5 Keys to Spring Gobbler Hunting:

1) SCOUTING- Prior to the season spend some time on the land in which you intend to hunt. Look for turkey sign and cover some ground, but try not to be too invasive as to interrupt the turkey's normal patterns. When scouting do not use turkey or locator calls. Trail camera's come in handy for scouting and patterning Big Tom's. Place the camera at the edge of a field on the property.

2) SETUP- Use the terrain of your hunting property to your advantage. Set up in an area above, or atleast on the same level where you believe the turkeys may travel. As a general note, turkeys prefer to travel uphill as oppossed to downhill when coming to a call. Make sure you have "back cover" and you are not silhoutted. If you're hunting a field set up in the shadows just off the edge of the field. Also set up in area where the Turkeys will not have any obstacles to cross such as creeks, fences or roads before getting to you.

3) PATIENCE- If your calls go unanswered, but you believe that there are turkeys in your area(from scouting trips) give it some time. TURKEYS HAVE NO CLOCK. Don't be concerned with changing calls if the bird is answering but not coming. Wait them out if they are gobbling, they may be with hens. If your calls go unanswered for some time try another call. Also I truly believe the coyote as had an impact over the last decade on the amount of gobbling, so stay optimistic.

4 ) ADAPTABILITY- All turkeys are not created equally....Place yourself where the hens are similar to hunting bucks during the rut. If you feel you must move (and it's safe to do so) adapt to the situation you are presented and use ridges, hills and wood lines to hide your movement and stalk slowly and cautiously.

5) CALLING- Call enough to get acknowledgement both soft and loud. PUT FEEL INTO IT. Once the gobbler is in sight and coming to your call-QUIT CALLING...let him come and be completely still and be in a  readied postion to shoot.

Types of Calls used:

Mouth calls, box calls, slate/glass/aluminum calls, tube calls- are the most common calls.

**Successful hunters often prefer a mouth call over all others**

Additional Tips:

* When set up use your hands to imitate a turkey scratching in the leaves. The pattern to follow is- once with one hand and twice with the other.

* Decoy use can be advantageous especially when hunting fields.

* The greatest advantage is to actually witness where the turkeys roost the evening before your hunt and set up in close proximity to them before daylight the next morning.

* Don't let bad weather (rain) deter you from hunting, simply use a blind.

* Use a locator call in the very early morning in order to locate gobblers and set up accordingly.

* Best firearm to use- 10 or 12 gauge shotgun with a tight choke (full or extra full)

* Best ammunition to use #4, #5, #6 size shot

How to Score Your Wild Turkey

You can calculate the score of your turkey http://www.nwtf.org/hunt/records/score

Wild Turkey Lifestyle & Breeding

http://www.nwtf.org/hunt/wild-turkey-basics/lifestyle-breeding

Keep Safety In Mind:

* Since we will all be dressed in complete Camo (in order to fool the turkeys greatest asset- it's eyesight) refrain from stalking turkeys you may hear in the distance. This distant sound just might be another hunter trying to call birds in. Always assume you are not alone even on private property.

* Do not wear red, white and blue (not because you are non-patriotic) but because those are the exact colors of our Spring Gobblers.

* Never shoot at movement- be SURE of your target!

**It's TICK SEASON so spray down or wash your hunting clothing and shoes with PERMETHRIN spray or clothes wash such as "Sawyer" insect repellent.**

2017 SPRING GOBBLER TURKEY SEASON

Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Day

Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend

April 1 and 2, 2017:

• Statewide.
• Resident and nonresident youth hunters 15 years of age and under or holders of a valid apprentice hunting license, when in compliance with all applicable laws and licenses, may hunt when accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has a valid Virginia hunting license or is exempt from purchasing a hunting license. Nonresident youth of any age need to have the appropriate licenses (unless exempt from purchasing a license).
• Hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Bag limit is one turkey (bearded bird only) per youth/apprentice hunter, per weekend.
• Turkeys harvested by youth or apprentice hunters count against their daily and season bag limit.
• Adult hunters accompanying youth or apprentice turkey hunters:
  • do not need a deer/turkey license on this weekend.
  • may assist with calling.
  • shall not carry or discharge a weapon.
  • shall maintain close visual and verbal contact with, provide adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm.

Spring Turkey Season

Bag Limit:

One per day, bearded turkeys only. Hunters may take one, two, or three bearded turkeys depending on how many turkeys were taken in the fall season.

Seasons: Statewide

April 8 through 30, 2017:

• One-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day.

May 1 through 13, 2017:

• One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Spring Firearms and Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend

Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during these seasons. See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment and Local Firearms Ordinances for details.

• Modern firearms.
• Archery tackle.
• Muzzleloading firearms.
• Decoys and blinds may be used.
• It is unlawful to use electronic calls.
• It is unlawful to use dogs during spring turkey season.
• When using a shotgun it is unlawful to use or have in possession any shot larger than number 2 fine shot during spring turkey season.

**Spring Gobbler SUNDAY HUNTING is legal on Private land, but NOT on Public land**

Now enjoy your hunt....

* This is one of the most beautiful times of the year to be in the woods. The Dogwoods and flowers are beginning to bloom and the forest is starting it's regrowth and coming alive...

* Hey it's been a mild early Spring for 2017 so make the best of your TURKEY HUNTING DAYS, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR SHED'S  & MORRELL'S !!

* Take a child on youth day and get them acquainted with this great sport.

**STAR CITY WHITETAILS

Will be having it's 4th annual  "Most Creative Spring Gobbler Pic" contest which we will all vote on at the end of the season. To enter simply send in your most creative SG harvest pic to jeff@coloradotwinpeaks.com  or send it to us on Fecebook and you will be in the running to win some Star City Whitetails merchandise****

(all photo's will be in the photo gallery under Spring Gobbler Pics 2017- Go ahead and register on this site now so that you can "vote" on your favorite picture once the season starts)

Check out some of the photo's below from the last couple years contests including our 2016 WINNING PHOTO-WESTON PEASE(SHOTGUN TO THE SKY)**

"If a Turkey could smell, you'd never kill one, but they can't so good luck this Spring & send in your pics"

Jeff Phillips