Turkey Hunting Regulations

HUNTING REGULATIONS

Turkey hunting regulations are established to maxi- mize quality hunting opportunities while preventing the over-harvest of wild turkeys. California has a spring and fall season for hunting turkeys. The fall season, in all counties except San Diego, opens on the second Satur- day in November and runs 16 consecutive days. The bag limit and possession limit is one wild turkey (either sex) per fall season. The spring season is statewide, opens the last Saturday in March, and extends for 37 consecutive days. In addition, an archery-only spring season extends for two weeks beyond the close of thegeneral spring sea- son. The bag and possession limit for the spring season (including the archery-only portion) is one bearded wild turkey per day, three per season. A bearded turkey is one that has a beard visible through the breast feathers.

These regulations, like all hunting regulations, are subject to change, and turkey hunters should refer to the currentCalifornia Regulations for Resident and Migratory Upland Game Birds for regulations currently in effect, available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov.

POACHING and LAW ENFORCEMENT

Wild turkey populations can be heavily impacted by high mortality rates. They are subjected to many forms of natural mortality, like predation. But mortality from poaching, such as beardless hens killed during the spring season, turkeys killed outside the open season, and bag limits exceeded during the open season, can be con- trolled.

The California State Chapter of the National Wild TurkeyFederation, and the DFG’s CalTIP program, offer rewards for information concerning turkey poachers. It is the obligation of every turkey hunter to report poach- ing. Violations should be reported by calling CalTIP at 1(888) 334-2258. Callers may remain anonymous.

HUNTER-LANDOWNERRELATIONS

The future of turkey hunting may depend on rela- tions between landowners and hunters. Most turkey habitat in California is found on private land.

Without considerate and appropriate behavior from hunters wishing to use private land, the landowner may increasingly exercise his or her right to refuse access to all hunters. The solution to this potential problem is the development and acceptance of a hunter’s outdoor ethic, here defined as behavior leading toward a harmonious balance between those who use the land for recreation and those who own it.

ROLE of THE LANDOWNERandTHE CITIZEN

In California, wildlife is legally the property of all citizens, held in trust for them by the State. Game be- comes theproperty of an individual only when it is taken legally. Public ownership of game has led to a very strong hunting tradition in California and across the United States. Because of this, most hunters have grown up with the belief that hunting is a right instead of a privilege.

Today, hunting is a sport enjoyed by many, regardless of whether they own property. Many landowners are willing to allow hunters to use their land as long as they ask permission to do so. In California,written landowner permission is required in order to hunt on private land. Acquiring landowner per- mission before hunting on private land will help present a positive image of hunters, and help build the hunter- landowner relationship.

HUNTER RESPONSIBILITY

Hunter responsibility involves respect for wildlife, respect for the rights of others and concern for the use of the land. Hunting in a responsible manner starts before the hunt when permission for land access is obtained, during the hunt when game is pursued in an Hunter responsibility involves respect for wildlife, respect for the rights of others and concern for the use of the land. Hunting in a responsible manner starts before the hunt when permission for land access is ethical and legal manner, and after the hunt when the landowner is thanked for the privilege of hunting on his or her land.

HUNTING on PUBLIC LANDS

Finding a place to hunt on public lands requires some homework. It starts with knowing where turkeys are on public lands. In 2003, the DFG and the U.S. Forest Service completed a new map of wild turkey range, shown on page 22. This map includes established range and recently occupied range. Established range is defined as the areas where turkey populations are relatively abundant and have been established for decades.

Recently occupied range is the area where turkeys were released over the past 10 years but are not as abundant and their establishment is not certain. Most releases of Merriam’s turkeys on higher elevation public lands have not been as successful as the releases of the Rio Grande subspecies in lower elevations. Wild turkey ranges are layered over U.S. Forest Service lands, which make up the largest and most widespread public lands available for turkey hunting. Additionally, some important DFG wildlife areas (as shown on page 21) also provide some turkey hunting opportunity. The more popular areas offer turkey hunting through lottery drawings to provide for a more quality experience early in the season. For more information about how to apply for these hunts, visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov.

The range map provides a general idea of where turkeys are in the state, but finding a location will require more detailed maps. Topographic maps, which include land ownership, are produced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at 1:100,000 scale for the entire state and by the U.S.Forest Service (USFS) at a slightly larger scale for each national forest in the state, 16 of which have turkey populations. These maps can be purchased from BLM at www.ca.blm.gov/caso/iac/ maps_pub room.html and from USFS at www.fsfed.us/ maps. Take the time to contact local biologists that have knowledge of whereturkeys may be, and make sure that you are aware of any major land ownership changes that may have occurred since the maps were printed. Detailed topographic maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey at 1:24,000 scale are also available at www.usgs. gov/pubprod/, but they do not contain land ownership. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units are very popular because of their affordability and utility. GPS units can be used to find exact locations on topographic maps, and record important areas that you may want torelocate.

TURKEY HUNTER SAFETY

Surprisingly, most hunters involved in hunting ac- cidents have many years of hunting experience. When interviewed, they cannot believe that it happened to them. It can happen to you. By being sure of your target and using the defensive measures outlined below, you can help ensure that you have a safe, quality hunt.

All California hunters who have not held a Califor- nia hunting license in a prior year must successfully pass a hunter education course before purchasing a hunt- ing license, unless they can provide evidence of having received this training in another state. Some prior license holders have taken the course as a refresher, often with their children. Turkey hunting safety depends on most of the principles taught in these courses, but there are many unique aspects of turkey hunting safety that all turkey hunters should also be aware of. The National Rifle Association (NRA) offers a turkey hunter safety educa- tion course and publishes the hunter’s educational series which includes a book on hunting wild turkey. Contact the NRA for more information.

Most hunting accidents can be prevented. Accidents happen when people disregard firearm safety fundamen- tals. Prevention involves knowing and obeying basic safety rules. If the three basic rules for handling firearms are followed, most firearm-related tragedies could be prevented.

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Always check to make sure the gun is unloaded; nev- er take anyone’s word that the gun is unloaded. Check for yourself. Open the action, look, then leave it open. “I didn’t know it was loaded” is no excuse.

2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

Experienced hunters always handle a gun safely. They never let the muzzle point at anybody, including themselves. They also insist that everyone follow the same rules.

3. Be sure of your target and beyond.

Responsible hunters are certain of their target before firing. They never shoot at a sound. They never shoot

at a patch of color. They never shoot at anything except what they are hunting, and only after they have made a positive identification. They will pass up a great trophy gobbler rather than make a mistake and cause an acci- dent.

You must always be alert when handling firearms and while hunting. However, there are certain times when you must show extra caution:

1. When carrying a firearm in rough terrain or obstacles. Be sure of your footing and always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.

2. When you are tired after a day’s hunt. Reserve enough energy to complete a safe hunt.

4. When hunting companions forget or ignore safety rules. Immediately bring it to their attention.

CAMOUFLAGE SAFETY

Hunter camouflage is an important part of hunting the wild turkey, but it may present a problem. The better you are camouflaged and concealed, the less likely another hunter will be able to see you.

The proper way to notify an approaching hunter is to calmly and clearly speak to him. DO NOT move or wave. DO NOT use a turkey call to alert the hunter. If the other hunter does not respond to your first call, repeat louder to announce that you are near. Not everyone has good hearing; it is paramount in this situation to remain still until recognized by the approaching hunter.

To dress for success and safety, follow these tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation:

1. Never wear clothing that contains the colors red, white, or blue because they can be mistaken for colorsfound on wild turkeys.
2. Be sure that the accessories you carry that are red, white, or blue (e.g. diaphragm calls, box calls, box call chalk, candy wrappers, apples, etc.), are not visible to other hunters.
3. Camouflage your gun. If not, at least cover up white diamonds or other red or white markings.
4. Always keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.
5. Wear dark-colored socks and pants that are long enough to keep your skin from being exposed.
6. Do not “over-camouflage” by sitting in vegetation so thick that it obscures your vision.
7. If you use an artificial blind of camouflage netting, maintain a clear field of view.

Other safety measures you may wish to consider in- clude: 1) placing a blaze orange band around the tree you sit next to; 2) placing a blaze orange sign “Camouflage Hunter in Area-Be Careful” in your vehicle window; 3) wearing some blaze orange while moving from one spot to another; and 4) showing blaze orange on your decoy, decoy bag and harvested turkey while transporting.

CALLING SITE LOCATION

Calling site selection is very important for both turkey hunting success and safety. You cannot shoot a turkey you cannot see. Moreover, gobblers do not like dense, brushy areas where they cannot see potential trouble from natural predators. Use calling sites where you can see for 75-100 yards. Do not sit near the edge of a hill that you cannot see over; you may be surprised by a hunter.

Sit against a tree, stump or rock wider than your shoulders. Turkey hunting involves making turkey sounds with various devices. Some require movement on the part of the hunter. When shaking a gobbler tube call it may resemble the motion of a gobbling turkey, and in combination with the gobble sound may be misinterpreted by an over-anxious turkey hunter. By choosing a large tree, stump or rock, slight movements will be shielded from view of hunters coming from behind whom you may not detect.

DECOY-RELATED SAFETY

Decoys can be effective for bringing turkeys in close and taking their attention away from you, but caution should be used to avoid dangerous situations. Hunters may stalk your calls, see your decoy, and shoot at the decoy. If you are in line with the decoy you could be in danger.

Follow these defensive hunting tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation:

1. A decoy should never be visible while being transported. Never carry an uncovered (identifiable) decoy.
2. Whenever possible, set up by a tree that is greater in diameter than the width of your shoulders.
3. From your seated position, identify the clearest line of vision in front of you. Establish a “sight line” that allows you 100 yards' visibility. Then set your decoy approximately 20 yards from your position on the line.
4. Should you see another hunter, call out to them in a clear loud voice. Their presence has already compromised your location and an unintelligible response from you may only confuse them, rather than alerting them to your presence.
5. If you are calling over decoys and elect to move to a new location, check carefully to ensure that no one is stalking your decoys. Check before leaving your calling site location. Should you see someone in the area, rule 4 applies.

You may also consider using one of the decoys that incorporate some blaze orange color into the wing and tail feathers.

CONTROLLING YOUR REACTIONS

Always be aware that the mind can sometimes cause a person to “see” what that person wants to see. Hunters may sometimes “see” wildlife when there is none. This ability of the hunter’s mind to “create” a wild animal can be attributed partly to the strong desire to locate and bag game. The moment of high excitement is triggered as soon as a buck, bear, turkey or other game is seen, and it is in that moment of greatest excitement accidents can and do occur. Peer pressure and over-confidence has been shown to play a part in your mental attitude, so reconsider each “opportunity” for a brief second and make sure of your target.

Restrain your reflexes so you do not shoot without thinking. Here are some basic rules:

1. Never shoot at sounds or movements. Assume every sound you hear and movement you see is another human being until proven otherwise.
2. Never shoot at a patch of color. Positively identify your target as a legal turkey first.
3. Always positively identify any target before raising your gun; be certain it is legal game.
4. Double check before you shoot. Consider placing a National Wild Turkey Federation “Hunt Safely” sticker on your gun’s receiver to remind you to make absolutely sure of your target.