IDFG & NWTF Offer Turkey Hunting Safety Tips

With the spring turkey season opening April 15, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Idaho Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) are encouraging hunters to think "Safety First." "Last year, we had 2 turkey hunters injured by sporting arm discharges in Nez Perce County alone," said Rick Cooper, IDFG conservation officer based in Lewiston. "Hunters can do better." The primary cause of turkey hunting accidents is hunters not properly identifying their targets. These incidents 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. Whether it's excitement of the hunt or just poor judgement, these mistakes have caused injury, in some cases, death to human beings. "Turkey hunters often make split-second shooting decisions, but it's imperative that they positively identify their target," said Mike Butler, NWTF Hell's Canyon chapter president. "Every turkey hunter has an obligation to know exactly what he or she is shooting at, and ensure their zone of fire is clear." Significant improvements have been made in recent years by educating turkey hunters. However, there is still room for improvement. Hunters can make hunting even safer by following these safety tips:

• Positively identify your target. Be absolutely certain it's a legal turkey before pulling the trigger. Be sure the shot path to the bird and beyond is safe.
• 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.