Turkey Decoy

Like all my hunting I plan on Turkey hunting  from a ground blind.  Last year I had the opportunity to use a deer decoy the last few days of archery season. So this spring I plan on using this turkey decoy.

I feel it's important to use decoys when hunting from a ground blind.  It gives the animal something to look at other then your ground blind.

Decoys are important especially when calling, the animal your hunting is looking for what's making the sound.  Be sure to place your decoy in your shooting lane and also attach some hunter orange to your ground blind.  Safety has to take priority when turkey hunting. 

In my opinion, decoys are worth the money and increase my odds.  What are your thoughts?  Do you use decoys while hunting from a blind?

Turkey Loads

I plan on shooting Federal Premium Mag Shok Flightcontrol turkey loads this season.  Using 3 1/2 inch # 4 shot in my 12 Ga Mossberg 535 ATS.

I said in a previous blog entry I would be using a 2 3/4 inch shell to reduce recoil, but I figure I can handle it and I'm going with the 3 1/2 inch Magnum this year.  After all, these shells are on sale at cabelas.  It's hard to pass up a good deal.... lol

What is your favorite turkey load ?  What shell do you recommend to all your hunting buddies and why ?

Diaphragm Turkey Calls

With turkey season starting here in Pennsylvania on April 30, 2011 it's time to break out the turkey calls and start practicing.

The great thing about using a mouth call or diaphragm call is my spinal cord injury has very little effect on performance. I cannot call as loud or as long as I did preinjury, due to reduced lung capacity, but the calls are still effective.

Practicing inside the house does not seem to bother my service dog Misty Morning although she does get a little excited the first few yelps...

Meet your new neighbors: the bears

Meet your new neighbors: the bears

What an interesting article regarding black bears in Pennsylvania. In the early 1990s I hunted bear in Pennsylvania and Canada before my injury.

Unfortunately I had no success in harvesting a black bear.... Maybe my odds are increasing here at home!

Hunting Equipment

I just purchased this Adapted hunting rig. This is the photograph from the website, it's not my wheelchair. Whenever it comes in I plan on doing a thorough review of the equipment and letting you know how it works out for spring turkey here in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for the next equipment update.

Too Funny

What's in Your Backpack ?

This video provides some very good ideas regarding what should be in your hunting backpack. Although if you are a person with a disability, it will become much more specialized. What's in your day pack? Here are a few of my ideas

White Deer of Wisconsin

Check out these ghost of the forest.........

Mount Your Own Antlers

Outdoor Life has a great article about mounting your own antlers, it's certainly much cheaper than a full mount from a taxidermist and an excellent way to preserve your trophy.

I can't wait until my trophy is back from the taxidermist this year.  I will be posting pictures as soon as I get my eight point buck back!  Please feel free to send in photos of your hunting season.

Public Land Hunting

Outdoor life has a great article about hunting on public lands here in Pennsylvania.  Hunters this year have taken some outstanding

Whitetail deer on public land as you can see from this picture.

As a person with a disability I find it much more difficult to hunt on public land. Gaining access to the woods with my wheelchair is very difficult and I find private lands much more access friendly.

I have a plan for gaining access next year that involves a Polaris four wheeler and cart. I will talk more about that in a future blog.

What are your thoughts on hunting public land? Do you prefer private property or public game lands?