Gobbler Hunters Urged To Think Safety First

LEWISTON -- With the spring turkey season opening April 15 in much of the state, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game urges hunters to think "Safety First." "The primary cause of turkey hunting accidents is hunters not properly identifying their targets," said Richard Oliver, hunter education coordinator based in Lewiston. "All hunters have an obligation to know exactly what they are shooting at, and to ensure their zone of fire is safe." These accidents occur when hunters hear sounds, see movement or perceive a flash of color they believe to be made by a turkey. Before positively identifying the target as being a legal bird, they shoot. Though significant improvements have been made in recent years by educating turkey hunters, there is still room for improvement. Hunters can make hunting safer by following these safety tips:

• Never stalk a turkey. The chances of getting close enough for a shot are slim, but the chances the sounds are another hunter are high.
• Never wear red, white or blue clothing, not even undergarments of these colors. Red is the color most hunters count on to differentiate a gobbler's head from the hen's blue-colored head. White can look like the top of a gobbler's head. Not only will these colors put you in danger, but turkeys can see them as well.
• Don't attempt to approach closer than 100 yards to a hen or gobbler. Sit down, use your call and let the turkey come to you.
• Never presume that what you hear or what answers you is a turkey. Assume that all sounds and movements are made by another hunter.
• Avoid using a gobbler call. The sound may attract other hunters.
• Don't try to hide so well that you can't see what's happening around you.

Remember that eliminating movement is you key to success, not total concealment. Sitting perfectly still will help you harvest more turkeys than all the camouflage you can wear.