Can You Hear Spring Yet?

…the warm weather has got many a turkey hunter counting down the days…if you’re an archer, you got just over a week before season begins – shotgunners little more than a month…I don’t care what the calendar may say, turkeys gobbling is the official start of spring…

…for you veterans, now is the time to be doing some scouting and talking to your landowner friends to see how the big birds survived the rather mild winter – if you haven’t already done so…for those heading out for the first time or looking to hone some of your skills check out the How-To videos on Spring Turkey Hunting on the NGPC YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=248A841AEBFCCF24)  for a little help – here’s a sample…

hershy

Spring Turkey Hunting Workshops

The Turkey Slayer

…find a new spring addiction or feed the one you already have…the NGPC is conducting two Spring Turkey Hunting Workshops that are open to Gobbler-Chasers of all experience levels, first year hunter or three decade veteran!…conducted by NGPC Specialist, we cover the biology, strategies and equipment you need to know about to be successful…space is limited in both offerings so visit www.HuntSafeNebraska.org to reserve your spot!…

March 30 – Lincoln Izaak Walton League
6 to 8 p.m. Seminar
8 to 9 p.m. shotgun patterning for participants

April 2 – Hall County Extension Office
 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Seminar

hershy

Don’t Put Away That Shotgun Just Yet!

Those that have followed my ramblings know that I really enjoy crow hunting.  I like any type of hunting that allows you to call critters in and crows are no exception.  Our season runs into early April and provides abundant opportunity in NE to pursue this highly intelligent bird.  Like Rodney Dangerfield…the crow “gets no respect!”  In fact, I think they are the smartes bird you are likely to hunt.  Keen eyes, complex social structure and a wariness to humans makes them tough to lure into shotgun range.  When you do, it can be a lot of fun!

Calling crows requires two things:  A good mouth call or an electronic caller.  I really like the E caller as it allows me to mimic large gatherings of crows which can really fool large groups of crow or individuals. 

Decoys are also important.  Once they are fooled into investigating the sound…you need something to draw them into range.  The standard set up includes several plastic or flocked crows around or mobbing an owl.  Crows naturally mob owls and hawks to chase them out of their area. 

Finally, if ever you were to use camo to hunt…this would be the time.  Crows can spot a mistake a mile away.  You’ll need to do  your best impression of snow or foliage to fool these guys.  Also, when they do come in, don’t shoot the first bird but let several more come into range.  This will allow a bit more opportunity. 

Good crow loads include a 12 or 20 gauge with 5-7.5 shot.  Six is my favorite for crow.  You will be surprise how tough they are to hit (unless you shoot like I do then you are used to missing).  My brother-in-law Dave and I generally like to fire a warning shot just to be sporting…or so it seems. 

Learn different calls by listening to crows.  Your set up is most important.  Set your decoys about 35 yards away from you and stay out of the crows direct line of sight.  Don’t give them any reason to look at YOU!  I like the Great Horned Owl decoy set up with decoys around it as this can really get their attention.  If using a hand call, avoid the triple Caw-Caw-Caw danger call…but if you draw that out to a longer Caaaawwwww-Caaaawwww-Caaawww that is a rally cry.  See…not as simple as you thought.  Crows are smart I tell ya!  If a single comes in first, let him pass as he is the sentinel and will bring other back if alive to do so.  Shoot him and the game could be over before it starts.

When hunting with friends, be sure to honor safe zones of fire as crows can fly in any direction offering multiple shot opportunities that should or maybe should not be taken…

Have fun, be safe and learn about these amazing birds!  They offer a lot of late season fun and can get you through winter until the spring turkey season!

Get Em’ Out There

Rawly

This simple ground set up with a crow and owl can really work!

A good shotgun with modified or Imp. Cyl. choke is all it takes

Love That Winter Camping

A good campfire is even better when the temps dip down to 12 degrees!

Maybe it is the stillness in the air, the coldness chilling you to the bone down your back side while your front is burning from the dancing fire, the quiet of the night, whatever….I enjoy winter camping!

Dave and I had a chance (along with his Dad) to do a little winter camping last weekend and man was it nice!  I bet we sat around that campfire for hours, telling stories, laughing, planning our future hunts and fishing trips, and just having fun. 

Nebraska has several great places to camp for a nice winter outing.  From several of our largest State Parks such as Eugene T. Mahoney to Chadron or Fort Robinson to the smaller hide aways such as Smith Falls, Pawnee or Branched Oak SRAs, a winter camping trip can be something the entire family can enjoy. 

Family Camping Activites in the Winter:

1. Campfire – this is a must have!  Smores are the likely candidates here.  Have plenty of wood ready because when the fire dies down it gets cold!

2. Wildlife tracking – an excellent time to get out and see tracks, ID animals, find critters, etc.  You don’t have to be a track expert to enjoy noticing differences in tracks with family and friends. 

3. Night sounds – this is one of my favorites.  With a little practice, you can get coyotes howling and owls hooting around you.   This will impress your friends until the how continues hooting well into the morning. Try the coyote howl to get him to leave….

Bring plenty of clothes, dress warm, and make sure you have something to sleep on that insulates you from the cold.  Closed cell foam works well here.  It is amazing how warm you can get when you hunker down inside  a good sleeping bag.

Have fun, enjoy the fire, respect the resource (sorry Wags I had to borrow that one)!

Get Em’ Out There

Rawly

NASP Video

…NASP is having an impact in Nebraska – each year 20,000 students take part in 150+ Schools across the state…6th Annual NASP State Tournament is on Sat, March 26, 2011 in Lincoln, NE – will be the “Largest Archery Event in Nebraska – PERIOD!”…more to come!

hershy