Use these eight calling techniques to become a turkey assassin. Michael Waddell     It takes different calls to consistently close the coffin on longbeards. Have several calls and know how to use them.     Mastering a mouth call is critical for those last few crucial moments when you can't have any movement and your hands need to be free.     The author has found success by creating the illusion of a moving bird by using directional calling techniques.         While I dedicate a lot of time to chasing whitetails and other antlered monsters, spring turkey hunting is still one of my favorite pursuits. It's a great time to be in the woods, you don't have to freeze your butt off, and best of all, I can do most of it right near my home in Georgia. I grew up hunting ol' Booger Bottom right behind where my daddy still lives today, and I look forward to taking time off from my hectic traveling schedule every year to return there and hunt. But whether I'm hunting familiar woods I've hunted all my life or am chasing Rios or Merriam's in front of a camera in some place I've never even seen before, I use the same key skills to be successful. The most important skill I rely on is my ability to call. Calling is not only one of the things that makes turkey hunting so much fun, it's also the most important skill every turkey hunter needs to have in order to bring that big gobbler into gun range so he can ride home in the back of your truck. Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years. Maybe some of them will help you. 1 Mix It UpA lot of turkey hunters, especially beginners, learn to use one call pretty good, but never become proficient on other types. Or they may be able to use other calls, but they rely on that one they like almost exclusively. Bad mistake. Every call has its own pitch and sound and not every one is going to appeal to a particular longbeard. While one turkey may gobble his head off at your box call on Friday, that same turkey or even a different one, may ignore it on Saturday. Different calls may fire a tom up at different times. That's why it's important to learn to use several different calls and be able to run each of them as proficiently as the next. If turkeys aren't responding to your box call, switch to a mouth call or a slate. Even a tube call can work wonders in areas where gobblers have heard everything else thrown at them. If you prefer a box or a pot-and-peg type call, and are really good at that type, then buy several different ones and learn to use each of them as well as the other. Then you can keep inside your comfort zone, though I still recommend becoming versatile with different types of calls. 2 Master the Mouth CallMy favorite call to use, without a doubt, is a mouth call. To me, it's one of the most versatile. With a mouth call or diaphragm, you can make virtually every sound a turkey makes, varying rhythm, pitch and volume all with how you hold your mouth and huff air across the reeds. Best of all, it keeps your hands free so you can keep them on your shotgun when a gobbler is in close, but you need to work him just a little closer with a few light yelps or purrs. 3 Cadence is Key As varied as a hen's yelping and many other calls are, they nearly all follow a basic rhythm. In fact, I would say, when calling to a turkey at a distance at least, it is more important to have the right cadence than to even have the right sound. Listening to real turkeys in the woods or watching videos and TV shows of turkey hunts is one of the best ways to observe this cadence and learn to mimic it perfectly. Yelping, the hen's most basic call and the most important one for you to master, is delivered with evenly paced beats. Whether it is a casual yelp or one that is more excited and delivered with a little more speed, those yelps will always be spaced evenly apart. Cutting, which is really just a very excited, short burst of one-note clucks, will be more unevenly delivered, but still have a certain general rhythm to them. 4 Add Motion I bet you're scratching your head right now. "Add motion, he must be talking about decoys now," you're probably thinking. That can be helpful, too, but what I'm talking about here is adding some motion to your calling. How many guys, walk in the woods, plop down at the first gobble they make and just start calling from that same spot? If a gobbler is hopped up and ready for action, that will be enough. But when he is feeling more cautious and would rather the hen show herself, you're going to have to change positions. If a longbeard is far enough away, or even if the gobbles have gone silent on a particular morning, I will stand up and walk around, cutting and yelping and turning my head and body in different directions to make it sound like the hen is coming toward the tom and then moving away from him. I've walked 20 or 30 yards toward a gobbling tom that kept strutting back and forth out of sight to make him think I was a real hen. In these situations, try walking toward the turkey and then away while calling. Then shut up and move back to where you were closest to him and set up. The longbeard might think the hen is leaving him and finally show himself. When calling on the move like that, it is not only important that you do it when you are far enough away from a tom that he can't see you, but also that there is no chance of other hunters being around for obvious safety reasons. 5 Directional Calling Just like moving around while calling, it is important to be able to cast your sound in different directions as a gobbler approaches. With a mouth call, I cup a hand to the side of my mouth and use it to throw the sound of my calls in a particular direction. With a slate call, cup your hand beneath the sound board of the call and do basically the same thing. With a box, turn the sound chamber in a different direction, though I've found it's easier to throw a call's sound with a mouth call--one of the reason I prefer them. 6 Back It OffWhen trying to get a tom to offer up that first gobble or calling to one far off in the distance, it's perfectly fine to call as loud as you can. It's not okay to do that as that longbeard closes to within a 100 yards or less. Be sure to tone down the volume as the turkey gets closer. I've hunted with guys who had a gobbler hung-up 50 or 60 yards in front of them and then suddenly started calling as loud as if they turkey was in the next county. Loud calling will merely blow the turkey out, spooking him and sending him the other direction.  7 Clucks and PurrsThe yelp is the turkey's primary call, while cutting really works to get a longbeard fired up, but sometimes you need to go easy. That's where a single-note cluck and soft purrs can really come into play, particularly when working birds in close. Purrs are made when turkeys are content and can make a nervous tom relax as he works within range. 8 Keep It CleanWhen using friction calls such as a pot-and-peg or a box call, be careful not to touch the calling surfaces with your fingers. You also want to keep the surfaces free of dirt and free of moisture (unless the call is made to run wet.) Over time, oils in your skin can clog the pores in wood and slate, while it can make a striker slip and squeak on glass or metal. Likewise, don't touch the end of your strikers or stick them down in the dirt. Proper care will keep friction calls working a lifetime--at least yours.

By Chris Avena   There was a time when the Rhino roamed the plains of Africa in vast numbers. However, since the 1970’s, the worlds rhino population has been reduced by approximately 90% due to poaching. Poachers would hunt the rhino just for their horn. There is no scientific evidence that the rhino horn has any medical properties, and yet, poachers still hunt them for their horn illegally. The value of one horn is equal to approximately fifty U.S. Dollars. Even though the rhino’s horn could be removed without harming the animal, they are still slaughtered.   Today, there are less than twenty thousand rhino that roam the plains. With the help of our conservation efforts, those numbers are steadily increasing. This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of hunting with the World Wild Adventure Team. Our destination – South Africa. This particular hunt really did peak my interest. We would be hunting a White Rhino. This was number one on my Big Five hunting list. This hunt would be a bit different than most. This was to be a “Green Hunt”. It would have all of the thrill and excitement of a big game hunt, but instead of using a 375 H & H, I would be hunting this great beast with a tranquilizer gun. The fact is, green hunting requires more skill and precision than hunting with a rifle because the animal must be shot at a much closer range. The darted animals can become very unpredictable. The animal could bolt or it could charge. The tranquilizer gun does not have immediate results like a conventional rifle which leaves a large margin of uncertainty.   After twenty hours of traveling, we finally arrived at Tam Safari’s. Our PH for this trip would be Stephan Tam, a young, confident and very competent professional. I must admit, I was a bit nervous to hunt my first Big Five animal, but all of that would change. We got settled in at the lodge and the hunt would begin the next morning. I was up before sunrise. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I watched the sun come up and I was in awe of just how beautiful it was. We discussed our strategy over breakfast and we set out about eight in the morning. The trackers were out about an hour before us looking for signs of rhino. Around mid day the trackers spotted a rhino going down into a creek bed. We carefully followed over the rocky terrain and down into the creek bed. It was a bit unnerving wading through the high reeds of the creek bed because rhino were not the only big game in the area. There are Lion and Cape Buffalo which are just as aggressive and just as dangerous. We followed the trail out of the creek bed and into the thick brush. My view was obscured by the thick thorny brush that adorns the plains. Our PH, Stephen was on point  and he silently moved us within thirty yards of this six thousand pound colossus. As I cleared the brush, the rhino came into view. My heart skipped a beat when I realized that not more than eighteen yards away were TWO huge rhino’s. There is a certain degree of uncertainty of how a rhino will react when it is shot with a tranquilizer. However, when two rhino’s travel together the risk factor increases considerably. Stephan’s calm demeanor put me at ease while we got set to take the shot. I raised the tranquilizer gun and took careful aim right behind its shoulder. Stephan whispered “Take em when you are ready”. I squeezed off a round and watched as the tranquilizer dart hit home. The time factor fort he tranquilizer to take full effect is approximately fifteen minutes. Fortunately, both rhino’s bolted in the same direction away from our hunting party.   The two rhino’s ran for about a mile with our trackers in hot pursuit. We caught up with them in the truck only to come upon a very dangerous situation. The drug was starting to take effect on the darted rhino, however, his companion was not going to leave his side. With time at the essence, we needed to separate the two as quickly as possible. We tried to scare off the second rhino by beeping the trucks horn but it only seemed to agitate him. The rhino began to charge the truck. Only stopping yards from hitting us on three separate attempts. The situation was dicey to say the least. With the clock ticking, we finally scared off the second rhino. We had to work quickly and efficiently to collect the DNA samples. The veterinarian drew a vile of blood while I took some hair samples and blood swatches. With our main task completed we still had a little time for our recap for World Wild Adventures and snap a few pictures for prosperity.   The DNA samples will be sent to James Derr PHD, the director of the DNA technologies laboratory at Texas A&M University. Doctor Derr supplied us with the DNA kits so we would be able to log the DNA from the rhino into their global data base. We have a responsibility as hunters to assist with the conservation efforts so animals such as the rhino will continue to flourish in the wild for years to come. If this DNA kit were to become standard issue when you applied for your hunting license, we would be able to log in and track a vast variety of species through out the world rather quickly. With this in place, we would have the ability to track various herds from all parts of the globe from one year to the next.

Good evening all If you find the time I would like to have some suggestions to compiling an African bow hunting package deal that would be tempting to one and all. I have a few questions for you: which 5 animals would you like to see in a package deal? how many days can you be away on a hunting trip? Thanks   Pieter Kriel www.huntinginafrica.co.za

So the bucks are finally on the move in South Alabama. We have been finding some rutting activity here at home. A buck finally showed up in the yard and made his presence know by tearing several limbs from one of our precious magnolia trees. It's funny how we travel all over hunting and the deer mock us by ravaging the yard at night. Chase, my nephew has been inviting Emily and I up to his dog hunting club. Emily can now call each dog by name and knows every club members name and what type vehicle they drive.Joe and Blake rode up and hunted with us Saturday and it was funny listening to Blake and Emily discuss the happenings. Our group saw several deer and one member killed an 8 pt. On Sunday evening 15 year old Matthew Hrabovsky went on his first deer hunting trip with us. Matthew has plenty of shooting experience and he put on a fine display of marksmanship in our yard. We set up a target and let him shoot the 17 to get a feel for using a scope before hunting. He got to see a few does on the food plot and a small buck chasing them close to dark. We really enjoyed the hunt with Matthew. A good friend, Rej Jones killed a fine buck in Butler Alabama on a private lease. He shot the deer at around 200 yards. The big 10 point was chasing a doe on a power line and Rej had to yell to get the deer to stop for the kill shot. Great job Rej on the buck and thanks for sharing the pictures.           Shelby Byrd South Alabama

                                                             Getting Ready for Russia   As some of you may know, I will be heading to Russia the coming September to hunt Huge Brown Bear in Siberia. When Judge Julie Mogenis first invited me to go on this trip I was not sure if I wanted to go. After I hung up the phone, it took me about 20 minutes to realize what a huge mistake I was going to make by not going on this hunt. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I knew that I would regret it if I did not go. So I called the Judge back and told her that I am going to accept her offer to go on this hunt. She filled me in on the dates which will be in early September.   The first thing that I did was to look up what the weather was like in Siberia at that time of year. From what I have found, it should be the same type of climate as in northern Alaska at that time of year. It is suppose to be above freezing and there will be snow on the ground but it is difficult to predict just how much snow there will be. So on a spot and stalk Bear Hunt, I needed to be in shape – which I am not. I have not seen the inside of a gym in 2 years and I am about 20 pounds over weight.   I have to admit, I did procrastinate for about six weeks or so about doing something about my physical condition. Finally, I decided to start hiking the trails by my house. Some parts of the trail were pretty steep and challenging and I thought that it would help to build my stamina and strengthen my legs. The first leg of the trail was a mile and a half. So there and back was a nice 3 mile work out that I could do in under an hour.   I started hiking the trails two to three times a week for the first couple of weeks. It felt pretty good. You know that feeling. The one that feels like you have been sitting on the bench for a long time and then you finally get your chance to get back into the game. Over the next few weeks I kicked up the pace. I was hiking the trails four to five times per week and I added a weighted backpack that I would wear. I would compete with myself to beat the previous day’s time. I could feel my body acclimate to the change and then it happened. My body started to remind me that I was not 20 years old anymore. My knees could not handle the constant pounding that I have been giving them on almost a daily basis. The tendons on my right knee became inflamed and it would cramp up if I left it in the same position for too long. I decided to take some time to let my knee heal but I knew that I would have to find a low impact workout to get into shape and allow my knee to rest.   I joined a gym and consulted with a trainer to figure out the best way prepare for this hunt. To Be Continued.......

PRESS RELEASE   ZEISS Introduces the New TERRA® ED Pocket Binoculars   NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA. (August 11, 2015) Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world's leading manufacturer of high performance sports optics proudly introduces its latest model of outdoor sporting binoculars, the TERRA ED 8x25 and 10x25. With its very compact size, the new ZEISS TERRA ED Pocket is ideal for outdoor fans who value a lightweight, compact size binocular, but are not willing to compromise when it comes to the quality of the optics.   ZEISS TERRA ED Pocket – Maximum performance under extreme conditions   In the mountains and on the trails, every ounce counts. Weighing just 10.9 oz. and equipped with ED glass, the new TERRA ED Pocket from ZEISS delivers the high level of optical excellence expected by outdoor enthusiasts. The field of view is particularly large: at a range of 1,000 yards, it is 357 feet on the TERRA ED Pocket 8x25, and 291 feet on the 10x25. The images impress with their high contrast and wealth of details – even in reduced lighting conditions. Thanks to the operating temperature range of -4 to +145°F, the waterproof body and the ZEISS multi-coating, TERRA ED Pocket binoculars enable outstanding visual experiences even in rough environments. When not in use, the binoculars are very quickly folded via the double-link bridge and stored in the pouch. TERRA ED Pocket binoculars are backed by the ZEISS’ U.S. limited lifetime transferable warranty.   “The new TERRA ED Pocket is a fantastic addition to the already field-proven premium entry line of TERRA binoculars,” said Mike Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “ZEISS is the leader in world class optics, and these pocket versions are sure to please outdoors and nature observation enthusiasts. ZEISS TERRA ED Pocket Binoculars: 8x25:$333.32 (MSRP) 10x25: $366.66 (MSRP)   Technical data: TERRA ED Pocket                                           8x25                           10x25 Magnification                         8                                10 Objective diameter                25 mm                        25 mm Exit pupil                              3.1 mm                        2.5 mm Twilight Factor                      14.1                             15.8 Field of view                      357 ft at 1000 yds          291 ft at 1000 yds Subjective view angle            52°                              54°   Close focus                           6.2 ft                            6.2 ft Diopter Adjustment Range      +/-3                            +/-3 Pupil Distance                       35-72 mm                    35-72 mm Objective type                         ED                                ED Prism                             Schmidt-Pechan              Schmidt-Pechan Coating                      Hydrophobic ZEISS MC     Hydrophobic ZEISS MC Nitrogen Filled                       yes                                  yes Waterproof                        100 mbar                       100 mbar Operating Temperature          -4 / +145 F               -4 / +145 F Length                                   4.4 in                             4.4 in Width at an eye width of 65 mm 4.5 in                            4.5 in Weight                                     10.9 oz                          10.9 oz Order No.                             522502-9907 5                   22503-9907

Do you dare to be “different”? by Mia Anstine What are your thoughts on the direction society has headed? What do you think about the new "normal"? I do not generally post religious material, but this post in my morning news letter really got me to thinking about why our country is in such turmoil. I am thinking about what so many of us [...] Read more of this post

Mia and the Little Gal: A Hog Hunt to Help Heal ‘Pops’ April 23, 2012 by Mia Anstine      Mia and the Little Gal reminisce about a Hog Hunt The Little Gal and I had big plans for spring hunting this year. We were going on two different spring break hog hunts, a youth turkey hunt and we were going to be doing some good ol’ Oklahoma fishing. These plans unfortunately had to be cancelled, put off and changed. The Little Gal’s grandpa, aka “Pops,” became extremely ill, had kidney failure and passed away. The Little Gal learned a lot from the loss and the brief interruption or “inside-outing” of our lives. She and I are gathering ourselves back together with the help of Hank. He’s been a rock throughout it all for the both of us. He’s re-scheduled a couple of our plans for later in the summer and is working on getting us back to “right-side out.” Read the rest of this post at: http://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2012/04/mia-and-the-little-gal-a-hog-hunt-to-help-heal-pops/

What kinds of guns do you guys/gals own?   What kinds of guns do you guys/gals do you think are must haves? 

 Ok, i am just starting out filming my hunts...finally! And I am gonna start out slowly and do some experimenting on my own but was wondering... A_ do any of you guy's that film use a bow mounted camera? I just ordered a bow mount for my little camera and was wondering how well this works, i know it is not going to win any awards but will definitely get the footage. B- WHAT CAMERA do you think should be ny first decent camera. My father-in-law has an E-2000 that is AWESOME! but he paid almost 2k for it....I don't have 2k to spend on a camera at this point so need other options...(he is coming over tonight and i am gonna ask him to let me use it, that would be awesome!) C- Any tips would be appreciated! Please, please, please give me some helpful advice if you have it...no matter how small! except, don't say not to miss the shot, I got that part figured out:)