Among those with an interest in getting outdoors this month are folks who enjoy experiencing the wild turkey. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike look forward to hearing that first treetop gobble and fly down from the roost, as these great birds begin spring time rituals and patterns. Segregated flocks of big gobblers are breaking up as the tougher “alpha” birds establish their dominance over other gobblers and younger “jakes” in their area. Feeding and travel patterns may also change during March for all wild turkeys. 

     Adding to their pursuit of mast crop food sources in the woods, they will start  “bugging” and looking for other food sources associated with Spring’s change of season. Telltale scratches and tracks show where turkeys have been and may give a clue as to where they are heading. Stealth, quiet and camouflage are priorities for those who want to observe wild turkeys, up close and personal. While their sense of smell is not a challenge, these birds have among the most keenest hearing and vision with color and depth perception, hard to equal. 

     Being close enough to hear the clucks, purrs and gobbles of wild turkeys as they enter the annual Spring ritual is a treasured regional experience. If the time and place is in your favor, the quiet, observer may even get to see a brief battle between two big gobblers as they establish who the local “alpha” boss bird is. Last Spring during our pre-season scouting, we had the unique opportunity to see this more then once.

On Saturday, April 7, the Northern Neck Wild Turkey Association (NNWTA) has planned an early Spring outing for their membership and invited guests. Beautiful Cobbs Hall is the location being provided for the event again this year, courtesy of the Bland Lee family. Along with fellowship, fun, food and beverages, information on wildlife conservation and habitat will be part of the late afternoon-early evening event. The NNWTA has also embarked on an energetic tree planting program which they hope to expand throughout their membership. Seedlings of Bald Cypress, Golden Chinkapin and Chinese Chestnut are planned for distribution to members for planting and care. Other initiatives being undertaken by the NNWTA include the purchase of wild game bird seed mixtures for planting. 

     Turkey shoots are also being planned by the NNWTA and include an invitation to all who are interested, regardless of experience and expertise. Goals noted by the NNWTA include developing positive wild turkey interests local to the Northern Neck Counties. This region abounds in one of the best wild turkey populations on the East Coast and the NNWTA wants it to continue by sharing interests with new members. Newsletters are also in the works for the membership to keep them informed of upcoming events and items of interest. Annual dues are $15 for those 17 and older and $5 for members 16 and younger. For information on how to join, call Steve Proctor at 804-435-3335.

     With Virginia’s Spring gobbler season coming in on April 14 a hunter safety course planned this month is right on time. The Department of Game & Inland Fisheries has scheduled the course for March 30 & 31 at the Callao Firehouse located on Route 360 in Northumberland County. Friday’s course hours are from 6:00-9:30 p.m. and Saturday’s are 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Both sessions must be attended for certification. This is a good opportunity for both first time hunters and those returning for another season, to tune up on the rules and regulations associated with safe, ethical hunting. For additional information, contact the Northumberland County Sheriff’s office at 804-580-5221 and leave a message for the Game Warden to call you. 

The Southern Maryland Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has planned another of their enjoyable “Superfund” Banquets. On Saturday, March 31 at Middleton Hall in Charles County, Maryland the fun, food and beverages begin. For more information or to obtain tickets for the event, call Lynne Saunders at 301-274-0004 or Bobby Boarman at 301-259-2830. NWTF State Secretary and Southern Maryland Chapter member, Lynne Saunders notes that 300 bushels of conservation seed will be available for food plot in Southern Maryland but once planted, should not be harvested. The seed will include corn, sorghum and sunflowers. For information on how to obtain some of this seed, contact Bobby Boarman. The Southern Maryland Chapter continues to be among the most active within the NWTF, including their support for youth in the JAKES program. They are already planning another of their great JAKES days for the summer of 2001. For information on how to register youth for this fun filled Southern Maryland day, call Danny Estevez at 301-743-5161.

     March is catfish time on the Upper, tidal Rappahannock River and Port Royal Landing continues with their annual early Spring catfish tournament. The Rappahannock has lots to offer this time of year with beautiful scenery and the chance to tangle with some big, blue catfish, as they cruise the edges of shallows and drop-offs. Port Royal Landing’s tournament has a lot to offer all who attend and includes prize categories for men, women and youth anglers. Plenty of parking for vehicles and boat trailers along with a wide paved ramp is complimented further by bait, tackle, food, beverages and rest room facilities. Its’ convenient location along the Southbound side of the Route 301 Bridge in Port Royal makes it easy to find and get to. The tournament takes place on Saturday, April 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost to enter the tournament is $40 per boat early registration and $50 per boat for later registration. Call 804-742-5820 for information on this event and other fishing news on the Upper Rappahannock. 

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala All rights reserved