Friday, April 18, 2008

Where's the turkey primer?

For this year's version of the turkey primer, I was going to go over scenarios, ask whether they are "good or bad" and review why they might fall into either category.

Instead, my computer got hit with a virus at the beginning of this writing and derailed me nearly three weeks.

However, in many ways, this is exactly how it goes turkey hunting. What you expected to happen doesn't -- good or bad.

Yet the wheels are turning for this primer as we speak, and I promise it will come together by the time my season comes in. Luckily, the tag I drew for and landed in Michigan doesn't kick off until early May. So I still have time to embellish on what has worked for me and what hasn't when chasing the magnificent wild turkey.

And while my faithful readers are on standby as the computer gets worked over and rebuilt, I was thinking too bad my body couldn't get a rebuilt body.

Especially as beat up as I have been these last couple of weeks whipping myself into shape for a Tai Kwon Do tournament and then for spring gobblers.

As I detailed in a previous email to a hunting pal -- "Double-Bagger" John -- turkey season can be deceiving. Usually it entails sauntering under an oak tree along a high ridge overlooking a holler or a tall point near a Michigan swamp and sitting down. Where you might remain for the next hour or two. And either slowly return to your truck or ease into another calling location. No sweat there.

But sometimes at a moment's notice you realize you have to cut off the wily tom's travel route and pull up with a heavy backpack, shotgun and blind.

Then go on 100-yard inclined scoot up a dewy field of soggy grass to get into position before he sees you. Add in the excitement factor of the bird moving closer and closer all the while gobbling his head off, and it can be a heart-pounding experience. One that calls for conditioning to get the job done right.

So knock out those situps and hit the track so Tom Turkey doesn't give you the slip this season.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2008 Spring Turkey Primer at www.macshuntingmag.com