Maple Country Chapter NWTF
Geauga County, Ohio
Turkey Talk
2010 Spring season should be another productive year.
2008 saw a reproductive index of 3.3 poults per hen, the highest in the previous 5 years. Also 2008 saw the 17 year cicada hatch which yielded an above average brood survival in the Southwest of the State. 2009 had a poorer hatch rate which showed a statewide reproductive index of 2 poults per hen. What this all means to hunters in the woods is that there should be a good number of 2 year old gobblers with lower than average jakes numbers.
2008 saw a reproductive index of 3.3 poults per hen, the highest in the previous 5 years. Also 2008 saw the 17 year cicada hatch which yielded an above average brood survival in the Southwest of the State. 2009 had a poorer hatch rate which showed a statewide reproductive index of 2 poults per hen. What this all means to hunters in the woods is that there should be a good number of 2 year old gobblers with lower than average jakes numbers.
Fall rule change increases fall harvest
This past fall, the Division of Wildlife extended the use of firearms through the fall turkey season. A time period that historically was archery only. With this change and a good hatch last spring led to a 63% increase in the States Fall season.
Profile of a member...
Matt McDermott, Burton
What's your favorite call?
"I like to use a Knight and Hale Glass Hammer for birds out a ways, when their in close I switch to a cutting 2.5 or batwing cut diaphragm"
Decoy or no decoy?
"I usually don't use a decoy"
Hunt with a partner or alone?
"Hunting alone is always exciting, but hunting with a partner, especially a novice turkey hunter, can be a really rewarding experience"
Best turkey load?
"3 1/2" Hevi 13, #6"
Favorite time of day?
"sunrise is great with all of the gobbling action and the woods coming alive, but i've taken some of my best birds in the late morning"
Matt McDermott, Burton
What's your favorite call?
"I like to use a Knight and Hale Glass Hammer for birds out a ways, when their in close I switch to a cutting 2.5 or batwing cut diaphragm"
Decoy or no decoy?
"I usually don't use a decoy"
Hunt with a partner or alone?
"Hunting alone is always exciting, but hunting with a partner, especially a novice turkey hunter, can be a really rewarding experience"
Best turkey load?
"3 1/2" Hevi 13, #6"
Favorite time of day?
"sunrise is great with all of the gobbling action and the woods coming alive, but i've taken some of my best birds in the late morning"
Turkey Tactic Tips:
Get out and pattern your shotgun. You have to know how it shoots, and at DIFFERENT DISTANCES to make accurate shots. If you're only going to pattern your gun at 20yds, don't try shooting turkeys at 35-40yds.
Send us your tips or gear ideas with your name and maybe we'll post it here.
Get out and pattern your shotgun. You have to know how it shoots, and at DIFFERENT DISTANCES to make accurate shots. If you're only going to pattern your gun at 20yds, don't try shooting turkeys at 35-40yds.
Send us your tips or gear ideas with your name and maybe we'll post it here.
Copyright . Matt McDermott. All rights reserved.
