Turkey Hunting

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana --(AmmoLand.com)- Montana’s spring turkey gobbler season opens April 10thand ends May 16, 2010.

Licenses are available from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) offices, on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and from FWP license providers across the state.

The 2010 Spring Turkey regulations with details on turkey hunting in the general and special permit hunting areas are available online and at FWP regional offices and FWP license providers beginning in mid March. Internet users should find the FWP homepage, locate the Hunting tab and the drop down menu to Regulations, click and scroll down to spring turkey regulations.

Hunters should remember when transporting a spring turkey within the state of Montana, one leg and foot must be left naturally attached for evidence of sex.

Hunters in FWP, Region 7 can purchase up to two turkey licenses per year, which are valid during the spring and/or fall seasons. In the spring, hunters can only harvest gobblers (males). Any turkey license not used during the spring season can be used in the fall beginning September 1st and are valid for gobblers or hens.

Reports from some landowners seem to indicate that resident turkey populations may be lower than previous years. Wildlife biologist, Don Sasse from the Ashland Ranger District suggests that several locations within the Custer National Forest that previously held healthy resident turkey populations may not support many turkeys this spring. Several ranchers living in or adjacent to the national forest who normally feed and overwinter populations of resident wild turkeys have not seen many turkeys this winter. These birds typically scatter throughout the national forest once spring conditions occur.

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Montana’s Spring Turkey Hunting Season Coming Soon

Turkey Hunting with the Remington Advantage Shotgun

Remington Arms Company, Inc.

Madison, N.C - -(AmmoLand.com)-  The Worlds Premier Source Turkey Shotguns and Long-Range Payloads.

No one gives you the tools to wreck a longbeard’s day like Remington. Our industry-leading selection of specialized turkey shotguns will help you send huge payloads downrange with unrivaled precision, handling ease and concealment.

Add today’s best-patterning, hardest-hitting turkey loads, plus the finest in recoil-reduction technology, and you have the ultimate one-word answer to knocking down a gobbler this spring.

Wingmaster HD® Turkey Payloads

Premier® High Velocitly Magnum Copper-Plated Buffered Turkey Loads

Premier® Magnum Copper-Plated Buffered Turkey Loads

Nitro Turkey® Extended Range Buffered Magnums

Model 11-87™ Sportsman® Super Mag ShurShot® Turkey

Model 870™ SPS™ ShurShot® Super Magnum Turkey/Predator w/Scope

Model 887™ Nitro Mag Camo Combo

Model 870™ Express® Super Mag Turkey/Waterfowl

Model 870™ Express® Turkey Camo

Model SP-10™ Thumbhole

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. The Company had revenues in 2004 of approximately $393 million and distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. Visit: www.remington.com

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Turkey Hunting with the Remington Advantage Shotgun

Hunter's Specialties Li'l Deuce Call

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA – -(AmmoLand.com)- In 2009 Hunter’s Specialties introduced their innovative new Ring Zone® technology to the world of turkey hunting.

The Ring Zone calls were the result of extensive scientific testing about how turkeys hear and how the sound of a hen could be realistically reproduced in a call. The result was the Ring Zone call, a pan call with a ring around it that creates a resonance that faithfully reproduces the sound of a live hen turkey. Sounds produced by the call were the closest to a live hen ever reproduced as measured by an oscilloscope.

Now for 2010, Hunter’s Specialties has used the new technology to produce the Li’l Deuce Ring Zone. The Li’l Deuce resonates at the same, specific frequencies of a turkey’s optimal hearing range. It has been one of Hunter’s Specialties most popular calls over the years and is a favorite of 5-time World Friction Calling Champion and Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff member Matt Morrett.

• The Li’l Deuce Ring Zone is small and compact enough to fit into a shirt pocket yet has plenty of volume to call birds in from a distance. It has a slightly higher pitch which turkeys can’t resist.
• The Li’l Deuce Ring Zone is available in both glass and slate versions and comes with a carbon striker. It sells for a suggested retail price o f $22.95.

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.

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Hunter’s Specialties Brings Ring Zone Technology To The Li’l Deuce Turkey Call

Turkey Hunters Encouraged To Put Safety First

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- Successful hunting trips require a combination of skill, patience and most importantly, preparation. As turkey season rapidly approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages preparation first, hoping that hunters will brush up on important turkey hunting safety tips before hitting the woods.

“Hunters should always be sure to identify their target before pulling the trigger and should never shoot at sound or movement,” advises Lt. Judd Smith. “Turkey hunters have to utilize their firearms safety knowledge and remember ways to keep themselves and others safe while in the woods.”

Hunters are encouraged to review the following turkey hunting season safety precautions.

Season opens on Sat., March 20:

• Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing while turkey hunting. Red is the color most hunters look for when distinguishing a gobbler’s head from a hen’s blue-colored head, but at times it may appear white or blue. Male turkey feathers covering most of the body are black in appearance. Camouflage should be used to cover everything, including the hunter’s face, hands and firearm.
• Select a calling position that provides at least a shoulder-width background, such as the base of a tree. Be sure that at least a 180-degree range is visible.
• Do not stalk a gobbling turkey. Due to their keen eyesight and hearing, the chances of getting close are slim to none, but a hunter in motion greatly increases his/her chances of being mistaken for game.
• Be careful using a turkey call. The sound and motion may attract other hunters. Do not move, wave or make turkey-like sounds to alert another hunter to your presence. Instead, yell in a loud voice so other hunters know you are in the area.
• Be careful when carrying a harvested turkey from the woods. Do not allow the wings to hang loosely or the head to be displayed in such a way that another hunter may think it is a live bird. If possible, conceal the turkey in a blaze orange garment or other material.
• Although it’s not required, it is suggested that hunters wear blaze orange when moving to and from a vehicle and hunting site. When moving between hunting sites, hunters should wear blaze orange on their upper bodies to lessen chances of being mistaken for game.

Additional Safety Tips

Turkey hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a big game license to legally hunt turkeys in Georgia. If hunting on a Wildlife Management Area, hunters must also possess a WMA license. Sportsmen and women must always obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private land. Only male turkeys may be harvested, and the season bag limit is three gobblers per hunter.

For additional turkey hunting information or turkey hunting safety tips, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com , contact the nearest Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement office or call (770) 918-6414.

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Turkey Hunters Encouraged To Put Safety First

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- Turkey hunters across the state are practicing their yelps and clucks in preparation for the upcoming turkey season. Opening day is Sat., Mar. 20 and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division anticipates that the 2010 season should be good, and harvest levels should be similar in comparison to the past several years.

“There should be many vocal 2-year old gobblers available for harvest this year thanks to the high reproduction rate in the summer of 2008,” says Kevin Lowrey, Wildlife Resources Division wild turkey project coordinator.

Statistics from the 2009 season harvest summary indicate that an estimated 56,113 resident Georgia hunters bagged 27,323 turkeys last year. The bird to hunter ratio (harvest rate) for 2009 was .49 birds per hunter – the same as in 2007 and 2008. According to Lowrey, Georgia’s current turkey population is estimated at 300,000 birds. Georgia turkey hunters are privileged with one of the longest turkey seasons nationwide. With a bag limit of three gobblers per season, hunters have from Mar. 20 through May 15 to harvest their bird(s). Because most hunters pursue wild turkeys on private lands, the Wildlife Resources Division reminds hunters to always obtain landowner permission before hunting.

WMA Hunting Opportunities Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas offer excellent turkey hunting opportunities. Through the WMA system, resident hunters have access to nearly one million acres of prime hunting land for just $19 a year. Success rates and total harvest numbers from 2009 may help indicate which WMAs hunters should target this year. In the northwest, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain and Berry College WMA reported the highest harvest rates. In the northeast, Dukes Creek WMA and Wilson Shoals WMA had the highest harvest rates. In west central Georgia, hunters should try Joe Kurz WMA and Rum Creek WMA. In east central Georgia, Di-Lane Plantation WMA and Tuckahoe WMA reported high harvest rates. In the southeast, hunters should visit Dixon Memorial WMA and Sansavilla WMA. Middle Georgia hunter should try River Bend WMA Finally, in southwest Georgia, River Creek WMA and Chickasawhatchee WMA had the highest harvest rates. A special WMA license is required for any person 16 years or older who does not possess a valid honorary, sportsman or lifetime license when hunting wild turkey on a WMA, Public Fishing Area or State Park. In addition, both a valid hunting license and a big game license are required to legally hunt wild turkey. Wild turkey legally can be hunted with shotguns, loaded with No. 2 or smaller shot, any muzzleloading firearm, longbow, crossbow or compound bow.

Conservation of the Wild Turkey in Georgia
The comeback of the wild turkey is one of Georgia’s great conservation success stories. Although the bird population currently hovers around 300,000 statewide, as recently as 1973, the wild turkey population was as low as 17,000. Intensive restoration efforts, such as the restocking of wild birds and increased emphasis on biologically sound hunting seasons, have helped re-establish turkeys in suitable habitat in every county. This resurgence is due to the efforts of private landowners, hunters and conservation organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has donated more than $3,220,977 since 1985 on projects that benefit wild turkey and other wildlife. The NWTF works cooperatively in partnership with the Wildlife Resources Division and other land management agencies with the focus on habitat enhancement, hunter access, wild turkey research and education. There currently are 96 state chapters of the NWTF with membership totals of more than 16,000.

For more information regarding wild turkey hunting opportunities, WMA hunting opportunities, 2010 wild turkey hunting seasons, regulations or license requirements in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

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Time To Talk Turkey – Georgia’s Turkey Hunting Season Opens Mar. 20

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The new Squealing Hen Call from Hunter’s Specialties® reproduces the sound a hen turkey makes during breeding, triggering an internal frenzied response from gobblers to seek and find the source of the sound. This revolutionary call is the first true new innovation in turkey calling in years.

The Squealing Hen call was developed by Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff member Eddie Salter.

“My family raised turkeys when I was a kid,” said Salter. “Watching the behavior of our pen raised birds helped me learn about turkey vocalizations. I often heard the hen make the squealing sound during breeding, so I started experimenting with calling wild birds using the squeal and had a lot of success. Now turkey hunters have an easy to use call that reproduces that same sound.”

Squealing Hen Turkey Call From Hunter's Specialties

The call is easy to operate. Simply blow into the call while depressing the lever. This puts pressure on the internal Infinity Latex® reed and the authentic high pitched breeding hen sound is produced.

Gobblers are driven to come in and check out the sound, which appeals to both breeding and territorial instincts. The Squealing Hen works great in areas that have seen a lot of hunting pressure, where birds have become extremely wary or conditioned to conventional calls.

The Squealing Hen is field tested and approved by the Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff team and will make a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal of calls this spring.

The Squealing Hen sells for a suggested retail price of $21.99.

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.

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Gobblers Can’t Resist The New Squealing Hen Turkey Call From Hunter’s Specialties

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Mitchell Johnston’s focus, talent and practice paid off Saturday, Feb. 20, when he won the top turkey calling title during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville.

Hailing from Purlear, N.C., Johnston emerged from a preliminary field of 48 callers to win the Senior Division of the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Calling Championships.

“It’s very surreal. It’s obviously a dream come true,” said Johnston, who finished fifth in 2009. “The first phone call I made was to my wife because she didn’t travel here with me this year. As soon as I heard her voice, we both kind of lost it. It was a special moment. I mean this is the best feeling you can have as a turkey caller. It’s hitting a grand slam or winning the Super Bowl.”

Every February, callers from all over the nation flock to the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show to compete in the championships. At this year’s convention, sponsored by MidwayUSA , the calling championships had more than $25,000 in cash and prizes going to the top callers. Seats filled up quickly with onlookers wanting see and hear the terrific turkey talk.

North Carolina's Mitchell Johnston emerged from a field of 48 callers to be crowned Senior Division Champion at the 2010 Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Championships.

In the Senior Division, callers are asked to perform a series of calls that imitate a single wild turkey hen. Some of these calls include the yelp, cluck and purr, kee kee run and tree call. A panel of seven expert judges score each call and the slightest mistake can virtually eliminate a caller from contention.

“Winning a title at the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships is like reaching the summit of a mountain. There is no higher place among the turkey calling’s elite,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The atmosphere in the room during the trophy presentation is electric. Raising the first-place trophy at these contests means that you have beaten the best callers in the world.”

Each year, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and NWTF supporters rally at the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. The event features the Grand National Calling Championships, seminars from hunting pros, more than 550 vendor booths, top entertainers at evening functions and more.

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information about the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show or the NWTF, visit nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Purlear Man Wins NWTF’s Grand National Turkey Calling Championship

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s been a long winter in the Sunflower State, but those who anticipate the thrill of spring turkey hunting can start preparing with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) 2010 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas, now available for viewing and download on the agency’s website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. From the home page, click Hunting/Turkey/Spring Turkey Atlas.

View or print all or portions of the atlas, which locates access to all land in Kansas open to public spring turkey hunting, including Walk-In Hunting Access land. This spring, approximately 173,220 acres of Walk-In land are available, in addition to state and federal wildlife areas.

The 2010 spring youth/disabled and archery turkey seasons run April 1-13. The regular spring season runs April 14-May 31. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, or over the counter at any license vendor. A regulations brochure may be downloaded from the KDWP website and printed or obtained at KDWP offices and license vendors. (This brochure also includes a resident-only, limited-draw permit application for Unit 4, but the application deadline for these permits was Feb. 19.) The brochure can be used only for general regulations regarding the 2009 Kansas spring turkey hunting season.

Printed copies of the 2010 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas will be available at most KDWP offices by the third week in March.

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2010 Spring Turkey Atlas Now Online Turkey Season

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - NASHVILLE, Tenn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Bobby Woods’s focus, talent and practice paid off today when he won the Friction Division at the Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Turkey Calling Championships in Nashville, Tenn.

“It feels great to win it again; I’m the only caller to do it twice,” said Woods, who also won the Friction Division in 2007. “At first I was nervous, but when I began my first call, the butterflies went away.”

Bobby Woods, from Dante, Va., won the Friction Division at the 2010 Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Turkey Calling Championships.

Every February, callers from all over the nation flock to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, to compete in the championships. With more than $25,000 in cash and prizes going to the top callers, seats fill up with onlookers to see and hear the terrific turkey talk.

In the Friction Division, callers are asked to perform a series of calls that imitate a single hen. Some of these calls include the yelp, cluck and purr, kee kee run, and cutting of the excited hen. A panel of seven expert judges score each call and the slightest mistake can virtually eliminate a caller from contention.

Hailing from Dante, Va., Woods used the “Classic Crystal,” “Cluck and Purr Pot” and “Kee Kee Disc” made by Woodhaven Custom Calls, to emerge from a field of 24 callers and be crowned champion.

“Winning a title at the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships is like reaching the summit of a mountain. There is no higher place among the turkey calling’s elite,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The atmosphere in the room during the trophy presentation is electric. Raising the first-place trophy at these contests means that you have beaten the best callers in the world.”

Each year, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and NWTF supporters rally at the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. The event features the Grand National Calling Championships, seminars from hunting pros, more than 550 vendor booths, top entertainers at evening functions and more.

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

To learn more about the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Virginia Man Wins NWTF’s Grand National Friction Calling Championship

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that the Spring Turkey Permit Application Period closes this Monday, Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m.

Applications can be made either through the online license website or at a license agent. Applicants can review and edit their applications online until the application period closes.

Award notification and permit pickup begins Monday, March 8. Successful applicants must claim their permits by 11:59 p.m. on March 28; unclaimed awarded permits will be made available for over-the-counter sales which begin on Tuesday, March 30 at 10 a.m.

Turkey hunters need to be aware of changes that have been made to certain Turkey Hunting Area (Zone) boundaries.

The format (length and structure) of the season has also changed. Complete details can be found on pages 63-64 in the 2009 Hunting Issue of the Fish and Wildlife Digest ( http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt09.htm ).

For more information on the spring season permit application process, including links to the 2010 Turkey Hunting Season Information Booklet and a large-scale Turkey Hunting Area map, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/turkperm10_spring.htm on the division’s Web site.

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Turkey Permit Application Period Deadline is Monday, Feb. 22

Montana Turkey

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Helena, MT --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters wanting to pursue turkeys in some parts of western Montana this spring will need a special permit, while recent regulation changes mean that over-the-counter licenses are now valid in more western counties, including portions of Missoula County.

New this year, the southern portion of Missoula County, including areas surrounding Highway 12 and south of Missoula to the Ravalli County line, are now open to hunters with a general spring turkey license purchased over-the-counter.

Hunters should check the 2010 Montana Spring Turkey Regulations or contact the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office in Missoula at 542-5500 for a map and description of this general hunting area.

The rest of Missoula County, and some other areas of western Montana, remain permit-only areas. These male turkey permits are available through special drawings, and applications must be received no later than March 11.

Hunters that are not awarded a turkey permit through special drawing can also harvest male turkeys with a general spring turkey license purchased over-the-counter in many areas of western Montana this year, including all of Lincoln, Flathead, and Ravalli Counties and portions of Missoula, Lake and Sanders Counties. In addition, much of eastern Montana, is open to hunters with a general turkey license.

The following is a summary of spring turkey license and permit requirements for western Montana:

• General Hunting Areas (Hunters can use an over-the-counter license in these areas): Lincoln, Flathead, Ravalli and portions of Lake, Sanders and Missoula Counties.
• Permit-only Areas (Hunters must apply for a special permit for these areas): All of Mineral County (50 permits available); Powell County and a portion of Granite County (5 permits); a portion of Missoula County (50 permits) and a portion of Sanders County (30 permits).

Permits are also required for turkey hunting in portions of southwest Montana. To see a complete listing of permit areas and to apply online, hunters have until March 11. Apply online at fwp.mt.gov. Click on ‘Apply for a License or Buy a Permit’ at Online Services. Or, apply in person at any FWP office, or by mail.

Applicants may only apply for one special spring male turkey permit and only in one area.

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Plan Now For Montana Spring Turkey Hunting

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida – -(Ammoland.com)- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed new rules Wednesday, opening more public land to hunters and establishing a special spring turkey hunting weekend just for Florida’s youths.

Effective July 1, new parcels of public land will be included within the state’s wildlife management area (WMA) system and available for hunting during the 2010-2011 hunting season. Included in these new areas is the 1,290-acre Fort White Mitigation Park in Gilchrist County. The property will have an archery season, small-game season and spring turkey season.

The Lafayette Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) is another tract comprising 2,148 acres in Lafayette County, which will offer archery, muzzleloading gun, family, wild hog and spring turkey hunts.

The 9,754-acre Charles H. Bronson WMA in Orange and Seminole counties will feature archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, small-game and spring turkey hunts. The parcel is cooperatively owned by the state’s Division of Forestry, the St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange County.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s 6,445-acre Marshall Swamp in Marion County, currently a public small-game hunting area, will become a full-blown WMA, offering archery, muzzleloader, general gun, small game and spring turkey hunts.

Watermelon Pond WEA is a 4,231-acre tract in Alachua County that is cooperatively owned by the Division of Forestry and the FWC. It too will feature an archery season and small-game hunts.

Youth hunters are sure to benefit from yet another rule passed by the FWC. This one establishes a two-day youth turkey hunt on private property the weekend prior to the opening of spring turkey season in each hunting zone, beginning with the 2011 spring turkey season. Only those under 16 years old will be allowed to harvest a turkey while supervised by an adult, 18 years or older. However, any adult supervisor who has a hunting license and the necessary permits will be allowed to “call in” the turkey and otherwise participate in the hunt, but they will not be permitted to harvest one.

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Florida Hunters Get More Public Land Florida Youths Get New Turkey Hunting Weekend

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — -(AmmoLand.com)- The winners of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Youth Art Contest will be honored by having their art displayed at the NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, in Nashville, Tenn.

The convention will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Feb. 18 to Feb. 21. Attendees can browse more than 550 booths of the latest hunting gear in the 4-acre exhibit hall, watch performances from entertainers Jeff Foxworthy, Little Big Town and Colt Ford and view the work of master taxidermists and callmakers.

Youth Art Contest winners include:

Aged 6 to 8

• First place – Andrew DeBruin of De Pere, Wis.
• Second place – Libby Majors of Alexander, Ark.
• Third place – Luke Arrowood of Lexington, N.C.
• Fourth place – Trey Konshak of De Pere, Wis.

Aged 9 to 11

• First place – Megan Zocher of Weston, Wis.
• Second place – Brian Gunter of Prosperity, S.C.
• Third place – Chase Grubbs of Farmville, Va.
• Fourth place – Billie Dee Bal of De Pere, Wis.

Aged 12 to 14

• First place – Christopher Chang of Kiel, Wis.
• Second place – Ku Moua of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
• Third place – Colton Bachar of Brookings, S.D.
• Fourth place – Dylan Gappa of Galesville, Wis.

Aged 15 to 17

• First place – Charlie Rasnake of Honaker, Va.
• Second place – Randi Rice of Prosperity, S.C.
• Third place – Christina Letellier of Clayton, Wis.
• Fourth place – Calvin O’dell Hoyord of Iola, Wis.
• First Runner up – Laura Knysak of Millstadt, Ill.
• Second Runner up – Mike Johnson of Berlin, Wis.

The NWTF started the JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) and Xtreme JAKES programs to give youth the opportunity to learn about fun outdoor activities as well as educate them about conservation and wildlife. Events held nationwide provide instructors and locations for youth to hone their outdoor knowledge and skills.

The contest offered chances to win $150, a free one-year JAKES/Xtreme JAKES membership and a JAKES/Xtreme JAKES T-shirt to artists ages 6 to 17. The winning artists’ works will be displayed in the NWTF’s Winchester Museum in Edgefield, S.C., for six months.

The Youth Art Contest is just one of the ways the JAKES program urges youth to become involved in wildlife conservation. JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is the NWTF’s program for youth ages 12 and under. Xtreme JAKES is the NWTF’s outreach program geared toward teens ages 13 to 17.

The NWTF recognizes all participants in the art contest, and would like to thank all who submitted an entry.

To learn more about the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show or next year’s Youth Art Contest, call (800) THE-NWTF or visit www.nwtf.org.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Youth Artists Win NWTF Awards

Col. Tom Kelly's Book "Infirm Opinions"

National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention & Sport Show

Nashville, Tenn - -(AmmoLand.com)-  Col. Tom Kelly, the “Poet Laureate of Wild Turkey Literature,” will be signing copies of his new book, “Infirm Opinions” during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn.

Visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Feb. 19 to Feb. 21 to visit Kelly in booth 139 on the exhibit hall floor. While there, browse more than 550 booths of outdoor gear – just in time for the spring turkey hunting season.

Kelly, who is still going strong at age 82, was named the NWTF’s 2009 Communicator of the Year and authors the humorous “Short Spurs” column in “Turkey Country” magazine. He’ll offer special deals and also sign and personalize copies of all his books, including many first editions in booth 139.

Buy “Infirm Opinions” and get a special, free DVD titled “Fan Club.” Produced by Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland, vice president of Mossy Oak Productions, “Fan Club” follows two wise old turkey hunters – Kelly and Strickland – as they learn about fanning, a great technique to bring in hung-up gobblers.

Bring unsigned copies of Kelly’s books to the NWTF’s autograph booth Friday, Feb. 19 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to visit with Kelly and Strickland. Daily exhibit hall passes cost just $12 for adults, or $25 for a three-day pass. Children age 10 and under are admitted free.

National Wild Turkey Federation
770 Augusta Rd., Edgefield, SC, 29824

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Get a Signed Copy of Col. Tom Kelly’s New Book “Infirm Opinions”

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah - -(Ammoland.com)- If you didn’t obtain a limited-entry permit to hunt wild turkeys in Utah this spring, don’t put your shotgun away. Permits for Utah’s first general statewide turkey hunt go on sale starting Feb. 16.

“We’re excited,” says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “For the first time, every hunter who wants to hunt wild turkeys in Utah can hunt.”

Because the general hunt is brand new, Tutorow says the DWR has received lots of questions from hunters. She provides the following information:

You don’t have to get a permit on Feb. 16. General turkey permits are not limited in number, so they won’t run out. Permits will be available until the season ends on May 31.

Photo courtesy of Wild Turkey Federation

You can buy a general turkey permit and still keep all of your limited-entry turkey bonus points. You won’t lose any of your bonus points if you buy a general turkey permit.

If you buy a general turkey permit, you can hunt anywhere in Utah that’s open to turkey hunting.

If you obtained a limited-entry turkey permit, you can’t obtain a general turkey permit. (You can have only one turkey permit each year.)

You can buy a permit at wildlife.utah.gov starting Feb. 16. Permits will also be available at DWR offices and from more than 300 hunting license agents across Utah.

Two general hunts will be held:

The first hunt is a special youth hunt. This hunt is for hunters who are 15 years of age or younger. It runs April 30–May 2.

To participate, young hunters must buy a general statewide hunting permit. Young hunters who drew a limited-entry permit can’t participate in the youth hunt.

Youngsters who buy a permit for the youth hunt can also use the permit to hunt during Utah’s general statewide hunt. That hunt opens May 3.

The second hunt is open to anyone who buys a statewide general turkey permit. The hunt runs May 3–31.

For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.

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Utah Turkey hunting permits on sale

Nikon Turkeypro Shotgun Scope

Nikon Hunting

Melville, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Just in time for 2010 spring turkey seasons, Nikon introduces the new1.65-5×36mm TurkeyPro Shotgun Scope with Ballistic Turkey Reticle (BTR) available in Realtree APG, Mossy Oak Break Up or matte black to match your shotgun’s finish.

The new BTR reticle is designed to work as a ranging tool as well as an aiming device. The BTR’s circle within a circle construction allows shooters to use convergence to know when a turkey steps into range. Hunters simply place the small circle, on low power, or the large circle, on high power, to cover or subtend the turkey from head to wattles at 40 yards. The center circle acts as the aiming point and allows the shooter to still “see” the exact target spot even on low power.

The innovations with this turkey scope don’t stop with the reticle system. The TurkeyPro also features a removable Anti-Reflective Device (ARD), a first for turkey hunters.

“Using an ARD in a turkey-specific scope is a first but it makes perfect sense given a turkey’s amazing eyesight and spooky nature,” said Jon Allen, General Manager Nikon Sport Optics. “The new TurkeyPro uses input from some of the country’s best turkey hunters and is the first scope to combine all those years of experience into one scope.”

Five full inches of eye relief means hunters can comfortably and safely mount this scope on even the hardest kicking magnum shotguns. With a super bright exit pupil of 7.2mm and Nikon’s multicoated lens you can hunt right up to roost time. The durable one-inch tube features hand turn ¼-MOA adjustment and a 50-yard parallax setting. Multicoated lens provide 92% Light Transmission for excellent low light performance.

The new TurkeyPro BTR is available in Realtree APG or Mossy Oak Breakup with a MSRP of $279.95 or in a matte finish with an MSRP of $249.95. All feature the new Ballistic Turkey Reticle and will be available in plenty of time for spring 2010 hunting seasons.

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

For more information on Nikon’s full line of Riflescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Fieldscopes and Laser Rangefinders, please contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064, or call 1-800-645-6687. www.nikonhunting.com.

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New Nikon Turkeypro Shotgun Scope With Ballistic Turkey Reticle

New Mexico Game and Fish

SANTA FE, NM --(AmmoLand.com)- Wednesday, Feb. 3, is the deadline to apply for New Mexico 2010-2011 oryx licenses, bear Wildlife Management Area permits, population reduction hunts and special spring turkey permits.

Online applications must be made before 5 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline day. Paper applications must be delivered or postmarked on or before the deadline day.

To be eligible for the drawing, all hunters must obtain a Customer ID Number — online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or by visiting a Department office in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Raton, Las Cruces or Roswell. Customer ID Numbers are free and are required whether applications are made online or on paper applications.

Online applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing the deadline because of forgotten passwords or other computer-related issues at the last minute. Late applications will not be accepted. Drawing results will be available March 10 on the Department Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or in person at Department of Game and Fish offices. Results will be available by telephone March 25.

The Department expects to receive more than 18,000 applications for approximately 3,000 licenses and permits. About 16,000 of those applications will be for 2,215 available oryx licenses.

Hunters who held deer permits or elk licenses for the 2009-2010 season must have reported their harvest results before applying. Hunters who fail to report their 2009-2010 harvest results — successful or not — will have their 2010-2011 applications rejected. Harvest reports can be submitted online at www.newmexico-hunt.com or by calling toll-free (888) 248-6866.

For more information about big-game hunting in New Mexico, please consult the 2010-2011 Big Game & Trapper Rules and Information Booklet, available at all license vendors, Department offices, and online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Information also is available by calling (505) 476-8000.

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Hunters Apply For Oryx, WMA Bear, Special Turkey Hunts

National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention & Sport Show

Des Moines, Iowa – -(AmmoLand.com)- Do dogs run the show at your house?

They do at ours! Upwards of 40 different sporting dog breeds will be the top attraction at Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest 2010, being held February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Bird Dog Parade
What the heck is Wachtelhund? Italian Spinone? Holy Cannoli! The National Pheasant Fest tradition of kicking off the event with the Bird Dog Parade began in Des Moines in 2007. This year, upwards of 40 different breeds of bird dogs will help us celebrate Pheasant Fest’s return to Iowa with the largest Bird Dog Parade yet. From Boykins to Brittanys, German Shorthairs to German Longhairs, Goldens to Gordons, Labs to Llewellins, Springers to Setters, Wachtelhunds to Weimeraners, if it hunts, you’ll find it in the Bird Dog Parade. The parade begins at 12:30PM on Friday, February 26th in the main lobby at the Iowa Events Center.

Bird Dog Bonanza
Come Flushers, Pointers and Retrievers! An entire section of the National Pheasant Fest 2010 show floor is dedicated to our favorite hunting partners. This Bird Dog Bonanza is presented by Native® performance dog food & SportDOG®. There will be seminars / demonstrations throughout the weekend from the world’s foremost dog trainers, such as the Native performance dog food Pro Staff (including Iowans Steve Ries, Todd Sterrett and Sue Barnes), SportDOG’s legendary Tom Dokken and Rick Smith, and Lyle Steinman of Country Vet and Zoom Dog. Ask the experts personally by bringing your bird dog questions to the Bird Dog Panel Q & A, and check out kennels, trainers, breeders and more dog exhibitors at the “Bird Dog Alley.”

“The seminar speakers for the ‘Bird Dog Stage’ at Pheasant Fest are the absolute top names in the bird dog world,” said Brad Heidel, Director of Special Event Sales for Pheasant Forever. “These trainers bring years of experience, and we are very excited to present them to show attendees.”

Attend National Pheasant Fest 2010

The Country’s Largest Event for Upland Hunters, Sport Dog Owners and Wildlife Habitat Conservationists, combining a national outdoor tradeshow, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art.

Adults – $10 Daily * Ages 6-16 – $5 Daily * Ages 5 and Under – FREE

Weekend Special – $30 (Includes Pheasants Forever membership & hat, over $80 value)

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, visit www.PheasantsForever.org

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Bird Dogs Bringing Big Bark to Des Moines this February

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio youth turkey hunters can enter to win a dream hunt with Governor Ted Strickland or nationally-known hunting guides during the Governor’s Celebrity and Youth Turkey Hunt according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

To enter the contest, Ohio youth hunters must write an essay on the topic, “My Best Hunt Ever.” The essay must be typed and limited to 300 words. Youth hunters between the ages of 14 to 17 years old before March 1, 2010 are eligible to participate. All entries must be sent to the Division of Wildlife via the electronic submission form available at wildohio.com. Email entries will not be accepted. Past essay winners are not eligible to participate. Entries must be submitted by March 15.

Nine lucky Ohio youth hunters will be able to participate in this annual turkey hunt on May 8. The specific location of the hunt will be announced later. A parent or guardian must accompany the young hunter for the overnight trip, but will not be a participant of the hunt.

Winning entrants will be notified by April 16. Three alternate winners will be selected in case of cancellations. A 2010 youth hunting license and turkey permit will be required for all winning entrants.

Judges will be selected by the Division of Wildlife, and the judges’ decision will be final. All essays become the property of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and may be published in Wild Ohio Magazine or other publications.

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.

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2010 Governor’s Youth Wild Turkey Hunter’s Essay Contest Announced

National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention & Sport Show

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Twelve dollars and a couple hours will buy you an all-access pass to conservation and hunting experts from across the country and the secrets to their success Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2010 in Nashville.

More than 40,000 hunters and conservationists will swarm the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

“For many of our attendees, the plethora of seminars held throughout the weekend represents a chance to discover the edge they need to bag that boss tom, gain expert insight through question-and-answer sessions with the pros, introduce newcomers to hunting and much more,” said Shannon Tollison, NWTF’s national convention coordinator.

Click here for a complete listing of seminars, times and locations of the seminars available during the weekend.

“The convention and sport show is not just for hunters; a special section of the convention hall called The Roost will feature areas for youth to have fun as they learn about wildlife and the outdoors,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF’s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship) program coordinator. “The Roost also will host entertaining and encouraging seminars tailored to help women, youth and people with disabilities discover new outdoor hobbies.”

Welcoming guests to Nashville for the convention will be NWTF Spokesperson, Turkey Call television host and First Lady of Hunting™ Brenda Valentine and NWTF Spokesperson and host of “Realtree Roadtrips” and “Bone Collector” television shows Michael Waddell.

“I attended my first NWTF Convention when I was 17, and I’ve been back every single year since,” said Waddell. “If you’re anticipating the 2010 spring turkey season as much as I am, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show is one event you definitely don’t want to miss.”

Since its founding in 1973, the NWTF’s volunteers have made continual advancements in wild turkey conservation and preserving North America’s hunting heritage.

“Join myself, Michael and tens of thousands of your closest friends for a weekend of fun, camaraderie, patriotism and celebration of the wild turkey and its conservation success,” said Valentine. “We’ll have something fun for everyone in Nashville this February. Join us for a great show in your favorite place!”

General admission tickets for the event cost only $12 daily or $25 for a three-day pass. The ticket also grants admission to the exhibit hall, where participants can stock up on the industry’s newest gear and gadgets at more than 550 booth spaces. Ticket holders also can see the world’s best turkey callers strut their stuff during the NWTF’s Grand National Calling Contests, sponsored by Wild Turkey Bourbon.

For more information about the NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show visit www.nwtf.org or call Brian Dowler at (803) 637-7698 or email bdowler@nwtf.net.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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NWTF Convention and Sport Show: Expert Advice for $12

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wi – -(AmmoLand.com)- Free Turkey Hunter Education Clinics will be offered again this year around the state. These free clinics are presented by volunteer instructors and are sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Clinics typically last 2 to 3 hours and are designed to cover wild turkey biology and behavior, hunting methods, regulations, safety precautions, and landowner/hunter ethics, as well as tips for scoring trophy birds and a few ideas on preparing turkeys at home.

Turkey Hunting

The Turkey Hunter Education Clinics are intended to address and inform all ages and experience levels from a beginning turkey hunter interested in learning wild turkey hunting techniques to experienced wild turkey hunters looking to brush-up on skills and learn new techniques.

These clinics will be held February through late March. Information and a listing on where and when clinics are being held is available on the DNR Web site or may call the DNR Customer Call Center from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463). For the latest additions or changes in the schedule please refer to the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Hull (608) 267-7861 or Sharon Fandel (608) 261-8458

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Free Turkey Hunter Education Clinics Offered Statewide

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wi – -(AmmoLand.com)- Thanks to the new Mentored Hunting Program that took effect last fall, youth hunters aged 10 and 11, as well as youth ages 12 through 15 may now participate in the 2010 youth turkey hunt.

Under the Mentored Hunting Program, youth ages 10 through 15 may hunt without first having completed hunter education so long as they do so with a qualified adult mentor and follow the rules laid out under the Mentored Hunting Program.

Youth ages 12-15 who have already completed hunter education may hunt during the Youth Hunt while accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Each youth must have a valid spring 2010 turkey harvest permit, license and stamp.

Youth ages 10 through 15 are allowed to hunt on April 10 and 11 in the Turkey Management Zone their permit is valid for, regardless of the time period their permit is issued for, and may harvest only one male or bearded turkey during the two-day hunt. A youth who does not successfully harvest a turkey during the two day Youth Hunt may use their unfilled permit during the time period and in the zone for which the permit was issued. All other spring turkey hunting regulations apply. More information on the Spring Turkey Youth Hunt and the hunting mentorship program is available on the DNR Web site.

The youth hunt was created in 2007 to provide youth with an opportunity to hunt turkeys and gain valuable hunting experience by working closely with an experienced mentor before the regular season opens.

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Wisconsin Youth Turkey Hunt Set for April 10-11

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wi – -(AmmoLand.com)- More than 149,000 permits will be issued for the spring 2010 Wisconsin wild turkey season through the spring turkey preference drawing. Postcard notifications to successful applicants will be going out in the mail later in the week.

Hunters who do not receive a postcard by mid-February can check on the status of their permit application online through the Department of Natural Resources Online Licensing Center or by calling the DNR Customer Call Center from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).

In total, 225,729 permits are available for the spring 2010 turkey season compared to 225,709 in 2009.

Hunters harvested 52,581 turkeys during the 2009 spring season. Final harvest numbers for the 2009 fall season will be published in the 2009 Wisconsin Big Game Hunting Summary in spring of 2010.

The spring 2010 turkey hunting season will run from April 14-May 23. The season is divided into six 5-day (Wednesday through Sunday) time periods. A total of 7 zones, 15 state parks and Fort McCoy will be open for hunting.

The number of turkey hunting zones has been reduced to seven large zones instead of the 46-zone structure of past years. The amount of total turkey hunting area is the same. Hunters should refer to the online map or the 2010 Spring Turkey regulations, which are included in the 2009 Small Game and Fall Turkey 2009 and Spring Turkey 2010 regulation pamphlet.

Hunters are reminded that Fort McCoy runs a separate spring turkey hunting season, different from the State of Wisconsin spring turkey hunt. Hunters that do not receive an approval to hunt turkeys through the state drawing in a Wisconsin turkey hunting zone for the 2010 spring season are eligible to apply for a spring permit at Fort McCoy.

Applications can be obtained from Fort McCoy by calling 608-388-3337 or visiting their Web site: www.mccoy.army.mil

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149,000 Permits Issued For 2010 Spring Turkey Hunt

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife advises hunters that the Spring Turkey Permit Application Period opened today, Monday, January 25.

Applications can be made either through the online license website or at a license agent.

The application period remains open until February 22, and applicants can review and edit their applications online until the application period closes.

NJ Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunters need to be aware of changes that have been made to certain Turkey Hunting Area (Zone) boundaries.

The format (length and structure) of the season has also changed.

Detailed information can be found in the Turkey Permit Supplement at www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2010/turkey10.pdf (pdf, 420kb). The print version will arrive at license agents and division offices soon.

For more information on the spring season permit application process visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/turkperm10_spring.htm on the division’s website.

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2010 NJ Spring Turkey Permit Application Information

National Wild Turkey Federation

LONG ISLAND, N.Y.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Who would have thought that on an island with two of New York City’s largest airports, John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia, hunters also can find a thriving population of Eastern wild turkeys?

History was recently made during New York State’s inaugural turkey season on Long Island, Nov. 21 to 25, 2009. Hunters harvested approximately 100 turkeys during Suffolk County’s five-day fall season; the first of its kind for an area with few wild turkeys before restoration efforts there began in the early 1990s.

Almost 20 years ago, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) staff trapped approximately 75 wild turkeys in upstate New York and released them in three locations in Suffolk County. Now, the Long Island wild turkey population is estimated at more than 3,000 birds.

“The fall turkey season opening on Long Island is a perfect example of wild turkeys flourishing thanks to efforts by NWTF and state agency partners,” said Doug Little, NWTF regional biologist for New York. “In this case, determined volunteers from the NWTF and DEC staff identified suitable habitat for wild turkeys on Long Island and spent years fostering the growing wild turkey population.”

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

Since 1985 more than $1.7 million has been raised and spent by New York chapters on projects within the state including habitat improvements and education through 4-H and outreach events to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for women, youth and hunters with disabilities.

Bob Bogaski from the Suffolk County Wild Turkeys Chapter, harvested a fine gobbler during the inaugural turkey season on Long Island, N.Y., in November, 2009.

NWTF efforts on Long Island went beyond restocking and managing wild turkey populations. When the DEC was considering a regulation change to allow a fall turkey season on Long Island, the NWTF’s New York State Chapter and local, Suffolk County Wild Turkeys Chapter submitted a joint letter of support for opening a fall season for wild turkeys.

NWTF member Bob Bogaski spent all five days of the Long Island turkey season in the field, two of which were with his two sons at his side. “I hadn’t gone out in a long time, but then a couple years ago my kids were watching hunting on television and told me they’d like to give it a try,” said Bogaksi. “As I learned about the NWTF, I began to appreciate both parts of the mission: wildlife conservation and preserving our hunting heritage. I love to hunt with my kids. It’s a true, wholesome, family tradition for us now and helps keep us together as they grow.”

Because of a healthy wild turkey population and safe and successful hunting experiences during Long Island’s inaugural 2009 fall turkey season, another similar season is planned for 2010.

Information about turkey hunting in New York State can be obtained be visiting the DEC’s Web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.html.

For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

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Things to do in New York… Yankees Game, Statue of Liberty and Turkey Hunt?

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Regular season April 14-May 31; youth/disabled, archery seasons April 1-13
PRATT — -(Ammoland.com)- The 2010 spring turkey season runs April 14-May 31, and hunters across the state are already making preparations. Turkey permits allow hunters to use a shotgun, crossbow, or bow throughout the regular season. Archery-only and youth/disabled seasons run concurrently, April 1-13. A new regulation change this year makes youth permits valid statewide, including Unit 4. Also new for 2010, a turkey permit/game tag combination is available through March 30 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.

Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, or from license vendors across the state. In addition, hunters may apply online for resident-only, limited-draw permits in Unit 4 (southwest Kansas). A total of 325 permits will be issued for Unit 4. Fifty percent of these permits are reserved for applicants who qualify as landowner/tenants in that unit. Applications for Unit 4 permits must be received online or by phone at 620-672-0728 no later than Feb. 19. There will be no paper applications or mail-in forms for 2010. All draw applications must be submitted through the online application process or by phone.

In addition, any individual with a spring turkey permit may purchase one game tag valid only in Units 2 and 3.

Archery hunters, anyone 16 years old or younger, and those with disability permits may hunt April 1-13. (All youth must have an adult supervisor during the youth season.) Hunters younger than 16 are not required to have hunter education certification to hunt while they are supervised by a person 18 or older, but they must have a turkey permit. During the regular season, persons age 12 and older may hunt without adult supervision if they have completed a certified hunter education course. Hunter education certification may not be obtained until age 11, and all hunters younger than 12 must have adult supervision to hunt at any time. Hunters who are 16 must have a valid Kansas hunting license.

Huntable populations of wild turkeys exist in nearly every Kansas county. The Rio Grande subspecies dominates the western two-thirds of the state. The eastern subspecies is common in the eastern regions although numbers may be slightly down in the southeast, which has experienced heavy spring rains and flooding the past two years. Hybrid Rio Grande/eastern birds are found where the two ranges converge.

Spring turkey permit and game tags fees are as follow:

• Resident General permit — $22.50;
• Resident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 30) — $27.50;
• Resident Youth permit — $12.50;
• Resident Youth Combo permit/game tag (available through March 30) — $17.50;
• Resident game tag — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant permit — $12.50;
• Landowner/Tenant Combo permit/game tag — $17.50 (available through March 30 only);
• Nonresident General permit — $32.50;
• Nonresident Combo permit/game tag (available through March 30) — $47.50;
• Nonresident game tag — $22.50;
• Unit 4 Resident General permit — $27.50;
• Unit 4 Resident Landowner/Tenant Permit — $17.50; and
• Unit 4 Preference Point — $6.50.

A Spring Turkey Atlas showing all public hunting lands and spring Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands will be available at KDWP offices and the KDWP website in late March.

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Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 2010 Spring Turkey Permits Available Online

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. —-(AmmoLand.com)- This week, we’ll discuss NWTF programs that distribute seed and seedlings to landowners nationwide.

So, if you’d like to know more about the varieties of seeds and seedlings you can get through the NWTF, or when chufa and seedlings will be available to purchase, read on.

In our next issue, NWTF experts will answer your questions about the gear you’ll need for wild turkey hunting this season.

So if you need new camouflage, choke tubes or boots but don’t know what kind to buy or which features to look for, now is your chance to ask.

Click here and submit your questions about hunting gear for the upcoming spring season by Tuesday, Jan. 26. By entering your question about these programs, you’ll be entered to win a prize.

Congratulations to Tommy Ellis of Jacksonville, Fla., who won an NWTF cap and pen for submitting his question about the NWTF’s seed and seedlings programs.

Note: The NWTF makes every effort to answer questions that are submitted. However, due to time and space constraints, not all questions may be answered.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation also works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through special outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Hit Us with Your Best Shot: NWTF Experts Answer Your Questions

New Gorilla Gear Gobbler Pack

Gorilla Tree Stands

FLUSHING, Mich - -(AmmoLand.com)- Gorilla® Gear – a new line of hunting blinds and accessories designed to provide an undeniable advantage in the field, introduces the Gobbler Pack, a premium hunting pack designed specifically for the turkey hunter.

Designed with the serious turkey hunter in mind, the lightweight Gobbler Pack features an amazing 1,900 cubic inches of storage capacity, along with fifteen (15) storage compartments and pockets specifically designed for calls strategically placed for easy access. In addition to all this pocket space is an oversized storage compartment that will hold all of your necessary decoys or can be used for hauling out your game. For supreme comfort the pack features a molded backrest, seat, and hip belt constructed of highly durable XPE foam. In addition, the pack also features a bow/gun holder and a blaze orange safety pull out. Constructed using hi-tech Tricot material, the pack is lightweight – only 4.8 lbs – and extremely quiet.

“We surveyed numerous hardcore turkey hunters to design and develop the Gobbler Pack” stated Gorilla Gear Brand Manager Stephen Graham. “The result of this research produced a pack that is spacious, well designed, functional, quiet, and extremely comfortable.”

For more information on the Gorilla Gear Gobbler Pack and other products that help deliver a great day in the field visit www.gorillablinds.com

About Gorilla Gear
Gorilla® Gear, an Eastman Outdoors Inc. brand, is a leading manufacturer of quality hunting equipment and accessories designed to deliver a great day in the field. Gorilla® Gear products are available throughout North America at leading retailers and hunting specialty stores. For more information about Gorilla® Gear contact customer service at (810) 733-6360 or visit www.gorillablinds.com

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Strap A Gorilla On Your Back & Go Turkey Hunting

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – The new $5 youth turkey permits will be available when 2010 spring turkey hunting permits go on sale Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. Central Time, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

In the past, youth hunters paid the same price as adults for a turkey permit. The new low-cost permits are designed to attract more youth to turkey hunting opportunities.

Youth permits are for hunters who are under age 16 on the opening day of the youth archery season. All turkey hunters, except residents under age 16, require a Nebraska Habitat Stamp.

The 2010 permit prices, not including issuing fees, are: resident turkey, $23; resident youth turkey, $5; nonresident turkey, $90; nonresident youth turkey, $5.

The archery and youth archery hunting seasons are March 25-May 31. The youth shotgun season is April 10-May 31 and the shotgun season is April 17-May 31.

A spring turkey permit, as well as a spring youth turkey permit, allows a hunter to take turkeys with bow and arrow in the archery season and a shotgun in the shotgun season. A person may have up to three spring turkey permits. The bag limit is one male or bearded female turkey per permit.

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Spring Turkey Permits Available Jan. 11

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until the spring gobbler season begins on May 1, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. In fact, thanks to the new Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

In the past, hunters had to wait until Jan. 1 before submitting a license application for the second spring gobbler tag and then wait for the agency to mail the license back to them. The process was made necessary to spread out administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons. However, because of PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand.

Roe noted that hunters are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges. However, the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler. Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, but they may only harvest one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents.

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Pa Hunters Reminded About Second Spring Gobbler Hunting Tag

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Talent is abundant in the wide world of wild turkey enthusiasts; a fact that can be witnessed at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 34th annual Convention and Sport Show sponsored by MidwayUSA, Feb. 18-21.

Hundreds of entrants in a variety of convention contests will descend on the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville, Tenn., to put their craftsmanship, artwork and calling abilities on display for the tens of thousands of convention goers expected to attend this year’s events.

Headlining the convention’s contests are the Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Calling Contests that feature the Senior, Friction, Champion of Champions, Owl Hooting, Gobbling and the Team Challenge divisions.

Youth callers will also get time on competitive wild turkey calling’s biggest stage as they compete in the Poults, Junior and Intermediate Grand National Calling Championships.

“Each year, the best turkey callers in the world circle a few dates on their calendars,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “Callers of all ages know that the third weekend in February is the Grand National Calling Championships and as the ‘Super Bowl’ of turkey calling contests, these are the titles they want to win most.”

Also up for grabs are titles for the world’s best game call makers as the NWTF Grand National Call Making Contest will crown several winners. A panel of experts in the fields of call making, calling and hunting evaluate calls within four Grand National divisions: the Hunting Turkey Call division; the Decorative Turkey Call division; Hunting Duck and Goose division; and Decorative Duck and Goose division.

Each division is separated into a number of categories based on various types of calls hunters use. Unlike the near-perfect sounds required to win a category in the hunter divisions, winners in the decorative call divisions and categories are crowned based upon the elaborate painting, sculpting, craftsmanship and detail used to decorate a turkey call.

Also adding their artistic flavor to the convention exhibit hall will be some of North America’s top taxidermists in the Grand National Taxidermy Competition. Contestants will compete in two species categories: white-tailed deer and wild turkey, and three skill divisions: commercial, professional and masters.

Using wild turkeys as inspiration, youth artists will showcase their abilities in the NWTF’s Youth Art Contest. Competing artists are judged in four age groups: 6 to 8; 9 to 11; 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. The top three entries in each age group are rewarded with prize money, with fourth-place artists receiving a one-year JAKES/Xtreme JAKES membership and a JAKE/Xtreme JAKES T-shirt.

“The talents and abilities on display during the contests at the 34th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show are a testament to the passion that millions of men and women throughout North America have for wildlife conservation and the outdoors,” said Thornton. “You have to really love the wilderness and its creatures to spend time, year-round, crafting an artistic turkey call or practicing the perfect owl hoot.”

During the convention, NWTF volunteers, members, and staff as well as the general public gather to celebrate the Federation’s accomplishments and plan for the future at several featured banquets. Entertainment from Jeff Foxworthy, Little Big Town and Colt Ford make banquet tickets a hot item throughout the weekend. With more than 550 booths filled with the latest outdoor gear, the sport show at the NWTF Convention is one of the nation’s largest gatherings of industry retailers and professionals, outfitters, and television personalities.

A record was set when more than 43,000 people attended the 2009 convention. This year, general admission passes to the sport show, calling contests, seminars from hunting professionals and more are available to the public for only $12.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF and its members are dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. For more information about the NWTF or to register for 34th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show sponsored by MidwayUSA, visit www.nwtf.org.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation also works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through special outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Turkey Enthusiasts to Showcase Talents at NWTF Convention

Women on Target Hunting Programs

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Just Announced The 2010-Early 2011 Women ON Target. Hunting Excursions exclusively for the ladies!

This line up has something to fit every budget and just in time for the Holiday Gift Giving Season!!

The NRA Women On Target. Hunting Excursion Program is designed to open the door to hunting for all women—both novice and seasoned huntresses. Our professional staff, outfitters and guides are individually selected for their exceptional services.

2010 – 2011 Hunting Excursions

• European Pheasant and Walk up Hunt —Michigan
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010nettiebay-03.asp
• Rio Grande Tom Turkey — Texas
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010knowlton-04.asp
• Alaskan Black Bear, Wolf—Alaska
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010alaska.asp
• Bull Elk,— South Texas
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010knowlton-10.asp
• Pheasant & Chukar—Nebraska
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010oakcreek.asp
• Mallard & Wood Duck—Michigan
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010nettiebay-10.asp
• Whitetail Doe/Spike, Axis Doe, and Unlimited Hogs—Texas
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010tillie-10.asp
• Whitetail Doe/Spike, Axis Doe, Rio Grande Turkey-Tom/Hen, Hog—Texas
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2010tillie-1112.asp
• Whitetail Doe, Hog, Coyote & Bobcat—Oklahoma
  http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/2011addison.asp

Hunting Excursion Application:
http://www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/huntregform.pdf

Ladies, if you are looking for camaraderie with other outdoorswomen and the opportunity to hunt various game in beautiful locations, join us for a Women on Target. Hunting Excursion. You can learn more by visiting www.nrahq.org/women/hunting/excursions.asp.

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.

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Women on Target Announce the 2010 – Early 2011 Hunting Excursion Schedule

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware – -(AmmoLand.com)- The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters that lottery applications for six-day turkey hunts on state wildlife areas next spring are due 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.

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Delaware Deadline Approaching For Turkey Hunt Lottery Applications

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s fall wild turkey season ended November 29 with 2,180 birds killed during the seven-week season. Tuscarawas County led the state with 135 birds taken, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Last year, 2,012 birds were taken.

The fall turkey season which ran October 10 through November 29, allowed hunters the choice of pursuing a bird with a shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, bow or crossbow. Hunters had 48 counties in which to pursue a wild turkey of either sex, which for the first time included Defiance and Williams counties.

Before the start of this fall’s hunting season, Ohio’s estimated wild turkey population was around 200,000. As many as 20,000 people, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, enjoyed Ohio’s fall wild turkey season.

The top 10 counties for fall turkey harvest were:

• Tuscarawas-135
• Ashtabula-127
• Jackson-91
• Trumbull-73
• Guernsey-72
• Coshocton-70
• Hocking-68
• Medina-67
• Ross-65
• Knox-63

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the turkey they killed this year to wildohio.com.

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 list of wild turkeys checked and tagged through November 29. The number taken during the 2008 fall turkey season is marked in ( ): 2009 (2008); counties marked (NA) had no fall season in 2008.

Adams –56 (67); Ashland –41 (50); Ashtabula –127 (130); Athens –42 (20); Belmont –22 (31); Brown –59 (91); Carroll –25 (21); Clermont –56 (83); Columbiana –53 (62); Coshocton –70 (83); Cuyahoga –1 (12); Defiance-51 (NA); Gallia –29 (37); Geauga –58 (22); Guernsey –72 (60); Harrison –57 (96); Highland –18 (79); Hocking –68 (23); Holmes –23 (25); Jackson –91 (52); Jefferson –25 (32); Knox –63 (57); Lake –23 (17); Lawrence –40 (31); Licking –53 (53); Lorain –39 (34); Mahoning –33 (17); Medina –67 (33); Meigs –42 (26); Monroe –34 (28); Morgan –24 (14); Morrow –20 (25); Muskingum-23 (13); Noble –32 (11); Perry –57 (30); Pike –17 (20); Portage –24 (21); Richland –29 (54); Ross –65 (47); Scioto –46(51); Stark –43 (35); Summit –17 (17); Trumbull –73 (82); Tuscarawas –135 (112); Vinton –40 (35); Washington –61 (67); Wayne –5 (6) and Williams-31 (NA). Preliminary totals –2,180 (2,012).

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Ohio Fall Turkey Season Concludes with Upswing in Harvest

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI –-(AmmoLand.com)- Turkey hunters are reminded that turkey management zones have been consolidated. The number of turkey hunting zones has been reduced to seven large zones instead of the previous 46-zone structure. There is still the same amount of total turkey hunting area. Each of the new zones combine a number of the smaller zones to give hunters more flexibility to move about in search of wild turkeys.

The 2010 spring turkey season officially begins with the April 10-11 Spring Turkey Youth Hunt. The regular turkey season begins on April 14 and consists of six, 5-day time periods that end on May 23.

The drawing for permits will take place in late January-early February. Successful permit applicants can expect to receive a postcard by mid-February.

Permit winners may then purchase their required 2010 spring turkey license (Resident $15; Nonresident $60) and turkey stamp ($5.25) or bear license ($49). Conservation Patrons and Senior Citizen Recreation Card holders do not need to purchase a turkey license or turkey stamp. A carcass tag will be printed at the time of purchase

Permits remaining after the initial drawing for spring turkey will be issued for sale one zone per day on a first-come first-served basis after March 10, 2010 at a date to be specified later.

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Wisconsin Spring 2010 Turkey Season

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI –-(AmmoLand.com)- Turkey and black bear hunters have until close of business Dec. 10 to apply for available permits for the 2010 spring turkey season and the 2010 black bear season.

Final permit levels for the spring turkey hunting season are set at 225,420 total permits (not including State Park & Disabled Only Hunting Zones). This is a slight increase from 225,120 total permits available for the 2009 spring season.

Total permit availability for the 2010 black bear season has not been determined yet. It is possible there will be more permits available for 2010. Permit levels will be taken up by the state Natural Resources Board at its Jan. 27-28 meeting.

Hunters registered 3,907 black bears in 2009. This number is preliminary and likely will change when all registration stubs are collected and entered. Hunters registered 2,955 bears in 2008.

Applications for each of these two permit drawings cost $3 and may be purchased at all authorized license agents, through the Online Licensing Center of the DNR Web site, Wisconsin DNR Service Centers, or by calling toll free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). Applications postmarked after the Dec. 10 deadline or filled out incorrectly will not be considered for the drawing.

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2010 Spring Turkey, Black Bear Permit Application Deadline Dec 10

Hunting legend Bob Walker along with co-host Paul Butski will offer testimonials from their field experiences with the Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy.

Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV

Countrymen Innovations

Red Hook, NY –-(AmmoLand.com)- Countrymen Innovations, the manufacturer of the popular Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy, announced today that Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV hosts Bob Walker and Paul Butski will be their guests during the 2010 Archery Trade Association Show in Columbus, OH, on January 13 – 15 in Columbus, OH.

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 has won many awards for excellence.

Butski is recognized nationwide as an expert hunter and has won over 100 turkey calling competitions, including the coveted Grand National Championship three times over his career. In addition to being co-host of Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies, Butski is also the owner of Butski’s Game Calls based in Scio, NY.

“Countrymen Innovations is very excited to have Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies hosts Bob Walker and Paul Butski as our special guests during the 2010 ATA Show.” said Rich Wyant, president of Countrymen Innovations, “We look forward to having Bob and Paul give testimonials about their field experiences using the Jake Intimidator turkey hunting decoy.”

Make sure to visit the Countrymen Innovations booth during the 2010 ATA Show to chat with Walker and Butski. The duo will be autographing posters and answering questions about Countrymen Innovations unique line of products.

About Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV
Airing on Versus and Sportsman Channel, 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

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Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies TV Hosts Appearing For Countrymen Innovations At 2010 ATA Show

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.

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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.

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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.

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Turkey Hunting Decoy Maker Bringing Innovation To 2010 ATA Show