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Be Safe Turkey Hunting: Keep Wyoming’s Perfect Record Intact
04/04/2003
WGFD
CASPER – Not even a turkey would mistake a hunter for a turkey.
Interest in turkey hunting is increasing with our turkey population, and while no turkey hunting accident has ever been reported in Wyoming, they are common in states where pursing the bird is popular. This is due, in part, to the fact that wild turkeys are not the simpletons popular myth suggests. Their keen eyes can easily detect movement and out-of-place colors, making camouflage or drab-colored clothing almost a must. Unfortunately, camouflage has the same affect on other hunters as it has on the turkeys.
“The majority of turkey hunting accidents across the country take place because the hunter doesn’t positively identify the target,” said Brian Olsen, G&F Casper Regional access coordinator. “And the victim is usually another hunter trying to stalk a turkey or a turkey call.”
With spring turkey hunting opening in early April, the G&F urges hunter to review the following safety tips:
Never try to stalk a gobbling turkey. Your chances of getting close are poor, and you may be sneaking on another hunter.
Stick with hen calls. A gobbler call is intended for special situations only and might attract other hunters.
Don’t dress patriotic when turkey hunting . Avoid red, white or blue. A tom turkey’s head has similar colors.
Avoid unnecessary movement. This could alert turkeys and attract hunters.
Don’t hide so well you impair your field of vision.
Wear blaze orange to and from your hunting location, and wrap your turkey in some blaze orange cloth for the hike back to the car.
Always sit with your back against a tree trunk, big log or a boulder that is wider than your body. This protects you from being accidentally struck by pellets fired from behind you.
If you use a decoy, place it on the "far" side of a tree trunk or a rock so you can see the birds approaching from all directions, but cannot actually see the decoy.
This prevents you from being directly in the line of fire should another hunter mistakenly shoot at your decoy.
Never shoot unless you’re absolutely sure of your target. Since only male turkeys or turkeys with beards are legal during the spring season, lack of positive identification could result in shooting an illegal hen, or worse, another hunter.
04/04/2003
WGFD
CASPER – Not even a turkey would mistake a hunter for a turkey.
Interest in turkey hunting is increasing with our turkey population, and while no turkey hunting accident has ever been reported in Wyoming, they are common in states where pursing the bird is popular. This is due, in part, to the fact that wild turkeys are not the simpletons popular myth suggests. Their keen eyes can easily detect movement and out-of-place colors, making camouflage or drab-colored clothing almost a must. Unfortunately, camouflage has the same affect on other hunters as it has on the turkeys.
“The majority of turkey hunting accidents across the country take place because the hunter doesn’t positively identify the target,” said Brian Olsen, G&F Casper Regional access coordinator. “And the victim is usually another hunter trying to stalk a turkey or a turkey call.”
With spring turkey hunting opening in early April, the G&F urges hunter to review the following safety tips:
Never try to stalk a gobbling turkey. Your chances of getting close are poor, and you may be sneaking on another hunter.
Stick with hen calls. A gobbler call is intended for special situations only and might attract other hunters.
Don’t dress patriotic when turkey hunting . Avoid red, white or blue. A tom turkey’s head has similar colors.
Avoid unnecessary movement. This could alert turkeys and attract hunters.
Don’t hide so well you impair your field of vision.
Wear blaze orange to and from your hunting location, and wrap your turkey in some blaze orange cloth for the hike back to the car.
Always sit with your back against a tree trunk, big log or a boulder that is wider than your body. This protects you from being accidentally struck by pellets fired from behind you.
If you use a decoy, place it on the "far" side of a tree trunk or a rock so you can see the birds approaching from all directions, but cannot actually see the decoy.
This prevents you from being directly in the line of fire should another hunter mistakenly shoot at your decoy.
Never shoot unless you’re absolutely sure of your target. Since only male turkeys or turkeys with beards are legal during the spring season, lack of positive identification could result in shooting an illegal hen, or worse, another hunter.
