For more information, contact: Bob Kasun, Pa. Chapter of NWTF public relations, 814-942-3990 or bobkasun@winbeam.com. Feel free to use any or all of this information.
April 4, 2005
When it comes to a safe turkey hunting experience, abiding by the law is not enough, says a Pennsylvania Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation spokesperson.
Greg "Doc" Caldwell of Port Matilda, Pa., believes a few safety tips should be part of every hunter's day afield to prevent a mishap.
In Pennsylvania, the spring gobbler season for bearded birds only runs from April 30 through May 28. A special juniors spring gobbler hunt, one-day hunt for youth will be held on April 23. There is a one-bird limit.
Only turkeys with visible beards are legal, hunting by calling only – no stalking – one-half hour before sunrise until noon, hunters shall be out of the woods by 1 p.m.
Pennsylvania law requires spring turkey hunters that while moving, a minimum of 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange material visible 360 degrees [orange hat] must be worn on the head.
"Do not be lulled into thinking that if you do not see orange it is safe to shoot,'' Caldwell said. "Some may ignore the requirements, so do not assume you will always see mandatory orange on or around a turkey hunter or his position. Also, non-hunters may be in the woods. These folks are not required to wear orange, and in fact, may be clad in clothing colored the same as that of a turkey, namely red, white, blue, or black."
One of most important rules of a safe hunting experience is properly identify your target, "knowing beyond any doubt that you are visualizing a turkey," Caldwell said.
"How fun and exciting it is to patiently wait for a bird to totally come into view,'' Caldwell said. "Whether you have patterned a turkey well enough to watch him walk into range on his own or you lured him in as the result of calling, it is extremely rewarding to watch him approaching. Making the sounds of the turkey and properly positioning yourself for a successful harvest are some of the joys of turkey hunting, spring or fall."
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have a long history of promoting safe hunting with hunter education classes and curriculum supplements specific to turkey hunting.
But Bob Eriksen, NWTF Regional Biologist, says one hunting incident is one too many.
"Foremost, every turkey hunter should understand that everyone is capable of making a mistake,'' Eriksen said. "Therefore every turkey hunter should consciously decide every morning to hunt safely that day. The most important things for turkey hunters to remember are to always be absolutely certain of their target, never point your gun at anything you don't intend to shoot, and hunt courteously and defensively."
Caldwell also suggests don't let the excitement of the moment cloud one's judgment. Patience is essential for successful turkey hunting.
"Patiently wait for the entire bird to come into view. Take deep breaths. Watch and enjoy this magnificent creature of nature. Learn to relax. Listen to its sounds, and observe its every movement," Caldwell said. "Let the turkey be your teacher so you become a better hunter on your next outing. Learn to enjoy the hunt and not the kill. This alone will help you hunt more responsibly and safely, and you just may have more success and fun in the process."
The National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force meeting in Edgefield, S.C., provided evidence that turkey hunters are putting the safety message into practice.
When the task force met for the first time in 1992, the rate of turkey hunting related shooting incidents was more than eight incidents per 100,000 hunters. In 2003, the incident rate was 2.95 per 100,000 hunters.
The number of turkey hunters nationwide has increased dramatically in
the
years between 1992 and 2005, yet the rate of incidents has dropped.
"Another positive trend has been seen in fall incident rates in Pennsylvania,'' Eriksen said. "The fall seasons of 2003 and 2004 were among the safest on record. All of us turkey hunters need to be determined to hunt safely this spring and every spring."
FACTS BOX
Safe hunting tips
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation offers tips for safe hunting for the spring turkey season. The spring gobbler season for bearded birds only is April 30-May 28. A special youth spring gobbler hunt, one-day hunt for youth will be held on April 23. There is a one-bird limit.
Source: Pennsylvania Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation. www.panwtf.com