not only provides consistently uniform patterns, but also lessens felt recoil and prevents wad build-up for cleaner shooting barrels. Performance Shop barrels are ported with holes that are burned with electrical charges, rather than drilled, to prevent burring and stresses to the barrel. These ported holes are angled to redirect gases for recoil reduction and to control muzzle climb for quick follow-up shots.

The Performance Shop Turkey Edition comes with a ComforTech® stock and also includes an accessory SteadyGrip® buttstock. A Burris FastFire II™ sight has been fitted to each gun and sighted-in, and includes custom computer print outs that show actual points-of-impact and the number of pellets in 10-, 20-, and 30-inch circles. For bringing a boss gobbler to bag when range is an issue you need the ultimate turkey gun—Benelli’s Performance Shop Turkey Edition is the one.

“No other gunmaker goes to these lengths to give turkey hunters a combination of gun, choke, sight and ammunition testing,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli’s VP of Marketing & Communications. “that guarantees this is the finest turkey-killing shotgun on the market.”

Specifications:
Model Performance Shop Super Black Eagle II Turkey Edition
Gauge 12 gauge
Barrel Length 24 inches
Barrel Type Crio, ported, with extended X-Full Turkey choke
Sights Burris FastFire II™ Red dot Reflex Sight
Metal Finish Realtree® APG™ Camo
Stock Material Synthetic w/ComforTech® and a SteadyGrip® Buttstock
Average Weight 7.1 lbs.
Overall Length 45 in.
Length of Pull 14.5 inches
Drop at Heel 2 inches
Drop at Comb 1.5 inches
MSRP $2729

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

About:
Whether you’re looking for a 12-gauge shotgun, a 20-gauge shotgun, a pump shotgun, or a specialty model, Benelli shotguns are simply perfect. Benelli offers the world’s largest selection, with more than 120 different models to choose from. Every shotgun Benelli makes delivers cutting-edge innovations in design, technology and manufacturing. A Benelli shotgun is the finest choice for a target or defense shotgun, slug gun, pump shotgun or other semi auto shotgun model. On all of our shotguns Benelli offers fancy walnut, synthetic and camo stocks, Crio® Chokes and ported, cantilevered and rifled barrels. We also provide a wide selection of left handed shotguns. No matter your sport, Benelli’s got your gun, and it’s simply perfect.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Benelli Performance Shop Offers Special SBE II Turkey Edition

Countrymen Innovations

Red Hook, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Countrymen Innovations, the manufacturer of the innovative Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy, announced today it has named outdoors industry promotion specialist Wild Sports Marketing as its solution for public relations, sales and marketing.

Countrymen Innovations, privately owned and managed by Rich Wyant and Guy Magarelli in Red Hook, NY, has a long history of designing and developing hunting and fishing products that provide solutions to common issues hunters and fishermen encounter in the woods and on the water. Their products are manufactured by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen.

The Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy is Countrymen Innovations latest highly-anticipated hunting product. The Jake Intimidator concept began about 5 years ago, when Wyant and Magarelli realized an effective turkey decoy had to have some movement. That realization eventually led to the creation of the Jake Intimidator and the GotMotion Revolution. The Jake is like no other turkey decoy currently on the market.

Wild Sports Marketing will handle Countrymen Innovations’ public relations, sales and marketing. Mark Murphy, owner of Wild Sports Marketing, specializes in promotion of outdoors industry personalities, product manufacturers, hunting and fishing TV shows, and guides, outfitters and lodges. Mark has built a reputation for maximum promotion and exposure at an affordable price. For more information about Wild Sports Marketing, please visit: http://www.wildsportsmarketing.com

“We know we have a great hunting product with our Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy.” said Guy Magarelli, vice-president of Countrymen Innovations, “We’re confident that Mark at Wild Sports Marketing can help us take all our innovative products to the next level.”

Countrymen Innovations asks hunters to view the Jake Intimidator GotMotion Revolution video at their website JakeIntimidator.com, where the decoy is also sold online.

Expect to see the Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy available at outdoor sporting goods stores everywhere in the future. Hunters can also make their favorite local store’s management aware of the Jake Intimidator to help get the decoy in the stores quicker.

About Countrymen Innovations in Red Hook, NY
Countrymen Innovations, owned and managed by Rich Wyant and Guy Magarelli, is the manufacturer of the innovative Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy and the GotMotion Revolution. Wyant and Magarelli are life-long outdoorsmen with a 25 year history of designing and developing hunting and fishing products. Products that provide solutions to common issues hunters and fishermen encounter in the woods and on the water to make hunters and fisherman more successful. For more info, visit Countrymen Innovations on the web at: http://www.CountrymenInnovations.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Jake Intimidator Turkey Decoy Maker Countrymen Innovations Hires Wild Sports Marketing

Winchester Legends TV

Philadelphia, PA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Follow Winchester Legends’ exhibition shooter Patrick Flanigan, SHE Outdoor Apparel President Pam Zaitz and hunting expert Bob Foulkrod—as they hunt bear, whitetail, wild turkey, Africa Plains Game and much more.

Winchester Legends, one of the highest rated outdoor hunting television series on VERSUS, is set to begin airing all new hunting episodes every Friday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. EST starting in August, 2009.

“Adventurous hunts, exciting and experienced hosts, and quality production … that’s what makes Winchester Legends a top-rated outdoor television series,” said Brett Flaugher, vice-president of sales and marketing for Winchester® Ammunition. “We are very proud to showcase our hunting heritage and the Winchester brand to millions of viewers.”

Winchester Ammunition offers a great lineup of hunting shows, available exclusively on VERSUS, a network available to more than 75 million households. Produced by Orion Multimedia (www.orionmultimedia.com), “Winchester Legends” joins “Winchester Whitetail Revolution,” and “Winchester World of Whitetail with Larry Weishuhn,” to round out Winchester’s stable of award-winning outdoor programming.

To find the VERSUS channel number for your area, visit this link. To learn more about each episode of “Winchester Legends,” visit www.winchester.com or www.versus.com.

• Winchester Legends Sponsors
• Winchester Repeating Arms
• Hunter’s Specialties
• SHE Outdoor Apparel
• Red Head
• OTIS Technology
• Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies

Winchester Ammunition is proud to be a leader in supporting charities.

About:
Winchester® Ammunition is partnered with The Kids & Clays Foundation to develop programs and host shooting events across the country to help raise money for Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms and the Ronald McDonald Mobile Medical Units. Ronald McDonald Houses are non-profit organizations that provide temporary lodging for families whose children are being treated in nearby hospitals.

For more information about the shooting events or to learn how to become more involved with the Kids & Clays Foundation, call 219.874.2100 or visit www.kidsandclays.com.

For more information about Winchester Ammunition visit www.winchester.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Winchester Legends Tv Brings New Hosts And Episodes To Versus Country

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Stackhouse Park 5th Annual Wild Turkey Hunting Clinic will be held Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinic will take place at Powell Stackhouse Park, located at 998 Luzerne Street in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

NRA Certified Wild Turkey Hunting Instructors Tom Hindman, Mike Horst, and Kurt Rager will instruct students during this informational event. Participants will learn all about hunting Wild Turkey if they are new to the sport, and current hunters will learn methods and techniques to improve their skills.

“We’ll provide an overview for the novice hunter, and be able to answer questions to help seasoned wild turkey hunters deal with consternations that they have met in the past,” said Hindman.

Anyone interested in hunting Wild Turkey is encouraged to attend. The cost of the clinic is free for children and $15.00 for adults, and includes materials and a catered lunch. Representatives from NRA’s Hunter Services Department, Mossy Oak, Cody Wild turkey calls, Bass Pro Shop, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be on hand for the clinic.

“Year after year these NRA Wild Turkey Instructors provide valuable information for rookie turkey hunters as well as veteran hunters. Hundreds of hunters have attended the turkey and deer hunting clinics at Stackhouse Park and I’m confident that they become better and more successful hunters,” said NRA Hunter Services Program Coordinator Matt Fleming.

Please contact Ranger Jim Pasco at (814) 536-1674 for more information or to register for this event. For more information on NRA’s Hunter Services Department or NRA’s Hunter Clinic Instructor Program, call (703) 267-1524 or visit http://www.nrahq.org/hunting/.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Stackhouse Park Hosts 5th Annual Wild Turkey Clinic

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH - -(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters checked 18,936 wild turkeys during Ohio’s four-week, statewide spring turkey-hunting season that ended May 17, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The preliminary total represents a 2 percent increase over last year’s preliminary harvest number of 18,556.

Ashtabula County again led the state in the number of turkeys killed with 831. Counties with additional high harvest numbers were: Ashtabula-831, Harrison-631, Tuscarawas-609, Clermont-580, Trumbull-568, Guernsey-560, Highland-517, Washington-485, Jackson-475, and Coshocton-454.

In addition to the turkeys taken during the regular season, young hunters harvested another 1,814 birds during a special hunt for ages 17 and younger held April 18-19.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife estimates that more than 75,000 people hunted turkeys during the season. Prior to the start of the spring hunting season, state wildlife biologists estimated the wild turkey population in Ohio to be more than 200,000 birds.

This was the tenth spring that turkey hunting was open in every Ohio county. Only 57 of the state’s 88 counties were open to spring turkey hunting in 1999.

Wild turkeys were nearly extinct in Ohio before being reintroduced in the mid-1950s by the Division of Wildlife. The first spring turkey-hunting season opened in 1966. Wild turkeys are now present in all 88 counties.

Turkey hunters are reminded that licenses purchased now are also valid during the 2009 fall hunting season. Spring turkey permits are good for spring season only. Those participating in the fall turkey season will need to buy a fall turkey permit. The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

About:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Preliminary Spring Turkey Season Results for 2009 Followed by (2008) Final Totals

Adams-394 (321); Allen-63 (38); Ashland-399 (440); Ashtabula-831 (835); Athens-386 (430); Auglaize-43 (47); Belmont-407 (406); Brown-345 (398); Butler-83 (90); Carroll-249 (273); Champaign-78 (87); Clark-43 (21); Clermont-580 (510); Clinton-64 (59); Columbiana-410 (462); Coshocton-454 (485); Crawford-87 (78); Cuyahoga-20 (5); Darke-54 (40); Defiance-254 (222); Delaware-87 (93); Erie-88 (57); Fairfield-95 (77); Fayette-20 (27); Franklin-25 (10); Fulton-76 (67); Gallia-333 (322); Geauga-422 (388); Greene-20 (19); Guernsey-560 (573); Hamilton-173 (134); Hancock-16 (10); Hardin-45 (47); Harrison-631 (547); Henry-31 (24); Highland-517 (403); Hocking-235 (268); Holmes-331 (298); Huron-175 (139); Jackson-475 (471); Jefferson-335 (367); Knox -396 (383); Lake-200 (223); Lawrence-248 (243); Licking-351 (437); Logan -156 (140); Lorain-175 (152); Lucas-66 (52); Madison-4 (4); Mahoning-278 (272); Marion-29 (25); Medina-145 (145); Meigs-371 (392); Mercer-8 (9); Miami-17 (13); Monroe-369 (425); Montgomery-16 (24); Morgan-272 (279); Morrow-268 (252); Muskingum-247 (303); Noble-307 (308); Ottawa-7 (9); Paulding-108 (90); Perry-235 (271); Pickaway-58 (47); Pike-175 (183); Portage-244 (264); Preble-72 (68); Putnam-75 (95); Richland-256 (337); Ross-390 (371); Sandusky-11 (7); Scioto-279 (295); Seneca-187 (106); Shelby-31 (35); Stark-333 (295); Summit-98 (99); Trumbull-568 (507); Tuscarawas-609 (573); Union-17 (32); Van Wert-54 (20); Vinton-207 (255); Warren-129 (74); Washington-485 (495); Wayne-79 (57); Williams-277 (215); Wood-29 (25); Wyandot-66 (62) Totals: 18,936 (18,556)

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

2009 Ohio Spring Turkey Harvest Tops 18,500 Birds

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX - -(TheOutdoorWire.com)- For as little as five dollars you can get a chance at a great hunt. For $25, that highly sought-after tag for desert bighorn sheep or a bull elk may be yours.

The Arizona Big Game Super Raffle now has 10 special big game tags up for raffle to raise money for wildlife conservation in Arizona. The deadline to purchase tickets by mail is July 3 (postmarks don’t count). The deadline to purchase tickets online is July 12.

The big game tags up for raffle include one each for pronghorn antelope, black bear, buffalo, Coues whitetail, desert bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, mule deer, turkey (Gould’s or Merriam’s), and now mountain lion. In addition, there will be a Swarovski Optics package raffled, which will pay for the administration costs of the Super Raffle.

What makes these tags so special? The season dates for each hunt will be 365 days starting Aug. 15 and there are very few limitations on hunting areas.

Launched in 2006 by a consortium of sportsmen’s / conservation groups in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission as a way to raise money for wildlife conservation, the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle returns all ticket proceeds to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Every dollar raised for each species will go directly toward the management of that particular species.

Last year’s raffle raised $478,860.

Raffle tickets cost between $5 and $25, depending on species, and a ticket for all 11 raffles is only $150. Tickets can be purchased by mail using the downloadable order form and making a check payable to AZBGSR. Mail the form and payment to AZBGSR, P.O. Box 61713, Phoenix, AZ 85082. You can also buy tickets online at www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com. The site is a verified Authorize.Net merchant site and accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

The public drawing is Saturday, July 18. The time and location will be announced soon.

Special big game tags are granted to qualifying nonprofit organizations, dedicated to wildlife conservation, by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through a public application process each year per A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120.

Wildlife conservation and management of game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment.

So, the next time you see a herd of elk near Flagstaff, or antelope in an open plains of Prescott, or if you’re lucky to spot a desert bighorn sheep peering down from a cliff in the desolate desert, remember to thank a hunter – wildlife’s original conservationists.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Special Tags Raise Funds for Arizona Wildlife

Call Makers: Hurry to Enter turkey call Grand Slam

Turkey & Turkey Hunting - -(AmmoLand.com)- One lucky winner in each category will receive a featured article by editor Brian Lovett in Turkey & Turkey Hunting – PLUS! a personalized, framed Turkey & Turkey Hunting “custom” cover.

1st place winners in both categories will also receive a five year subscription to Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine.

2nd Place in each category will receive a three year subscription to Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine.

3rd Place in each category will receive a one year subscription to Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine.

A select number of Honorable Mention winners will also be named in an issue of Turkey & Turkey Hunting. Each mention will include a small photo of the winning call.

Plus, all entrants will be listed online in on our email newsletter.

DEADLINE:
Contest Begins March 10, 2009. Deadline for entries is June 15, 2009

CATEGORIES

WORKING

Calls intered in the Working Call category need to be registered online and then mailed to the address below. They will be judged for craftsmanship and sound quality. Calls will be recorded, and audio files will be posted online.

DECORATIVE

Entrants submitting calls in the Decorative Category need to provide photos using the online entry form. Please provide a 50- to 200-word description of your call, the materials and process used, any notable features, and history or inspiration. Up to five (5) photos may be submitted online.

ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to any turkey call makers. Only original calls, conceived and created by the entrant, will be considered. Only box and friction (pot-and-peg) calls are eligible. Wingbone calls, diaphragms and trumpet yelpers are not eligible. Turkey & Turkey Hunting reserves the right to reject work deemed unsuitable for publication or that does not meet criteria. Employees of F+W Media, Inc., and their immediate families, are not eligible.

PREPARING YOUR ENTRY

Decorative Category

Entries in the Decorative Category are submitted online as digital photos with accompanying descriptions. Descriptions should be 50 to 200 words, and should focus on the best overall presentation.

You may enter work in any and all categories; there is no limit to the number of calls you may enter. Each call needs to be submitted separately. Image files cannot exceed 2MB. The file must be saved as a JPEG in RGB color mode (not CMYK). There is a maximum of 5 photos per entry. Please note the quality of the image is extremely important. This is the only exposure to your call that our judges will have, and a poor representation — such as a blurred image, glare, dim lighting or unnecessary background objects — will reduce your chances of winning.

Working Category

Entrants in the working call category are required to mail in their calls after pre-registering their entries online.  Please postmark your entries by June 15, 2009.

Include a copy of your entry form with the call. Ship your call to:

Grand Slam turkey call Competition, 700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990

Fees and Payment: All entries are $30. There will be a $10 charge for all returned checks or declined credit cards. Credit cards will be charged within 90 days of contest deadline. Charges will appear as “F+W contests.”

DEADLINE
Entries must be submitted online no later than June 15, 2009.

JUDGING
Entries will be prejudged and then finalists will be chosen by the magazine staff. All properly prepared entries will be viewed and judged. The decision of the jurors is final. The jurors reserve the right to regroup entries.

NOTIFICATION
All winners will be notified by October 1, 2009. The results will not otherwise be made public until they are published in Turkey & Turkey Hunting and posted online at www.turkeyandturkeyhunting.com. Non-winning entrants will not be individually notified of the results. Your cancelled check or credit-card charge will be notification for receipt of your entry.

ENTER ONLINE

PRIVACY PROMISE
Occasionally we make portions of our customer list available to other companies so they may contact you about products and services that may interest you. If you prefer we withhold your name, send a note with your name, address and the competition name to: List Manager, F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Turkey Call Makers: Hurry to Enter Turkey Call Grand Slam

$20 back on Federal Premium Turkey Ammunition

Purchase 5 rounds of Federal Premium® Mag•Shok® HEAVYWEIGHT™ and receive $7.50 back by mail, or purchase 10 rounds and receive $15.00 back.

Purchase 1 box of Federal Premium® Mag•Shok® Lead Turkey loads and receive $2.00 back by mail, or purchase 2 boxes and receive $5.00 back.

Offer valid on purchases made from 2/15/09 to 5/31/09. All rebates are mail-in only.

About:
Federal Premium actively promoted the establishment of the Wildlife Restoration Fund in the 1930s, a critical source of revenue for wildlife management agencies. It has also sponsored training programs for new instructors in the Boy Scouts and 4-H, invested in programs to train wildlife professionals on the importance of hunting to conservation, and supported organizations that protect wildlife habitat.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

$20 back on Federal Premium Turkey Ammunition

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH - -(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio hunters killed 9,054 wild turkeys in the first seven days of the spring hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Last year, 10,374 birds were harvested during the season’s first week.

So far this season, the 10 counties reporting the highest numbers of turkeys checked are: Harrison – 351; Ashtabula – 343; Guernsey – 314; Tuscarawas – 308; Clermont – 275; Coshocton – 247; Jackson and Washington – 244; Knox – 243; and Highland – 225.

The season remains open through May 17. Spring wild turkey hunters may hunt in all 88 counties (except at the Lake La Su An Wildlife Area in Williams County). Turkey hunting is permitted a half-hour before sunrise until noon daily. Hunters may take two bearded turkeys per spring season. Shotguns using shot, crossbows and longbows are legal during this season. A spring turkey permit is required, along with an Ohio hunting license.

Turkey hunters are reminded that licenses purchased now are also valid during the 2009 fall hunting season. Spring turkey permits are good for spring season only. Those participating in the fall turkey season will need to buy a fall turkey permit. The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

For more information about Ohio’s spring wild turkey hunting season, visit wildohio.com.

About:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

A list of preliminary results from the first week of turkey hunting season follows:

Preliminary Results First Week Of Turkey Season
2009 Totals Followed by (2008) Totals
Adams – 201(180); Allen – 31 (24); Ashland – 183 (224); Ashtabula – 343 (386); Athens – 173 (242); Auglaize – 22 (30); Belmont – 205 (248); Brown – 205 (242); Butler – 45 (48); Carroll – 102 (167); Champaign – 39 (52); Clark – 22 (12); Clermont – 275 (260); Clinton – 30 (20); Columbiana – 195 (280); Coshocton – 247 (322); Crawford – 45 (40); Cuyahoga – 6 (5); Darke – 40 (19); Defiance – 121 (145); Delaware – 45 (49); Erie – 29 (26); Fairfield – 51 (45); Fayette – 9 (22); Franklin – 4 (8); Fulton – 32 (33); Gallia – 136 (152); Geauga – 131 (217); Greene – 11 (12); Guernsey – 314 (323); Hamilton – 88 (59); Hancock – 9 (5); Hardin – 15 (23); Harrison – 351 (348); Henry – 18 (15); Highland – 225 (203); Hocking – 115 (160); Holmes – 103 (137); Huron – 63 (88); Jackson – 244 (290); Jefferson – 129 (217); Knox – 243 (228); Lake – 94 (133); Lawrence – 135 (134); Licking – 215 (236); Logan – 75 (81); Lorain – 94 (89); Lucas – 38 (29); Madison – 2 (2); Mahoning – 116 (118); Marion – 14 (7); Medina – 67 (81); Meigs – 192 (263); Mercer – 3 (3); Miami – 10 (6); Monroe – 187 (238); Montgomery – 11 (9); Morgan – 113 (177); Morrow – 179 (140); Muskingum – 139 (184); Noble – 143 (170); Ottawa – 4 (5); Paulding – 60 (52); Perry – 106 (137); Pickaway – 27 (21); Pike – 96 (110); Portage – 108 (125); Preble – 39 (48); Putnam – 31 (45); Richland – 137 (168); Ross – 163 (213); Sandusky -9 (5); Scioto -123 (172); Seneca – 78 (60); Shelby – 17 (22); Stark – 146 (159); Summit – 46 (53); Trumbull – 209 (279); Tuscarawas – 308 (317); Union -12 (17); Van Wert – 18 (11); Vinton – 85 (127); Warren – 48 (49); Washington – 244 (282); Wayne – 42 (25); Williams – 132 (122); Wood – 12 (11); Wyandot – 32 (33). Total – 9,054 (10,374)

For further information, contact:
Mike Reynolds, ODNR Division of Wildlife
740. 589. 9921
Lindsay Linkhart, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio
614. 644. 3925
Tom Lavergne, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio
419. 424. 5000
Jamey Graham, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio
330. 644. 2293
Susie Vance, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio
740. 589. 9930
Kathy Garza-Behr, ODNR Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio
937. 372. 9261
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Harrison County Leads the Ohio in Number of Turkeys Checked

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Kansas – -(AmmoLand.com)- Spring turkey season is in full swing, and many hunters are enjoying the abundance of this large game bird. Other hunters who enjoy turkey hunting but also like to quail hunt may be wondering why turkey populations have surged in recent years while quail populations have declined in much of the state. Jim Pitman, small game biologist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), has some answers.

“Some hunters have speculated that because turkey populations are on the rise and quail are in decline in the same areas of the state, then turkeys must be eating quail or competing with them for resources,” Pitman says. “They assume turkeys are having a negative impact on quail. In reality, both populations have been influenced by a large-scale landscape conversion that has occurred over several decades.”

Pitman explains that wildlife biologists have been studying both quail and turkeys intensely for more than 75 years and have never documented a single occurrence of a turkey eating a young quail.

“It is a common rumor that turkeys have been shot with quail in their crops, but no biologist has ever seen a specimen or a photograph,” he says. “Another problem with this claim is that most quail hatch in late June or early July, well after the turkey season has closed. It would be highly unlikely that a legally-harvested turkey would have a quail chick in its crop even if the phenomenon was known to occur. The main factor contributing to declining quail populations and increasing turkey populations is a landscape conversion from grasslands and shrubs to woodlands.”

Satellite images confirm this. Woodland habitat increased 23 percent in eastern Kansas from 1984 to 2000, and if the 1950s landscape were compared to the present landscape, the woodland increase would have been much greater. This landscape transformation occurred throughout Kansas but has been most severe in the Flint Hills and eastward. The additional trees have improved habitat for many woodland species such as turkeys, deer, and squirrels, but these changes have degraded habitat for grassland species like quail.

“Large trees are required by turkeys for roosting, and as woodlands have matured and expanded into the prairie, more areas have become suitable for turkeys,” says Pitman. “These trees have shaded out low-growing bunch-grasses and shrubs required by quail for nesting and protective cover. Additional woodland has also benefited quail predators such as hawks, owls, raccoons, and opossums. Other factors have contributed to quail decline, but more trees in the landscape has had the greatest negative impact.”

This does not mean that good quail hunting can’t be found in Kansas. In the past few years, quail numbers have increased in portions of central Kansas, from north to south. So turkey hunters should enjoy the opportunity to bag multiple turkeys this spring, as well as in the fall. And plan a fall quail hunt, as well.

About:
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

The Truth About Kansas Turkeys

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH - -(AmmoLand.com)- Saturday, May 2 marks the second annual Youth Turkey Hunt hosted by Gov. Ted Strickland, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“Ohio has a rich outdoor heritage and seeks to motivate seasoned sportsmen to pass on the traditions to the next generation,” said Sean Logan, director of the ODNR. “Governor Strickland’s youth turkey hunt will pair young people from across the state with hunting mentors in a manner inspired by Ohio’s apprentice hunter program.”

Gov. Strickland has invited sports celebrities to partner with nationally known hunting guides in taking 10 Ohio youth spring turkey hunting. The event dovetails with a statewide effort to promote youth and outdoor recreation, as well as highlight Ohio’s premiere wild turkey hunting opportunities.

The 10 youth selected to participate were the top finishers in a statewide essay contest answering the question, “What makes a good hunter?” The following communities will have a youth representative: Alliance, Ashville, Carrolton, Cincinnati, Fort Loramie, Georgetown, Marysville, Monclova, Newark, and Wapakoneta.

The Eastern wild turkey is Ohio’s largest game bird. Spring wild turkey hunting is open in all 88 Ohio counties for a four-week season. Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon daily. Ohio’s wild turkey population was estimated at 200,000 prior to the start of the spring season.

About:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio Governor Strickland to Hold Youth Turkey Hunt

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH - -(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio hunters harvested a preliminary total of 1,712 bearded wild turkeys on the first day of the spring turkey-hunting season, which is open statewide through May 17. Steady rain over most of the state kept the preliminary figure 39 percent below last year’s opening day harvest number of 2,768 turkeys, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Top counties for wild turkeys killed were: Ashtabula-85; Guernsey-74; Knox-64; Clermont-59; Harrison-58; Jackson-43; Columbiana and Highland-41; Defiance-40; and Washington-39.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife estimates that more than 75,000 people will hunt turkeys during the four-week season. Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon daily. Ohio’s wild turkey population was estimated at 200,000 prior to the start of the spring season.

A special youth-only hunt for hunters age 17 and younger was held statewide on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19. Young hunters killed 1,814 birds statewide. Top reporting counties were: Ashtabula-66; Coshocton-61; Harrison-60; Richland-57; Ashland-55; Highland-54; Trumbull and Tuscarawas-53; and Monroe and Washington-52.  Last year, 1,838 birds were taken over the same two-day period.

Only bearded wild turkeys may be taken during the spring hunting season. A hunter is required to take a harvested turkey to an official check station for permanent tagging by 2 p.m. on the day of harvest. Hunters with the proper permits may take a limit of two bearded gobblers during the four-week season, but not more than one wild turkey per day.

Turkey hunters are reminded that licenses purchased now are also valid during the 2009 fall hunting season. The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

EDITORS NOTE: Below is a list of opening day wild turkey check station results, 2009 totals followed by (2009 totals):

Adams -27 (62); Allen -4 (7); Ashland -35 (41); Ashtabula -85 (134); Athens -31 (67); Auglaize -2 (10); Belmont -38 (60); Brown -26 (60); Butler -4 (11); Carroll -25 (37); Champaign -10 (20); Clark -2 (4); Clermont -59 (60); Clinton -5 (9); Columbiana -41 (53); Coshocton -37 (91); Crawford -8 (13); Cuyahoga – (0); Darke -5 (7); Defiance -40 (20); Delaware – 7 (9); Erie -8 (5); Fairfield -12 (20); Fayette -2 (3); Franklin -1 (1); Fulton -9 (6); Gallia -34 (35); Geauga -35 (77); Greene -3 (7); Guernsey -74 (87); Hamilton -13 (13); Hancock -1 (2); Hardin -5 (9); Harrison -58 (83); Henry -6 (3); Highland -41 (53); Hocking -23 (59); Holmes -22 (36); Huron -20 (41); Jackson -43 (73); Jefferson -19 (40); Knox -64 (62); Lake -11 (29); Lawrence -21 (39); Licking -37 (71); Logan -17(20); Lorain -18 (35); Lucas -9 (10); Madison -0 (0); Mahoning -25 (32); Marion -2 (2); Medina -8 (18); Meigs -33 (72); Mercer -1 (0); Miami -3 (2); Monroe -29 (54); Montgomery -2 (3); Morgan -23 (60); Morrow -31 (45); Muskingum -30 (66); Noble -23 (58); Ottawa -0 (2); Paulding -5 (16); Perry -19 (31); Pickaway -2 (1); Pike -20 (22); Portage -18 (30); Preble -9 (8); Putnam -8 (16); Richland -27 (36); Ross -27 (71); Sandusky -1 (0); Scioto -33 (24); Seneca -14 (25); Shelby -6 (7); Stark -26 (43); Summit -5 (9); Trumbull -38 (73); Tuscarawas -32 (78); Union -3 (6); Van Wert -4 (3); Vinton -18 (34); Warren -5 (12); Washington -39 (68); Wayne -13 (3); Williams -24 (37); Wood -2 (3); Wyandot – (4) Totals – 1,712 (2,768).

For further information, contact: Mike Reynolds, ODNR Division of Wildlife 740.589.9921 Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife 614.265.6325 Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations 614. 265. 6860 For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio’s Spring Turkey Hunting Season Underway

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –(Ammoland) Preliminary harvest data indicate wild turkey hunters had one fine season this past fall. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, it was one of the best in years.

Preliminary harvest information estimates that hunters took 26,485 turkeys in the 2008 fall season. That’s up substantially from the preliminary fall harvests of 21,900 in 2007, and 21,500 in 2006. It also is 19 percent above the previous three-year average for fall seasons.

“This fall harvest increase was expected for several reasons,” said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist. “Turkey reproduction was average to above average throughout most of Pennsylvania last year, which led to a larger population. More turkeys and poor fall crops of acorns and beechnuts in many forested areas forced turkeys to concentrate around available food sources, and they consequently became more visible and easier for hunters to locate and pattern.

“Turkey harvests fluctuate annually in response to fall season length, summer reproduction, hunter participation, fall mast crops and weather,” Casalena explained. “The population gains made through reproduction last year easily offset the increased take by fall turkey hunters. On the whole, Pennsylvania’s wild turkey populations are in better shape than they have been in recent years as a result of better spring weather for nesting, improved reproduction, and the use of shorter fall seasons when recruitment was below average.

“The outcomes of fall turkey seasons, where hunters may harvest birds of either sex, are very important because they can really influence turkey populations, unlike in the spring, when only gobblers – and a few bearded hens – are being taken by hunters,” Casalena said “We control the harvest of hens in the fall through season length. The longer the fall season, the greater the number of hens harvested. Our goal is to provide optimum wild turkey populations in suitable habitats throughout Pennsylvania for hunters and other recreationists.”

The largest harvests occurred in three of the state’s largest WMUs, which are in the more traditional fall turkey hunting areas and where there are 3-week seasons. WMU 4D was tops with a preliminary harvest of 2,856, followed by WMU 2G, 2,637; and WMU 2D, 2,183.

However, a look at harvests per square mile (harvest density) provides a different perspective. WMU 4D still remained at the top with a rate of 1.04 turkeys harvested per square mile. But what followed differed. WMU 4E was second with a rate of 1.03, then WMU 2D, 0.88; and WMU 4C, 0.87. Statewide results show a preliminary average of 0.6 turkeys harvested per square mile for the 2008 fall season, as compared to the previous three-year average of 0.5.

Preliminary WMU fall turkeys harvests, followed by fall turkey harvest per square mile are: WMU 1A, 1,234 (0.67); WMU 1B, 1,430 (0.68); WMU 2A, 931 (0.51); WMU 2B, 780 (0.57); WMU 2C, 1,595 (0.51); WMU 2D, 2,183 (0.88); WMU 2E, 1,038 (0.82); WMU 2F, 838 (0.35); WMU 2G, 2,637 (0.64); WMU 3A, 1,140 (0.76); WMU 3B, 1,417 (0.63); WMU 3C, 1,448 ((0.67); WMU 3D, 833 (0.38); WMU4A, 1,452 (0.84); WMU 4B, 944 (0.59); WMU 4C, 1,582 (0.87); WMU 4D, 2,856 (1.04); WMU 4E, 1,786 (1.03); WMU 5A, Closed; WMU 5B, closed; WMU 5C, 276 (0.13); and WMU 5D, 9 (0.01).

For more information on wild turkeys, visit the Game Commission’s website – www.pgc.state.pa.us – and at select “Hunting” in the left column and then click on photo of the wild turkey.

FINAL YEAR OF TURKEY TRAPPING AND TAGS

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be completing the fourth and final year of a tri-state study examining the spring harvest rates and annual survival rates of wild turkeys. Joining Pennsylvania in this research effort are New York and Ohio, as well as the generous support of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

In the study, which began in 2006 and is the largest of its kind, 300 male turkeys are being trapped and leg-banded annually in each state for four consecutive years. Hunters who shoot the birds are encouraged, through $100 reward leg-bands, to report their harvests. The data hunters provide help Pennsylvania State University researchers determine harvest rates. They do this by calculating the percentage of tagged turkey reported using the toll-free telephone number that appears on the leg-band. The rewards are paid through a grant from the NWTF, which has partnered with the Game Commission for more than a quarter-century on many important conservation projects and initiatives for turkeys and other wildlife, and hunters.

“This past winter, 358 wild turkeys – 172 adults, 186 jakes – were taken in trapping throughout the state,” reported Mary Jo Casalena, agency wild turkey biologist. “It was an impressive trapping season, no doubt aided by fall mast crop deficiencies and, as always, the ability of the agency’s personnel and volunteers to locate and successfully trap flocks of gobblers.”

A regional breakdown of the turkeys trapped is: Northwest, 56; Southwest, 55; Northcentral, 70; Southcentral, 54; Northeast, 58; and Southeast, 65. New York also trapped 300 males this winter; Ohio was forced to curtail its trapping this past winter because of budget constraints.

“Over the four years of the study, Pennsylvania has trapped and banded 1,255 turkeys, while New York banded and released 1,313 and Ohio contributed 661,” Casalena said. “Thankfully, we were able to finish up this important work before finances impacted our efforts.

“Since 2006, more than $42,500 has been paid to people who have claimed rewards. In Pennsylvania, $17,100 has been paid so far to people who recovered bands from everything from harvested birds to road-kills,” she said. “With the information these folks are providing, we are confirming that harvest rates vary by age, state and year.”

In Pennsylvania, harvest information has shown that some turkeys were killed up to 20 miles from where they were banded. The harvest rates for Pennsylvania turkeys so far have averaged 38 percent for adults and 22 percent for juveniles.

Since this is the final year of this four-year study, all claims for rewards must be reported by July 30, 2009. Study results are expected to be released in late 2009.

For more information on wild turkeys, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website – www.pgc.state.pa.us – then click on “Hunting,” then “Wild Turkey.”

717-705-6541
Jerry Feaser

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTERS HAD GREAT SEASON

Turkey & Turkey Hunting

Iola WI, -(Turkey & Turkey Hunting) If you played in a garage band during high school, you probably know the feeling.

You could play your instrument, but probably just well enough to pound out three chords or a simple drum line. And when you listened to recordings of the bands you tried to cover, you knew immediately that the drummer or guitar player was at another level.

That’s also true with mouth calls. Many guys can pop a diaphragm in their mouth and make turkey-like noises, and quite a few can make their yelps, clucks and cutting realistic enough to fool turkeys.

However, there’s a huge gap between “good enough” and truly good. To reach — or even aspire to reach — that level, you must get inside a mouth call and see what makes it tick.

What’s in a Yelper?

turkey hunting article, Brian Lovett

A mouth call is merely one or more latex or prophylactic reeds stretched between a frame and sealed with tape. But mouth-call variants are seemingly endless. When hunters try to choose from cutters, split-Vs, stack calls, and two- , three- , three-and-a-half- and four-reed versions, things really get confusing.

Don’t despair. No matter what type of call you choose, focus on the top reed.

“On a mouth call, the top reed is the sound board,” said Steve Stoltz, world-champion caller and Knight & Hale pro-staffer. “It’s your most critical reed on the call. The other reeds underneath are there for the body of the call (or sound). The thicker each reed is, the deeper the call will be in tone and pitch.

“Reed tension affects the clearer (first) part of the call. The tighter the side and back tension, the higher-pitched the front end of the call will be.”

Many top callers test the top reed of a diaphragm by blowing the call upside down. If the tone and pitch of the reed sound acceptable, the call is likely a keeper.

The style of cut in the top reed is also a big consideration because that affects how raspy the second note of a yelp will be.

“The deeper the cut, the raspier the sound,” Stoltz said. “The wider the cut, the higher-pitched the raspy part of the call will be on the back end.”

The most common cut styles include the cutter call, in which a notch is cut out of the corner of the top reed, and the split-V, which has a small V cut in the center of the top reed.

“As far as I can see, the only difference between a cutter and split-V is the quality of the yelp is a little better (the two-tone part) in a split or inverted V,” Stoltz said. “Cutter calls, however, are a little more versatile in covering all the sounds that turkeys make, including the kee-kee run. I split the difference and use a call with a cut on one side of the top reed and one inverted cut on the other side.”

Making Your Choice

So which style of call of mouth call should you use? Simple, according to Stoltz: The one you blow the best.

turkey hunting article, Brian Lovett

“A mouth call should be selected by a combination of two things: ease of operation and sound quality,” he said. “It does no good to have a call that sounds more like a sick chicken than a real turkey hen.”

“Each type of call will sound different because of the way it’s built. Keep trying different designs until you find a design that fits you.”

Some general guidelines can help your search. For example, Stoltz suggested that beginners start with multi-reed calls.

“Single-reed calls are harder to use than double-reed calls, and double-reed calls are harder to use than triple-reed calls. Why?” he said. “You are trying to make a two-tone quality hen yelp with less material.”

There’s also the question of which material — latex or prophylactic — is better. The former is more common, but the latter is popular with many contest callers.

“The difference between latex and prophylactic is consistency,” Stoltz said. “Latex is more consistent, but prophylactic has a better sound quality. I use a call with a top layer of latex and the underneath reeds of prophylactic.”

Final Tips

No matter which call you choose, take care of it. That includes making sure the top reed is separated from the bottom layers before you blow the call.

“I prefer to rinse my calls in tap water and pad them dry with a paper towel,” Stoltz said. “Then, I use a flat toothpick and place the flat end between the top reed and second layers. Because the top layer is your sound board, when it loosens up, your call will be ready to go. I let the call air dry at room temperature for six to eight hours, and then place in the call in a pack and store it in the refrigerator. This extends the life of the mouth call — latex or prophylactic.”

Also, Stoltz said, don’t overthink or overdo your mouth calling style.

“The biggest mistake people make when blowing mouth calls is trying to do too much with their mouth, lips and tongue,” he said. “Air control is hard to learn, but today’s high-tech turkey calls demand more air control than mouth movement. Let the mouth call do its job — don’t do the job for the mouth call.”

April 15, 2009
by Brian Lovett

Turkey & Turkey Hunting Editor Brian Lovett

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Mouth Calls: Dissecting a Yelper

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA – (Ammoland) Hunter’s Specialties has upgraded their patented Thunder Twister Gobble Call for 2009.

The new call features an all new camo bellows for more volume and improved sound.

The reed is built using Hunter’s Specialties new Infinity Latex, which is the most durable, consistent latex available.

The Thunder Twister Gobble Call also features a twist-on silencer to keep the call quiet while moving through the woods.

The call works great as a gobbler locator or challenge call to bring toms in looking for a fight.

hunters specialties thunder twister gobbler call

The Thunder Twister Gobble Call sells for a suggested retail price of $14.99

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

New Thunder Twister™ Gobble Call From Hunter’s Specialties®