In this Sunday’s Erie Times-News, Scott A. Messenger writes about turkey calls and strategies for using them. He also shares one of his favorite calling tactics. Check out Messenger’s Gear Guide video below:
Austin Sherwood, 7, of Union City, got his first turkey while hunting with his dad, John Sherwood., in Venango Township.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will put on a Successful Turkey Hunting advanced training class Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oil City Izaak Walton League, Deep Hollow Road, Oil City.
Participants will learn orienteering skills, shot selection methods, basic and advanced calling techniques — including a call to take home after the class — plus scouting methods and hunting techniques, including the effective use of decoys.
Instructors also teach how to fine-tune the eye and shotgun to consistently bag more birds. Participants should bring a 12-gauge or 20-gauge to class for use on the range. Ammunition will be provided, as will a shotgun for those who do not have one.
The program is a voluntary, advanced, one-day hunter education training program. Registration fee is $15 and seating is limited. Register at www.pgc.state.pa.us
To receive a training certificate recognized by other states or provinces, students must pass an open-book, written exam at the conclusion of the class.
Before attending, individuals must complete the independent-study part of this program. To receive a hard-copy of the study materials, contact the Game Commission’s Hunter-Trapper Education Division at (717) 787-7015 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to request a printed version of the “Successful Turkey Hunting Student Manual.” The independent-study part of the training will take about 6 to 8 hours to complete.
Another course is scheduled Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mars Rod & Gun Club, 141 Cashdollar Road, in Mars, Butler County.
Rich McCullough, of Waterford, had an eventful spring gobbler season.
McCullough and his daughter, Kristi, doubled up on a pair of Toms that sashayed to their setup at 6:45 a.m. opening day. Kristi, using a Remington 11-87, shot an 18-pound bird that had an 8-inch beard.
Rich, with his Benelli Super Black Eagle, shot a 22 1/2-pound gobbler that had an 8 1/2-inch beard.
Rich also filled a New York tag while hunting in the Catskills with Peter Grace, 11, of Concord, N.H. Rich’s gobbler went 23 1/2 pounds and had a 10 1/4-inch beard and 1 3/8-inch spurs. Peter’s first gobbler weighed 19 pounds and had a 9-inch beard and 3/4-inch spurs.
Mike Kernohan shot his spring gobbler May 5. The bird had a 9 1/2-inch beard 1 1/-8 inch spurs and weighed 18 pounds.
Don Collins shot a trophy spring gobbler with his 12-gauge May 9 at 6:30 a.m. in Erie County. The bird weighed 21 pounds and had a 10-inch beard.
Hunting hours will increase May 14 to one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset through end of the Pennsylvania season May 31.
Joshua Luce and Ethan Luce each tagged out during spring gobbler season.
Joshua Luce shot his Tom on April 21 at 9 a.m. in Erie County during the youth hunt. He used a 12-gauge for the 22-yard shot. The bird weighed 18 1/2-pounds and had 1-inch spurs and a 10-inch beard.
Ethan Luce shot his gobbler April 28 at 7:30 a.m. in Armstrong County. He used a 20-gauge to make the 22-yard shot on the 20.6-pound Tom, which had a 9 5/8-inch beard and 1 1/8-inch spurs.
They each where hunting with their grandfather, Bob Wisener, who shot his own gobbler May 10 at 6:20 a.m. in Erie County. The bird weighed 22.7 pounds, had 1 1/4-inch spurs and a 10 1/4-inch beard.
Austin Kernohan, 13, of Erie, shot a jake on opening day of spring gobbler season in Springboro. The bird was taken in full strut at 20 yards at 6:52 a.m.
Simon DeAngelo, of Greene Township, shot a spring gobbler during the mentored youth hunt. It had a 9-inch beard and 1-inch spurs.
Joshua Fike , 9, shot his first career turkey the morning of April 28. The Tom had an 11½-inch beard and 11/8-inch spurs.
