Pa. Chapter of NWTF aims for safe spring turkey season
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
In Pennsylvania, more than 218,000 hunters will take to the outdoors this May (May 1-29) for the spring turkey season.
And while the growing number of hunters speaks volumes for the interest in the sport, there is a reason for concern over safety, according to the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Last spring, seven hunters were injured in turkey hunting related shooting incidents in Pennsylvania.
The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Chapter of NWTF believe one accident is one too many.
"A safe turkey hunter, like a safe driver, is defensive minded,’’ said Bob Eriksen, National Wild Turkey Federation wildlife biologist. "Though some folks have painted spring turkey hunting as a dangerous sport, the figures say otherwise. Nationwide, the average number of turkey hunting incidents was 2.95 per 100,000 hunters last spring. You are more likely to be injured driving to the coffee shop than while turkey hunting."
And thanks to the efforts of wildlife agencies like the NWTF and improved habitat conditions, there are more than six million wild turkeys in the United States, including a population of more than 350,000 in Pennsylvania.
"There are a number of tactics you can employ to hunt defensively,’’ Eriksen said. "When you set up to work a gobbler, place your back against a large tree, stump blow-down or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head. Select a spot in open timber rather than trying to hide in thick cover- have confidence in your camouflage. Be certain that your camo is complete and never wear or carry anything that is red, white or blue."
Pennsylvania law requires spring turkey hunters to wear 100 square inches of fluorescent orange, visible 360 degrees while moving. This orange material can be in the form of a hat, vest or sash.
"Shooters need to be better educated about identifying their targets," said Greg "Doc" Caldwell, Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Chapter NWTF. "Whether hunters are dressed in solid orange or clad in total camouflage, they should never be mistaken for a turkey. While we should never wear red, white, blue, or solid black, these colors don’t excuse an inadvertent shot."
The reason stated in many of the hunting accidents incident reports is "mistaken for game," which means a hunter was shot because someone believed the hunter was a live turkey. The Pa. Chapter of NWTF officials believe people can avoid accidents and hunt safety if they positively identify the target.
"Be certain it is a legal turkey before you pull the trigger. Make sure the shot path to the bird and beyond is clear and safe," Caldwell said. "Hunters need to see the whole bird before making a decision to take a shot. Even though the victim had on a blue handkerchief, a red bandana or white socks, the shooter should never have taken a shot at a color."
Eriksen said scouting and practicing calls should lead to a safe spring turkey-hunting trip.
"Don’t let peer pressure or excitement cloud your judgment," Eriksen said. "Positively identify your target and never point your firearm at anything you don’t intend to kill. Take time to look for a beard, the red, white and blue head and black breast feathers to identify a gobbler. Let that gobbler get within 30 yards of you before taking a carefully planned shot."
FACTS BOX
SUGGESTED HEADLINE: 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 May 1-29. There is a one-bird limit.
- Do not hide in brush (stay in the open using your camouflage as your cover)
- When possible sit with your back against a tree or large rock.
- Do not wear red, white, blue, or solid black
- Shout" stop" to alert approaching hunters
- Place decoys at a safe angle
- Do not shoot at colors, sounds, or motions
- Always know the location of other hunters in your party
- During the spring season, if you know another hunter is working a particular area and/or bird leave and find a new location. This is also proper hunting ethics.
- Be 100 percent certain of your target before you shoot
- Shoot only when you see the entire turkey (head, beard and body)
Source: Pennsylvania Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation
Send mail to
panwtf@go2pa.com
with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2004 Pennsylvania Chapter- National Wild Turkey Federation
Last modified:
October 25, 2004