These days, turkey hunting is becoming more and more popular as a recreational hobby. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that you can be caught up in danger in the process of hunting turkeys.
Read more: How To Prepare Yourself For Turkey Hunting In The Wind
The number of gun accidents and incidents related to turkey hunting is on the rise. What is the reason? Several Turkey hunters dressed in full camouflage, hiding and even making sounds like a real turkey. It makes other hunters suppose their new targets come and they shoot.
Accordingly, like a turkey hunter or anyone interested in this topic, it’s worth reading the whole guide on important safety considerations for wild turkey hunting, as we share below.
About Turkeys And Their Habitats
Wild turkeys in the United States include two notable species: the North American Wild Turkey and the Central American Ocellated Turkey. After that, they are subdivided into five subspecies: Merriam's, Gould's, Rio Grande, Eastern, and Osceola.
Conservation managers and biologists in the United States have done many ecological studies on the ideal habitats for wild turkeys. They found that turkey populations were more likely to occur in beech forests, grasslands, rivers, streams, information savannas, forest clearings, meadows, pastures, pine savannas, and wildlife openings.
Turkey Hunting Seasons & Several Initial Regulations
If you are a beginner, do some research on hunting-related laws on the website of state natural resources. Learning thoroughly about the law will help you understand each state’s rules to avoid risks or unnecessary penalties.
Read more: 12 Proper Ways To Prepare For A Hunting Trip
More often than not, each state will announce separate seasons and bag limits for each game species. State agencies and governments are grounded, and those decisions are based on science and much more. For example, if you're a wild turkey hunter, it’s vital to master season dates and bag limits involved in this species.
Former hunters used to hunt turkeys in the fall annually. Nonetheless, the stability of the turkey population needs to ensure and to conserve so many U.S. states moved the turkey hunting season to spring.
An apprenticeship license, a hunting license, and a safety education course are the fundamental requirements for every hunter, especially starters. In some cases, an apprenticeship permit can substitute for a safety education course.
However, new hunters must be accompanied by a properly licensed hunter before entering the forest. You can learn more about these licenses and other crucial procedures by visiting the International Hunter Education Association.
Important Safety Considerations For Wild Turkey Hunting: Useful Tips For Hunters
Spring turkey hunting is truly an exciting time that many people have been waiting for.
To best prepare for a hunt, you had better meet advisors or expertise hunters for advice and good tips and tricks. Indeed, they have much fantastic knowledge to pass on, and they can help quell your first hunt.
From the moment you start being a hunter, be mindful of your safety first. Regardless of how excited we get because of the annual spring turkey season, safety before hunting, on the hunting, and after hunting should be everyone's top priority.
To ensure safety while hunting, these are some requirements:
DOs:
Keep the gun muzzle pointed in the safe direction.
Beware of all guns as if they already had ammo.
Only mount or load your gun while shooting.
Determine specific targets before shooting.
Wear goggles and ear protection when near another shooter or when you are shooting.
Care should be taken while climbing and jumping while using a gun. No one can predict where your weapon will point while you fall, and unfortunately, when bullets hit someone, you may have a severe accident. So, put your gun down safely or hand it over to a companion in case you have to jump or climb. The same goes for crossing fences, obstacles, and other trees.
Keep your muzzle clear. Let nothing obstruct this muzzle, or let it come into touching the ground.
After firing, place the safety trigger in the 'on' position and unload the gun. Store firearms carefully, make sure they are out of children’s reach or untrained hunters to avoid fatal risks.
Notify your team members where you will be and when you will be back. In urgent cases, they could provide you with timely support when they find you are stuck in hassles.
DON’Ts:
Do not put your finger on the trigger until you determine the target and are ready to shoot.
Do not wear blue, white, or red clothing or accessories. Bear in mind that you should use overall camouflage and sit against a large tree or rock, which could shield you from other hunters.
Do not try pronouncing or creating a turkey sound: "gobbler" since another turkey hunter might be stalking you instead of an actual turkey and suddenly shoot you.
NWTF Turkey Hunting Safety 101:
With comprehensive safety gear, it's time to head into the woods. We always hope you have a good and safe hunting trip.
Read More: What To Wear For Dove Hunting - Essential Tips For Beginners
Turkey Hunting Code Of Conduct
In addition to following safety rules, turkey hunters must also abide by the Hunter Code of Conduct, which consists of:
Learn and practice safe hunting techniques.
Hunt wild turkeys fairly.
Know the capabilities and limitations of a firearm and responsibly use it safely.
Follow and support all wildlife laws and report to all school grounds.
Respect the hunting land’s owners and always ask for permission before hunting.
Always respect the rights of other hunters, be willing to cooperate if an emergency takes place.
Appreciate the hunting experience and wild turkey’s beauty.
Share turkey hunting responsibly with others and be responsible for wild turkey populations.
Wrapping Up
Turkey is an intelligent wild animal. They are always quite alert to humans thanks to their keen eyesight and ability to detect the slightest movement. As a result, hunting turkeys is a great pleasure but no less challenging.
For a successful and enjoyable hunt, thoroughly research the hunting season, state regulations, hunting practices, and complete procedures and permits. On top of that, professional hunting techniques and knowledge of Important Safety Consideration For Wild Turkey Hunting matter most.