PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota’s robust turkey population has proven to be popular with hunters. Consequently, when they take to the field this weekend, turkey hunters should use caution in order to have a safe hunting experience. The spring turkey season starts on April 12.
“Hunters shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that they’re in the woods alone,” said Curt Robertson, hunter safety coordinator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “A hunter who makes that assumption is more likely to be involved in an accident.”
Robertson noted that through the years there has been progress on making turkey hunting a safer sport. “The hunter who is aware of his surroundings and constantly watchful is the one who’s going to stay safe,” Robertson said.
Some safety rules for hunting wild turkeys include:
· The colors of the gobbler turkey include red, black white and blue. Eliminate those colors from your hunting outfit.
· The safest calling spot is in open timber rather than thick brush. The key to success and safety is eliminating movement, not complete concealment.
· Select a tree trunk, rock or stump that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head to place your back against when calling a turkey.
· Be alert when other birds, crows or your turkey fall silent. That may be the sign of another hunter in the area.
· Don’t alert another hunter to your presence by moving, waving your arms or making turkey sounds. While remaining in place, speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.
· Don’t stalk your quarry. More than half of all turkey hunting accidents happen when one hunter mistakenly stalks another.
· Always assume that any call you hear is another hunter.
· Don’t shoot until you can clearly see the entire turkey and determine its sex.
· Always wear hunter orange when going into the woods, leaving the woods or walking in the woods.
· While sitting and waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a nearby tree.
· Wrap hunter orange around any turkey you take or while moving your decoys.
“The most important key to safety is making sure your target is a turkey before firing,” Robertson said. “A dark object that suddenly appears behind some bushes or moves along a ridge may be your hunting partner.”
A copy of the rules governing spring turkey hunting is included in the license package that each licensee receives. Hunters who need another copy can get one at the GFP Web site, www.sdgfp.info. On the home page highlight “Wildlife, Hunting, Fishing” and click on the link to “Hunting.” Then click on the link to “Turkey” and then click on “Spring Turkey Regulations.” Copies of the regulations may also be obtained through the mail by phoning the GFP Information Office at (605) 773-3485. |