Submitted Column
Spring is in full swing in the mountain state with temperatures rising, plants and greenery coming to life and flowers blooming. Another true sign of better weather approaching is Spring Gobbler Season, which will kick off April 19th in West Virginia. This year, the hunting time frame has expanded to a five-week season, meaning the season will conclude on May 23. Hunters can harvest one bearded bird per day, with a season limit of two gobblers.
Young hunters will be able to shoot their shot on youth spring gobbler season which will take place April 17 and 18. Youth must be at least eight years old and no older than 18. The youth may harvest one bearded bird, which will count toward their season bag limit of two.
Here are a couple tips to help you on your venture of bagging your spring gobbler:
- Get out and scout. Take time to head to the woods and listen. Gobblers are very vocal this time of year. This can give you an idea of where you want to hunt once the season begins. Look for areas on the ground where the turkeys have been working and scratching. Also use this time to practice your calling. Turkeys have over a dozen different communication calls!
- Prepare your shotgun. Shoot your gun to check your pattern and make sure it is on target. Be sure to use the same load you target practice with while hunting, because not all loads will pattern the same.
- Once the season opens and you are in the woods trying to secure your bearded bird, remember less is more! It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of calling when you have a responsive tom approaching. Try your best not to over call. It is easier said than done, but ultimately, nothing drives a gobbler crazy like a hen playing hard to get!
- April showers and unpredictable spring weather is not an unfamiliar sight when it comes to turkey hunting in the mountain state. But the turkeys are out in the rain and you should be too! The rainy weather may even work in your favor to set up a good hunting spot. The rolling thunder can cause toms to be pretty vocal. Gobblers may tend to stay on roost a little while longer in inclement weather, so stay patient!
- Have fun and make memories! Nothing beats being in God’s country in the great outdoors!