On a cool, breezy March Saturday, 35 youngsters and their adult companions gathered in the outdoors near Heathsville Virginia to learn about the wonders of the wild turkey. An annual event sponsored by the Northern Neck Wild Turkey Association (NNWTA) had again stirred interest in youngsters and the older generation alike. This Talkin’ Turkey event proved to be more than an icebreaker for being pent up during the winter. Many in attendance learned how exciting and challenging the upcoming spring gobbler season could be. By the end of the afternoon, the air around Roanoke Farms was full of joyful turkey noise coming from the next generation of hunters. 

     State Game Warden, Bob Mathers, with more than 20 years experience in the fields, woods and bottomlands of the Northern Neck, took the group through an interesting discussion of how important hunting safety is. You could tell Mathers had done this before, especially as his audience listened intently and interacted often when he asked questions about how to conduct yourself when hunting. Bruce Wilds, a well known hunting guide and outdoor writer, next took the group through a fascinating but easy to follow matrix of turkey hunting strategies. The group gathered around Wilds as he showed them the signs and tracks that a wild turkey makes. Those in attendance got more than just an improvised how to from this experienced turkey hunter. Wilds shared specific tactics and took them on an informational hike across the expansive acreage of Roanoke Farms. Taking them through diverse landscapes which included forest, creek bottoms, agricultural fields and timber cutover, he stopped often to explain to the group how each differing terrain evokes a particular hunting style or tactic. It was a real pleasure to see how fascinated the youngsters and some of the adults were in the information Wilds presented. He often involved them in the experience, by letting them try turkey calls or asking questions. One question and answer session awarded prizes to use in their upcoming outdoor hunting adventures. 
 
     A delicious grilled lunch was served by NNWTA members. Following this, landowner Mason Brent was recognized for his continued support in providing access through his home at Roanoke Farms for these outdoor events. Mathers closed the event with a brief story that got our attention. He spoke of how beneficial it is when you get to see a youngster enjoying hunting or fishing for the first time, and how it can lead to a lifelong enjoyment of outdoor experience. He thanked all of the adults in attendance for taking the time to bring youth to the Talkin’ Turkey Day and asked them to keep up the good work in this regard. During the April 1, 2006 Virginia State gobbler hunting day for youth, we took Bob Mathers advice and saw two youngsters catch that same spirit which takes us back to woods, many years after our first hunt.

© 2006 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved