Calling Tom, Disarming that Buck
Back in the tree again this week still looking as much for a cover photograph for the November-December issue of OWO as a filled tag, I tried something new as a hunter. Heading north on 45 toward the hunting land, I pulled into a gun shop and figured out that I would be hunting very near the border separating Wisconsin Turkey zones 2 and 3.
A call to the DNR verified that I would be a few miles into Zone 3, meaning there were still thousands of fall turkey tags left. There are no fall tags in Zone 2. I purchased a tag for $10.00, for two reasons. Last week I watched from my tree waiting for a deer as a flock of turkeys moved through the woodlot I was watching over. I thought if there are that many birds in the area, maybe some soft turkey language from my stand as a deer approaches would be a disarming kind of tactic. Turkey banter is obviously common in the woods. So, I packed my diaphragm call, the only thing in the field I’m really pretty good at.
As I drove north, I thought, well, why don’t you just get the tag and if Tom gives you a shot, take him. That call to the DNR also verified that it is legal for this paranoid outdoor writer to shoot a turkey from a tree with a bow. I know I’ve heard that it’s almost impossible to draw on a turkey from the air. I don’t believe it. Hard, but not impossible.
This fawn offered a photo at about 30 yards with the telephoto lens as Ellis talked to a flock of gobblers with a mouth call.
So there I was in the tree, with my mouth call in. Every 10 minutes or so I called softly and after an hour heard distant turkey calls in response. I was able to continue my calm discussion with the birds, and their talk escalated as I answered. In fact a group of very big Toms came into the woodlot, but did not come closer than 40 yards. I still don’t know if I will be able to draw on that last bird, behind cover, but at least I’m legal to try. I do know that the deer that I did see later were completely unconcerned with my turkey calling experiment and came within 50 yards of my stand feeding without paying too much attention to where the turkey calling was coming from.
Next week, I’m going to dress in my Halloween turkey costume and roost in ambush. Do you think it will be hard to draw the bow?
We’re in production big-time with the OWO November-December issue and designer Ali and copy-editor Heidi don’t need me around for two days. In fact I think they like it best when I’m not around at all for some reason. The good wife, Lori, has teacher’s conferences. She also doesn’t like me around for some reason. So I will be in the field chasing deer and ducks. When we do put the issue to bed in a few days, you can expect the following feature stories as reflected in these cover bullets destined for print:
23 Hunters, 20 Bears Down
Mental preparation keys success
Taking the hunt to waterfowl
Pond jumping, hike-in potholes
Wolf Trapper Education
Class brings ethics, expertise, advantage
From the OWO Gun Cabinet
Glock G42, Building the AR15, Rice Lake’s Henry Rifles
Wisconsin Deer Hunting
The ties that bind, circle tactic success
To Stay in the Field
Preparing for a healthy hunt
Sturgeon Bay Audible
Adjustment brings monster Pike
Fly Fishing Wisconsin
Menominee River Float Trip
The Musky’s Easiest Prey
Setting the quick-strike trap
Cold Facts from an OWO Expert
Choosing the right ice jig
I know this is a very good issue based on the great work of our writers, designer, guides, copy editor, and cartoonist. We thank you for visiting Onwisconsinoutdoors.com. You are so welcome here. Thanks for picking up On Wisconsin Outdoors at any Kwik Trip store or Menards store in Wisconsin. They like you as much as we do.
Think about it. You’re a Wisconsin outdoorsman or woman. You’re not a Bear or Viking fan. You are blessed.
Thanks for connecting with On Wisconsin Outdoors. Shoot straight.
Dick Ellis