Elk hunting has become much like whitetail deer hunting. Both animals possess great natural defense systems, including wonderful noses for trouble and the ability to ghost away when a hunter's scent drifts by. Elk are smart and wary. They have responded to increasing hunting pressure in many of the same ways as whitetails. Both like heavy cover and use it to hide from hordes of hunters. Going nocturnal is no problem for either whitetails or wapiti. Night feeding and night movement are common survival characteristics for today's elk. The greatest difference between modern elk hunting and deer hunting is in the extent and nature of elk habitat. Deer are homebodies and hang out in small areas, despite heavy hunting pressure. Elk are semi-migratory anyway and have no reservations about putting large chunks of rugged real estate between themselves and hunter harassment. When you spook a big buck, you've put him on his guard. When you spook a big bull, you may have put him over the next mountain.

The tremendous rebound of the wild turkey population, nationwide, is the result of good work by various state wildlife agencies and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). The result is that today we enjoy excellent wild turkey populations and have turkey hunting in 49 of the 50 states. Another result is that many people have become devoted gobbler chasers. The downside is that there are lots of turkey hunters out there and the hunting can be quite competitive. The wise turkey hunter doesn't fight the crowd. To avoid hard-hunted, call-shy gobblers, avoid the most popular public lands, well-known counties or other publicized wild turkey hotspots. Remember, it only takes one hot gobbler to have a great hunt and low density turkey populations can offer quality hunting experiences. Wild turkeys are great wanderers and pioneers of new country. Concentrate on the "fringe" areas, adjacent to established turkey range but not yet well known. Get ahead of the crowd to enjoy undisturbed turkey hunting for undisturbed wild gobblers.

When asked what type of call they use for turkey hunting, most experienced hunters will tell you that they prefer the one that works! Each type of call has its own advantages. The diaphragm is the leading contest call and very popular for hunting. A well-practiced caller, with the proper diaphragm, can make any sound a turkey can make -- usually better than the turkey. Plus the diaphragm can be used in any type of weather. However, the other call types have a lot going for them. The traditional box call is easy to use and has great volume but is easy to use softly as well. Plus turkeys really like the box. The slate, glass, crystal and aluminum calls can "do it all". Their strong point is that they are unexcelled at purrs and clucks. The tube call is really just an external diaphragm and can do about anything a diaphragm can. The old-time wingbone type is a bit hard to use but works great on call-shy gobblers.

Bowhunters who take on wild turkeys face a lot of hunting challenges. One is recovering the turkey after the shot. Unlike deer, turkeys don't succumb immediately to shock and they don't leave good blood trails. Proper point selection is a great help. There are two schools of thought on arrows for gobblers. Some hunters use traditional broadhead types. Often they might increase the number of blades to increase cutting surface or they might include some type of "shock stopping" device to prevent over-penetration. Others opt for the "trick" mechanical heads that fly open, offering great cutting surface and reduced penetration. These require a rather powerful bow to drive them in at a proper velocity for their best operation. Either way, the goal is to deliver devastating initial impact into the gobbler's vital area. Even so, the turkey hunting bowhunter should wait for the very vital shot and carefully watch the bird after the shot for the best chance of recovery.

Once you have taken a gobbler, the next dilemma is what to do about it. Turkey, like all poultry meats, is fragile and prone to spoilage. This is particularly true in the warm temperatures of late spring turkey seasons. Field dress the bird immediately. Make a circular cut around the anal vent, being careful not to sever the intestine. Now the entire entrail system may be carefully pulled out. Next, enlarge the opening and reach up to pull out the liver, heart, gizzard and lungs. (The liver and heart are great eating; wild turkey gizzards are very tough.) Finally, cut the trachea and esophagus as high as you can reach. You are working by feel so be careful not to cut yourself. With the body cavity cleaned out, insert a sturdy, empty plastic bag. Next drop ice into the bag until the cavity is filled. This starts the cooling process from the inside out. The bird is now ready for the trip home.