2011 Wisconsin Turkey Hunting Preview

Foremosthunting.com Host Chris Larsen meets with Wisconsin DNR Upland Wildlife Staff Specialist & Farm Bill Coordinator Scott Walter to discuss the 2011 Spring Turkey Season. Topics include turkey populations, habitat, regulations, and the future of turkey hunting in Wisconsin.

by Naomi K. Shapiro

To become a hunter, you don't necessarily need to spend a lot. If you're for instance a single-game (deer or turkey are examples) hunter, it won't cost you that much to outfit yourself, BUT, if you want to hunt everything, then it can run into lots and lots of money. There are all the licenses you'll need. There are the different regs that have to be met. Then there is a wealth of different equipment for different hunting - -ducks, geese, turkey, deer, varmints, grouse, bear, pheasant, coyotes - -the list is endless. And don't kid yourself- - every type of game requires at least some modification in the equipment you'll need. Decoys, ammo, firearms, bows, arrows, scopes, clothing, gear, and on and on and on. There's no limit- -and don't think there is. Every time a hunter believes s/he's fully outfitted, there's something else they discover they "really need." It's never ending, and that isn't a put down. We all do it.

Most people gradually get into the equipment they need in steps. Some start as kids, or a bit older, and build up what they need as they go along. This type of approach won't "break the bank," and pretty soon, at least the basic equipment is obtained.

Guide Phil Schweik who has been hunting since he was a kid, says that as an example, if you need equipment to deer hunt, you can outfit yourself pretty-well for under $300 – and don't laugh, he is serious when he says that. Phil works for a major outdoor outfitter, and needs to watch his dollars just as most of us have to do. The first thing Phil suggests is to look for a good used deer rifle. You can get them from almost all outdoor outfitters and gun shops - -who test, and insure their quality and safety - -or at a gun show, or maybe a private party. Every year, lots of folks decide that their hunting days are over – age, physical ability, other things that they want to do - -lots of reasons; and usually just before deer season, you'll see a ton of ads for used deer rifles. And the nice thing is that you can get a nice used rifle, anywhere from a $100 to around $200 – and yes, I know – there are used rifles that go into the thousands, but a nice conditioned .270, 7mm mag, .30/.30, or .30-06 will do you just fine. Add on a piece of needed clothing, ammo, an ancillary this-or-that, your license, and you're good to go - -at $300 or less.

Notice in our "bargain basement shop-a-thon," I didn't mention scopes. That's because it's tough to find a used scope that'll fit your particular needs. They're all different, and "no one size fits all." Phil Schweik says that a scope is really a personal thing, and pretty much needs to be "fit" to the particular firearm it's going to be used with. Phil suggests that you start out using open sights, and then when you have the cash, buy a new scope, that fits your rifle and your needs. Phil says the variety of models and costs is almost beyond description. His best advice is that you take your rifle, and go into an outdoor outfitter or gun shop, and have them make suggestions about what you'll need for your particular firearm and your own physical needs, as well. Costs of course will vary all over the map – and don't buy more than you need.

How to Cook a Wild Turkey

by Naomi K. Shapiro

The "sky's the limit" when it comes to methods of preparing wild turkey -- all of them work, and all will provide some of the finest unattainable-anywhere-else eating. Trust me on that one! Here are just some of the ways to do it:

• ROASTING
  
  This traditional whole turkey dinner is not difficult. You clean the bird, stuff it if you wish. Season it any way you like, cover it with an aluminum foil "tent," insert a meat thermometer into the heaviest portion of the breast, and put it in the oven at 325˚ F., until it's done. Some strong caveats: Wild turkey, like any poultry needs to be cooked thoroughly. Most suggest an internal meat temperature of 180˚ -- some even go to 190˚ -- or "in between." Cooking thoroughly is particularly critical because wild turkey -- is just that – "wild," and thorough cooking will kill any pathogens that may be present. A good idea is that when the temperature on your meat thermometer reaches 160˚-170˚, remove the foil "tent," and let the bird finish cooking. The skin will brown and crisp up beautifully. Don't toss those "drippings" in the bottom of the roasting pan. Drain them, and combine them with seasonings and a simple flour roux, and you'll have a fabulous smooth gravy (assuming you "stir" continuously when making the roux and combining it with the drippings) to serve along with the bird itself. One quick tip -- I usually put the turkey on a rack in the roasting pan, so that the entire bird is cooked evenly.

• BREAST ONLY
  
  Follow the same procedure as roasting the whole bird, but don't remove the foil "tent" until almost the very end of the cooking, as the breast will dry out more rapidly than a whole bird. A few minutes without the "tent" will still "brown" the breast without drying it out. We also very lightly "brush" the turkey breast with a bit of olive oil to keep things "moist" before we start roasting.
  
  
  
• TURKEY "FINGERS"
  
  Cut the turkey into strips -- breasts – thighs -- whatever. Dip them in your favorite "wash" and breading and deep fry them. You'll never be able to eat fast-food chicken "nuggets" again.
  
  
  
• GRILLING
  
  Marinate whatever part of the turkey you're going to grill -- teriyaki, Caribbean jerk, BBQ – whatever -- for 24 hours – and then grill. But grilling can fail, so make sure that, for instance, if you use "strips" -- that they're wide enough so they don't drop through the grill grates; and if you're grilling a breast, I would suggest you cut it into half-inch or so slices, because if you grill the whole breast, you're liable to overcook the outside layer(s) while the interior never gets done.

While a wild turkey breast looks like "white meat", generally, wild turkey TASTES more toward "domestic turkey dark meat" than "white." That's really a good thing. The flavor is full and magnificent without being overpowering -- and there is little, if any, "gaminess" to the flavor of wild turkey. And yes, depending on the age of the bird, and what it generally has eaten, the flavor will vary, but not greatly.

Get some great wild turkey recipes on the Foremost Hunting Site

(Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Guide Services contributed to this article).

Naomi K. Shapiro, OWAA, SPJ, can be reached at cre8vnaomi@gmail.com

Turkey hunting is an exciting sport that requires the proper gear for the best hunting experience. Because turkeys have such excellent sight and hearing, great visual acuity, the ability to see a large range, and the ability to see in color, choosing proper clothing is crucial to prevent being seen or heard by your target.



Clothing Tips 

There’s a lot of gear that is essential for turkey hunting, and all of it should be camouflaged. When just one article of clothing is not camouflaged, it can mean the difference between success and failure. Ideally your boots, cap, vest, pants, bags, gun, gloves, facemask, and gun should all be camouflaged. You might be able to get by without having camouflaged boots as long as they are a similar color to the forest floor.

Your camouflage should be similar to the background of the forest. In the early spring season, the forest is still more brown and grey and your camouflage should be more similar to those colors, whereas later in the season camouflage should have shades of green mixed as the trees and plants begin to regrow.

Safety is of the utmost concern for any hunter. Turkey hunters should never wear any items that are blue, black, white, or red, as these colors may be mistaken for a turkey by another hunter. If your socks or other parts of your clothing have these colors, be sure to cover them up.

Head 

Turkeys have such excellent vision that they can even spot the white of your eyes and recognize your face as being a threat. Therefore it is crucial to have some kind of face or head covering that is camouflaged. Although a full facemask is probably the best option, you might also try camouflage face paint. If the facemask does not cover your hair, then you can use a camouflaged cap of any kind to cover your hair.

Hands 

You will likely need insulated gloves during the fall season and lighter gloves in the spring. A couple of good pairs of camouflaged gloves are probably the least expensive item out of all the hunting clothing you’ll need. And when the weather is cold, a good pair of insulated gloves can help keep your fingers warm and nimble for pulling the trigger fast.

Pants 

Again, in the spring if the weather is warmer in your area, you will probably be more comfortable with non-insulated camouflaged hunting pants. In the fall, insulated hunting pants will conserve heat and help you stay outdoors much longer. The lighter pants will help you maneuver around in the warmer weather. Waterproofed pants are also helpful in case it rains or if there is moisture on the ground.

Coats 

Depending on the weather, you will want to wear a light camouflaged coat or an insulated coat. You will probably want to wear 2 or 3 layers at the very least in cold weather. If you carry any accessories on your coat, be sure that they are either camouflaged or covered. Hunting vests are helpful additions to your coat due to the extra storage space for miscellaneous items like your turkey calls, portable food, knives and other equipment. Again, waterproofed coats and body layers are very helpful in the case of rain.

Boots 

Boots may not need to be camouflaged if they are a similar color to the ground you are hunting on, however camouflaged boots are recommended. The best type of boots really depends on the type of terrain in your area. Heavy duty boots with good ankle support and cushioning may be recommended for rough terrain. Softer terrain may be suitable for lighter boots with cushioning.

Insulation is better when the weather is cold, and light boots with no insulation and good air circulation are better for hot weather. Waterproofing is good for all types of weather as there is very likely will be water or moisture on the ground in many areas you hunt in, and nothing is worse than hunting in wet socks. Having an extra pair or two of socks is always good idea if your socks do get wet.

Summary 

So, your choice of the best turkey hunting clothing comes down to your local terrain, the season you’re hunting in, and the expected weather. Camouflage is extra important for turkey hunting with the wild turkey’s excellent vision and quick reflexes, and it should be on every visible item you wear. Most importantly, be sure to always follow all safety precautions to have a safe and fun turkey hunting experience.

Learn More About Turkey Hunting Clothing and Gear