March is wake up time for Springtime in the outdoors. Anglers are testing local fishing holes for that first strike from a big blue or channel catfish, while bass anglers revisit late fall haunts to work the drop-offs for early spring largemouths. Fly-fishing finds its way into cold mountain streams, some which are just now breaking through the early morning skim ice of late February. Hikers, bikers and birdwatchers are finding their way through March as a time for getting back into the outdoors. There seems to be something in it for anyone who has penned up off- season “cabin stir”. March is another important month for getting ready for that spectacular time known as, Spring gobbler season. This premier hunting opportunity which couples gorgeous seasonal colors with some of the most exciting hunting experiences available, finds its pre-season roots in the month of March.

     Turkey hunters put together their final scouting observations in the woods, bottomlands and field edges of March as bearded gobbling beasts break up from their “bachelor flocks and square off in dominant alpha-bird territories. It is a time of great experiences whether you hunt or not, as the first treetop gobbles blend into early morning strutting and drumming rituals on the ground and the mating rituals begin. What better way to pass on the tradition of learning and experiencing wild turkeys then sharing them with the next generation, of hunters and wildlife watchers.

     On Saturday, March 23, Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), the Northern Neck Wild Turkey Association (NNWTA) and Hacks Neck Hunt Club are holding their second annual, “Talkin’ Turkey Day”. This event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free of charge to all youth under the age of 18. Lunch will also be provided. Volunteers with experience in hunting and observing wild turkeys will be on hand to share their best experiences. Events during the March 23 “Talkin’ Turkey Day” will include how to bowhunt turkeys and will even give the kids a chance to build a ground blind to conceal a hunter. Hunting safety and ethics will be part of the day’s events so that youth in attendance know how important, safety, judgment and sportsmanship are in this premier sport. The kids will learn about how to hunt wild turkeys, including the different calls and how to use them. Woodsmanship and knowledge of the outdoor environment, the wild turkey’s habits and biology will be among other segments of this year’s “Talkin’ Turkey Day at Hacks Neck Hunt Club. A turkey calling contest in three age groups will provide some friendly competition, in age groups 10 and younger, 11 through 14 and 15 through 17 years of age. The youth will call before a panel of three judges who decide the winners and prizes will be given. A turkey shoot for the kids will provide youth the opportunity to experience target patterning which is an important part of a successful and ethical turkey hunt. Three different age groups like those in the calling contest will be used for prize awards on the best target shots. 

     The March 23, 2002 event takes place at Hacks Neck Hunt Club in Northumberland County, Virginia. The club property is not far from the Route 360/644 intersection in Burgess. In Burgess, take Route 644 (Hacks Neck Road) North towards Ophelia about 5 miles to VirMar Beach Road. The club property is at the corner of Route 644 and VirMar Beach Road. Pre-registration is required so call 804-580-8942 to let them know how many are coming to this fun and informative day. 

© 2002 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved.