If you are looking for an adventure on Thanksgiving this year, how about switching it up and serving a bird you bagged instead of one you bought! Here in the North State, Shasta County has always been in the top 10 for hunting. The fall season for hunting is open from November 14 through December 13.

Let‘s Talk Turkey

Each hunter is allowed one bird per day and a total of two per season. Hunting is a challenge, but most hunters agree that the thrill of bagging your own gobbler makes it all worth it. To hunt turkey you must have a California hunting license and a game bird stamp. These can be purchased at the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Getting Started

There are guided turkey hunts available, or you can scout out a good place of your own by doing a little bit of homework. Before your hunt, go to the Department of Fish and Wildlife where you can find maps to wildlife areas where hunting is allowed. Scout areas to find where the turkeys are roosting. Late evening is the best time to scout. Look for an open area with a water source and trees for them to roost. Once you have found and decided on the area, set yourself up in a tree with a cushion, remain motionless, and wait for a bird to appear.

Working on Your Gobble

You can try to attract a wild gobbler by using a calling device. The Sportsman’s Warehouse is a great place to go in Redding to find what you need. There are several types of calls available from box calls to diaphragm calls that allow the hunter to stay motionless while using their mouth, tongue, and the device to produce a realistic, tried and true result.

Hunt Predictions

The turkey forecast for this year is calling for a fair season despite the dry weather. This may have some impact on where they are nesting due to the availability of a dependable water source.

Once you’ve brought down your turkey, you will need to prevent spoilage by removing the entrails and pack it with ice or snow to help keep the meat fresh. If you don’t end up nailing one of your own, you can always stop by Marie Callender’s and pick up a pre-cooked meal to delight your family. If you have bagged your own bird, you will have enjoyed the challenge of hunting a turkey and the great outdoors. Either way, everyone can be thankful.

Image Source: Flickr/Richard Elzey

[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]