Free Turkey Hunting Seminar!

Here’s an opportunity to learn a few tips and tricks about wild turkey hunting!

  For questions please contact Phil at 616 457-5930 or 616 836-8283!

Turkey Season Is Right Around The Corner!  

Happy Outdoors! – Sue

Turkey Hunting – Patience and Persistence is Mandatory!

I just read a blog from a fellow huntress who recently took a nice Osceola Wild Turkey – found only in Florida.  Like her, I too found the Osceola to be the toughest of all four wild turkey sub-species in the United States, to hunt down.  They just don’t seem to be as vocal as our Easterns here in Michigan, nor the Merriams or Rio’s found out west.    In fact, it took me two trips down south to finally be successful in fulfilling my dream of owning the “Grand Slam” of the turkey hunter’s world.   The first year, I missed a bird at only 10 yards away!  Once again, I was with one of my best turkey hunting buddies, Jan, from South Carolina.  We had stalked a group of  Osceolas for over three hours, sometimes crawling along on our bellies due to the lack of cover.  Did somebody mention snakes?  I don’t remember, because I was too determined to shoot one of those gobblers before my flight took off the next day, taking me back up north.  At one point, we were low on the ground and needed to switch places for what looked like my only opportunity for a clean shot at one of those bad boys.  We tumbled over each other’s bodies like we were playing a game of Twister, in order to stay low and undercover!  But in spite of our acrobatic efforts, I still couldn’t get a good shot that morning.  Back and forth across the field these birds kept traveling.  We would no sooner crawl to one end, and they had already headed to the other.  Mid-morning, we decided to head over to a little two-lane track turkeys love to travel to and fro on, thinking that it was about time for those hens to go off to their nests.  We quietly and carefully headed in that direction and sure enough, spotted the birds coming our way.  It was one of those “hit the dirt” turkey hunting situations that most turkey hunters have experienced at one time or another.  No time to choose a good set-up, no time to get comfortable.  Get Down and Get Ready cause here they come!   A few minutes later, there they went too.  I heard some putting and knew we were busted, so it was take the shot now, or never.  My shot missed.  Looking back, I think that was the moment that I truly became a humbled turkey hunter.  I had just missed my first turkey.  He was so darn close that my shotgun pattern didn’t stand a chance.   That was my excuse anyway.  Jan will have to tell  you the rest of the story from there, even though I’m stickin’ to it.

The following year, we went back.  I needed to catch up with Jan.  She had her “Grand Slam” already, and since we planned to go for our “Royal Slam” together, she wanted me to take a Osceola as much as I did.  We hadn’t heard much gobbling or spotted many birds thus far, and my patience was running thin.  The day before I was due to fly home, we spied a tom with one hen, about 300 yards away.  Now my friend Jan knows how to call turkeys in.  She’s mighty good at it.  But 300 yards away?  I was betting her dinner that there was no way that tom was gonna come over to us from that distance, especially since he was already in love with another girl.  She gave me that “wanna bet” look of hers, and told me to just sit back, get comfortable and be ready!  She carefully eked out in front of our cover and placed a hen and jake decoy in the ground, while the real birds were behind a cattle feeder and out of sight.  When they came out from behind the feeder, she let out a few yelps, and sure enough that tom took a look over!  She proceeded to get his attention with her “sexy little purr” and wearing nothing else.  All of a sudden, that tom came booking over like a freight train!  One shot later, he was a done deal.

I bought Jan dinner that evening.

Patience is not my best virtue.  But Persistence is!  Turkey hunting has certainly taught me to be more patient, and it has usually paid off in the end.

It will pay off for you too.  Sometimes you have to wait for turkeys to move.  Sometimes they will, and sometimes they won’t.  Sometimes they make a lot of noise, other times they come in silent.  Don’t give up too soon if you have a bird gobbling at your call, but then he shuts up.  Wait a while.  I like to give it about 45 minutes, sometimes longer, before I give up on him and move to another spot.  I  know a lot of turkey hunters who leave the woods if they don’t get a bird right after fly down time.  Depending on your state’s hunting regulations, stay out all day if you can.  Take along water and snacks.  Pack a lunch, take a break, and then go back out.  I’ve taken some great naps in the woods, and woke up wondering if I missed something.   I’ve shot birds mid-morning, early afternoon and even a few late in the day.

Patience and Persistence is not an option when it comes to hunting wild turkeys.  It is mandatory.

Happy Outdoors- Sue

Florida Osceola –  ”Trotter” is now on my wall – Taxidermy by Charlie Fanta

Jan’s “sexy little purr” fooled this nice tom just this morning!  Nice Bird Girlfriend!

Catch-and-immediate-release bass fishing season opens April 28

Catch-and-immediate-release bass fishing season opens April 28.

The Easter Beagle!

I’ve been really busy this week.  But I wanted to take a few moments to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

I also wanted to share a funny story with you.  I think of it every Easter and it still makes me smile.

This happened one Easter, many years ago, when my two sons were very young.   My husband and I decided we wanted our sons to focus on the real meaning of Easter first, and have fun with the visit from the Easter Bunny second.  So we told the boys we would attend church service in the morning, and while we were there, the Easter Bunny would visit our house and hide all of their Easter eggs.

At that time, we had one old beagle named Belle.  Belle was our first beagle and we brought her home not long after we got married.  We didn’t have our firstborn son until we had been married for five years.  Our second son came along three years after big brother.  So by the time our youngest was old enough to remember Belle, she was a pretty old girl.  We always kept our beagles outside in a doghouse fit for royalty, in a large pen.  They were allowed to come inside every evening for food and love, but always went back outside to their pen at bedtime.  When Belle got older, she was allowed to come inside the house full time.  No questions asked.

This particular Easter morning, Belle was asleep on her pillow on the floor, as usual, when we left to go to church.

When we got home, the boys were eager to begin their Easter egg hunt and dig into their Easter baskets for that once a year big chocolate bunny!  As they started to run around the house on their egg hunt, I noticed bits of colored eggshell in the family room.  Then I noticed more bits of colored eggshell in the kitchen.  As I continued to look around in every room, I discovered there were several little bits of colored eggshell, in nearly every place the Easter bunny had hidden eggs low enough for a beagle to smell them, and . . . eat them too!  Shell and all!

Poor ol’ Belle’s belly looked like a giant white jellybean ready to explode!

Needless to say, she spent a few days outside.  I spent a few days cleaning up the yard after her.  Once the colored bits of eggshell no longer appeared in the yard, Belle was invited to come back inside and stay.  Life for Belle went on as usual.  She lived to be fourteen years old, our Belle.

We will never forget that Easter.  We will never forget our first beagle, named Belle.  Not only did the Easter Bunny visit our house that year, but the Easter Beagle came too!

Happy Easter to all, and may God bless you.

Happy Outdoors too – Sue

Taking Action By Teaching Kids!

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many wonderful outdoor groups and organizations for the past several years.   There are a few, however, that are really worth  bragging about.

Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation  (GLOF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable foundation that was formed in Michigan, in 2008,  to support  two initiatives:  the  Board of Directors felt there was a need for an organization to assist youth and women  in introducing them to the great outdoors.

And they are serious about it.

This year, GLOF is hosting several Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) classes that will be held at the Caledonia Sportsman’s Club, in Alto, Michigan.  Beginning archery, an advanced archery 3D shoot, shotgun shooting and handgun shooting are on the 2012 BOW calendar.  The beginning archery class is scheduled for April 16 and is now open for registation on the BOW webpage:  www.michigan.gov/bow

Recently, GLOF took action, and organized a youth pheasant hunt!

This video says it all!  Thanks Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation!  Great Job!

If you are interested in learning more about the Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation and the great work they are doing to preserve our hunting heritage in Michigan, please visit their website:  grloutdoors.org

Happy Outdoors – Sue

p.s.  Many thanks to my son, David Tabor,  owner of Momentum Media, for donating the video editing.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Handgun (CPL) and Mountain Biking Programs

Both are open for registration!  Class size is limited!  Sign up Early!

 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Handgun (CPL) and Mountain Biking Programs.

Mother Nature Knows Best!

Spring is my favorite season, and although it is only March, it appears that Spring has sprung earlier in Michigan than usual.  After a long winter’s nap, I’m ready for warmer weather, green grass, and all of the seasonal awakenings that Springtime brings to us every year.

Turkey season is right around the corner and it’s no secret, that turkey hunting is my favorite outdoor activity.  Yes I’ll admit it.  I’m a die-hard turkey hunting addict.  I look forward to this time of year, all year!

One of the reasons I enjoy turkey season so much, is because it takes place in the Spring, when everything comes back to life again.  The songbirds become a choir early in the morning, the trees begin to show early buds of green and early wildflowers begin to poke up everywhere in the woods.  The thrill of hearing a tom turkey gobble from the roost, first thing in the morning, still gives me goosebumps and makes my heart pound like a race horse!

In the animal kingdom, Spring is a time for mating rituals and new birth.  There is much to hear and see in the woods this time of year, whether you are a hiker or hunter.

It is also the time of year when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issues their annual press release reminding folks to “Leave Wildlife in the Wild”.

The MI DNR reminds the public to resist the instinct to try to help baby animals that may appear to be abandoned.  In nearly every case a parent is nearby and the baby animal is not alone.  Many baby animals will die if removed from their natural environment, and some have diseases or parasites that can be passed on to humans or pets.

“The truth is, the animal doesn’t need help – for example, even if a fawn appears to be abandoned, its mother is almost always nearby,” said DNR wildlife ecologist Sherry MacKinnon.  “We appreciate the good intentions of those who want to help, but the animals are better off left alone than removed from the wild.”

MacKinnon said it’s not uncommon for does to leave their young unattended for up to eight hours at a time; an anti-predator strategy that minimizes scent left around the newborn animals.  “The same holds true for rabbits, ground-dwelling birds and other wildlife,” she said.

A few years ago, I was turkey hunting on Mother’s Day.  I had a tom gobbling enthusiastically at my soft yelps, but he suddenly went silent on me.  I’ve learned that either one of two things has taken place when this happens; either he is coming in silently, or something spooked him and he’s gone.  So I’ve learned to sit still for a while and wait, before I pick up and move.  As I sat quietly and motionless against a tree, I heard the sound of “something” walking and rustling the leaves behind me.  My adrenaline kicked in, as it usually does when I think a longbeard is about to appear!  I stretched my eyeballs to the left as far as I could, and picked up some movement.  A few seconds later, a tiny, wobbly legged fawn appeared so close that I could have reached out and touched it!  It nearly came across my lap!  Although it was hard to resist reaching out and petting this delightful, beautiful little creature, I knew it was more important to let my sense of sight take over, rather than touch.  Several minutes went by while I sat watching the little one, wondering where it came from.  Sure enough, more sound behind me indicated mother was coming along.  I must have sat there watching the mother doe with her baby for at least 15 minutes or so, before they slowly went on their way, and out of my sight.

I was amazed at what I had just witnessed and also surprised that the doe did not scent me sitting there, so close by.  This is the reason I always use non-scented soap and shampoo and avoid anything with smell before heading out to the turkey woods.  If that deer had scented me and spooked, it most likely would have alarmed the big ol’ tom that came cruising in behind her not more than a half-hour later!

Springtime is truly an amazing time of year to head out to the woods, whether you are a turkey hunter with a tag, or a hiker with a camera.  There is always a pretty good chance you will get to see God’s creatures up close and personal.

But remember . . . if you do come across an abandoned animal, it is best to leave it alone.  “If you come across a deer or other animal that you are certain has been orphaned – for example, if a doe is dead nearby – please call your local DNR office.  They can refer you to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator,” said MacKinnon.

Michigan licensed wildlife rehabilitators are also listed on the DNR website at http://www.michigandnr.com/dir/

I’ll never forget that Mother’s Day for the rest of my life.  Not only did I tag a nice tom that day, but I witnessed first-hand, nature celebrating spring, and motherhood as well.

Happy Outdoors – Sue

Don’t Think Too Hard – Just Point And Shoot!

Yesterday, ten women attended the annual Spring BOW Pheasant Hunt for Beginners, hosted by Hunters Creek Club in Metamora, Michigan.  This has become one of our most popular programs we offer in the spring and fall, each year.  Women come from all over to participate, and most have little or no shotgun shooting experience, let alone experience with upland bird hunting.

We start out with basic firearm safety in a classroom setting in the morning.  Then we head to the trap field and provide one-on-one coaching to each participant.  We are never in a hurry, and the non-competitive learning atmosphere that BOW promotes, is the perfect place for these women to get started.  Most women are a little nervous, until they make that first shot.  In all the years I’ve been involved in women’s outdoor programs, I have yet to witness one woman who stops after one shot.  All are eager to shoot again, and again.  It’s a good thing that Federal Ammunition provides the shotgun shells for the BOW program!

This is why I love what I do, as much as I do.  I love watching a woman’s fear and apprehension vanish when it comes to shooting.  The first time “jitters” are quickly replaced with smiles of confidence!   The BOW program is very fortunate to have some excellent instructors who volunteer their time and skills to teaching new female shooters.  One of the best shotgun instructors for women I’ve run across is Terri, at Hunters Creek Club.  Terri just knows how to get these women to relax and just shoot.  Before we were finished at the trap field, there was not one woman among the ten who had not dusted at least one or more targets yesterday morning!  No matter what challenge a student presence, with enough patience and encouragement, we overcome it.  We don’t leave until each one feels comfortable with a shotgun and has shattered a target.

The thing I love the most about coaching new shotgun shooters, is seeing the look on their face when they bust a clay target for the first time!  That look of surprise, and then the smile of accomplishment that follows, can’t me matched.

I remember when I first learned to shoot trap and how nervous I was.  I struggled at first, until a female instructor by the name of Linda said something to me, that I’ve never forgotten.  As I continued to miss target after target and could feel my level of frustration climbing, Linda leaned in close and simply said to me, “don’t think too hard . . . just point and shoot”.  It still works for me, every time I shoot.

I was thinking about her words, and my own sense of accomplishment, driving home at the end of the day.  Sometimes I get hung up with numbers when it comes to the BOW program.  I constantly struggle with what programs I can put out there to attract more women to participate in the outdoors.  Ten women isn’t a big number and it seems so insignificant when it comes to the enormous task I’m charged with, directing the BOW program in Michigan, and recruiting more women into the sport of recreational shooting, hunting and fishing.

But when I recall the look on each woman’s face yesterday at that exact moment when her apprehension was replaced by confidence, I realize how big that number ten really is.  Seeing these women come in from the field yesterday afternoon, and listening to them share their experience and excitement from the afternoon pheasant hunt, made the number ten, seem more like one hundred.  Some shot birds, some missed birds.  All in all, everyone had a great time in the field, learning about bird hunting from the guides, watching the dogs work the fields, and more importantly, discovering a passion for shotgun shooting and upland bird hunting that they never knew existed.

There is no doubt in my mind, that each one of those ten women who came to the pheasant hunt yesterday, will go pheasant hunting again.  Some have already expressed an interest in our advanced BOW pheasant hunt coming up next month.  One woman told me she plans to have her son take her to the range and practice shooting trap some more.  She said she wants to get better at it, so she can go hunting with her husband and son and participate, rather than watch.

Maybe I shouldn’t get so hung up on the numbers when it comes to the success of the BOW program.  Maybe I’m  “thinking too hard” about it, when all I really need to do is just stay focused on what works, and just point and shoot.

Happy Outdoors – Sue

Wanted! A Place To Hunt!

Starting early and finding a few places to hunt turkeys is well worth the effort when season opens!

Holy Flying Turkey Feathers!  Today is March 1st and spring turkey season is right around the corner!  Unfortunately, last year, I lost my favorite turkey stomping ground that I’ve been hunting for many years.  I’ve known this for several months and like many things on my “to do” list, I figured I had plenty of time to find a new spot.  Procrastination anyone?  That would be me!

So now I must begin the daunting task of finding a new place to hunt turkeys.  Having to do all the legwork to find a new place to hunt seems overwhelming and the thought has crossed my mind a time or two, as to whether its even worth it.  But I know that once season rolls around, all of my turkey hunting buddies will be posting photos of themselves with their spring gobblers, bragging about beard length and spur size, and I’ll end up pouting and being miserable if I don’t participate in all the fun and excitement that I look forward to every year.

In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons why people who would like to hunt  – don’t hunt — is because they are unsure of where to go hunting in the first place.

It’s not always easy to find a place to hunt, especially if you live in the suburbs or near a city, and agricultural areas are far and few between.

Michigan’s turkey hunting regulations make it a bit more challenging in my opinion.  We are blessed to have a lot of public land, but in order to guarantee a license on public land, you needed to apply by February 1st.  Those that did apply but were not successful, can still purchase a leftover spring turkey license on sale Monday, March 12 at 10 a.m.  Licenses may be purchased by any hunter beginning Monday, March 19, including those who did not participate in the application process.  The number of licenses available is based on the quota for a particular area, so there is no guarantee if you choose this route.  It’s the risk you take when you don’t apply by the February 1 deadline.

I personally prefer hunting private land without going through the application process.  There lies my problem.   I was so certain I would secure a new hunting spot by now, that I already purchased the 234 hunt, private land only, for the month of May.  So I best get it in gear and find a place soon.  But where and how do I begin?

I suppose the simplest way is to start asking family, friends, people I work with or go to church with, if they know of anyone who farms or lives in the country and has several acres of wooded lots or fields.   I might try contacting my local Farm Bureau or County Extension office for names of landowners who may allow hunting on their property.  I could also drive around and look for birds.  I probably need to purchase an up-to-date plat map from my county or township government office so I’ll be able to identify the landowner and contact them if I locate a flock of birds.

It’s a bit intimidating knocking on someone’s door and asking permission to hunt, but the worst thing that can happen I suppose, is being turned down.

As a last resort, maybe I’ll have to pin up ”Wanted – A Place To Hunt” posters around town and hope that someone will notice them and want to rescue a turkey hunting damsel in distress.

How do you go about finding places to go hunting?  Do you have any tried and true methods or tips to share?

If so – please comment!  I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Outdoors – Sue

She Now Hunts . . .

She Loves to Hunt . . . and Here's Why!

In Her Words . . .

When I first moved to Michigan in 2005 I was invited by my soon-to-be father-in-law (who is a hunter) to shoot some firearms.  I had never shot any type of gun in my life, but gave it a go.  It was a very empowering feeling, but after that I never did it again since the opportunity never presented itself.

A few years later my husband and I would travel a certain road every day to drop our son off for day care and I would see these lovely wild turkeys strut through an open section of property and I would say to my husband, “Gee, wouldn’t it be cool to go turkey hunting?  I wonder what it involves.”

In 2010 I decided in the late summer it was time to take hunters safety.  I completed it, but was unsure what to do with my new hobby that is made up of predominantly males.  That’s when I came upon the BOW program through the Michigan DNR.  They were offering a water fowling workshop that taught how to ID water fowl, shot placement, seasons, gear and pretty much everything else that goes along with it, together with a hands on session at Michigan Shooting Centers.  I knew no one else attending the class but made some new friends quickly.  Most ladies there were new to the sport and some had never even shot a gun!

Since then, I have attended a Beyond BOW goose and duck hunt, a turkey hunting workshop as well as been on a Beyond BOW pheasant hunt.  All the while meeting new people, making new lifelong friends and having experiences that I never thought I’d have.  I have joined my local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited because I feel that the BOW program has made me feel like I can be a woman and also be a part of a male heavy sport. At the same time, I have gained self-confidence second to none.  I’m no longer nervous when I approach the gun counter at a sporting goods store and I have started my own ‘collection’ of firearms.  I am also training my own bird dog, who I hope to be hunting over in the coming fall.

My experiences with the BOW program are not only thrilling, but emotional as well.  Being able to be there as a fellow woman shoots her first gun and sheds tears of joy because she had never done it before and didn’t think she could hit a flying target or be there as a  group in the field when you get your first pheasant…..the camaraderie between women is the best there is.  We encourage each other and push each other forward to be the best we can be at whatever we are doing. 

The BOW program brings out the best in all of the women who participate in it and encourages us that we can do anything. It’s because of it that I am who I am today and who I will continue to be in the future.

June – Howell, Michigan