Turkey season has come to a close here in Tennessee. It was a very successful season for many hunters. I am proud to say that Giles County, where I live, is the official “Turkey Capitol of the State of Tennessee” and host to the Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt. People come from across the country to see if they can harvest one of our birds. Were you lucky enough to harvest a bird this season?

Tennessee residents have spoken. Yesterday (election day), Tennessean’s voted to amend the state constitution by saying “the citizens of this state shall have the personal right to hunt and fish”. The citizens of this state have always had the right to hunt and fish, this just reassures that we will always have this right. This is a big win for the different habitat and hunting organizations of this nation. I am really glad that the people of the state have spoken and that they believe we have the right to hunt. Did your state pass a consitutional amendment during the recent election?

Q: When hunting a field for pheasants, in which direction should you and your dog hunt?

A: Walk your dog into the wind so the scent of any birds ahead of him will be blown to him. Also, the wind will help mask the noise of your approach, allowing you to get closer. Walking into the wind will also likely force flushed birds to fly into the wind, making for an easier shot.

Q: If you want to get a walking or even running deer to stop so you can get a good shot at him, what should you do?

A: Whistle loudly. A hunter several years ago tells of a doe that came running straight at his stand in northern Minnesota at noon. He shot once and missed. The doe kept coming straight at him, but then turned to run around the stand. She was about to jump a fence and disappear into the woods when the hunter simply gave a loud whistle. The stopped in her tracks, affording an easy shot at about 40 yards!