With winter loosening it’s grip on the outdoors, it is time to shake off those cobwebs and begin to start thinking about the spring hunting season. It won’t be long until those spring gobblers start taunting us with their thunderous calls in the spring timber.
Today I ventured out to stroll leisurely around the hunting area that I will be stalking this spring. I talked my wife into taking a ride with me in the truck to see just what was stirring. I had to stop by the coffee shop and get a hot cup of java with a nice warm blueberry muffin to sooth my aching stomach. She grabbed a cup of hot chocolate and a bagel to take on our outdoor excursion. I was actually quite surprised that she wanted to road trip with me, I was excited to show her the area we hunt and fish.
The weather was perfect for spotting a possible strolling Tom, it didn’t take long until I spotted my prey! They were just where I thought they would be, two birds that looked like Jakes taking their morning look around a small two track road. As I drove near the opening, I told my wife that this is the spot where I sometimes see birds, as we approached the little opening where the two track led to, there they were! It made me feel good to know that I could take her out and show her some birds just like I said I would. She must think I’m a great hunter now! Yeah, Right! Although she did seem excited to see them strutting around. I then took her through the entire park to show her our fishing and hunting areas. She once again thought that this was a pretty cool place and wondered about coming back in the summer. With a beach in place I know she will be back with the kids! I smell a fishing trip coming out of this one!
As we left the park I drove by a field right across from the park and my ‘ol eagle eyes picked out movement along the back side of the farm field. ”I think that’s a turkey”, I told her. Sure enough it was a nice big thunder chicken! I figured it must be a solo tom strolling around. It was getting a little late in the morning to see birds, it was now 11am. This goes to show you that birds are still active even after the morning fly down and hen round up routine.
It was a great way to spend a chilly morning, driving around checking for birds and looking to see if the local lakes have given up their icy covers yet. I did see a few lakes with about half the ice cover gone off of them. It won’t be long until things start to green up a little and then it will be time to hit the soft water for some early fishing action also. One other thing I saw was a nice buck rub in the tree line as I was driving through the park. With no green or leaves on, you can see quite a ways for last years deer signs. Take the time here in the last stages of winter to get out and get ready for the upcoming spring season. I’m getting into full swing tomorrow morning with a group pig hunt. I can’t wait to hit the woods running!
