Spring Is Officially Over: What Do Turkey Hunters Do Now?

The vital work to manage wild turkeys continues after the excitement of the spring season, and you can be a part of it. Many states allow you to make a direct impact simply by spending time outside. State wildlife agencies across the U.S. are calling on conservationists and outdoor recreationists to take part in their annual summer brood surveys. These citizen-science efforts play a crucial role in helping wild turkey managers develop long-term management goals and structure annual regulations. Learn more about summer brood surveys. Check your state wildlife agency’s website to see if they are conducting summer brood surveys.

If you missed the perfect shot this spring, it could be your sign to refine your skills at the shooting range. Whether you want to keep shooting shotgun, switch to rifle or try your hand at archery, there is no such thing as too much practice. When that boss gobbler is strutting and gobbling in the crosshairs, you want to make it count.

And beyond being simply fun, going to the range is a simple way to contribute to conservation.

Thanks to the Pittman-Robertson Act, a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1937, an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment funnels critical funding into state wildlife agencies for habitat restoration, hunter and shooter education and access projects. While hunters have long been celebrated for their contributions through Pittman-Robertson, the growing number of non-hunting firearm owners and target shooters are contributing significantly to these efforts too. Have fun, be safe and make a difference!

NWTF chapters across the country spend the summer hosting a variety of Education and Outreach events to welcome folks into the outdoors and conservation. Don’t keep all of your knowledge to yourself; consider being a mentor and sharing your passion and knowledge with others.

Whether it’s through mentoring new hunters, foraging, birding, fishing or simply hiking through a local park, teaching someone else about these activities could be the bridge that connects them to outdoors forever.

Calls, recipes, art, photography, stories — there’s so much you can create that allows you to engage with hunting during the offseason. Many legendary call makers have said that creating the perfect turkey call is how they spend their offseasons, so they can be surrounded by the sounds of the wild turkey all year long. Starter kits are available for anyone looking for a new hobby, but woodworking isn’t the only way to keep your hands busy.

Consider an exciting new recipe from your bounty in the field or create something meaningful with pieces you have stored from harvested birds, such as a unique tail fan mount.

Reconnect with your favorite game bird through the camera lens by swapping your shotgun for a camera. Photography offers a peaceful, purpose-driven way to stay outdoors, engage with wildlife and invite others into the experience. Just as with hunting, ensure you learn about the laws regarding photographing wildlife in your state.

Consider joining the network of passionate NWTF volunteers across the country. There are several different ways to get involved with the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage — get your hands dirty by helping at a conservation field day, sign up to help be a volunteer at a mentored hunt, or help your local chapter run a hunting heritage banquet. Learn more about getting involved.

Nothing says a successful season like a messy turkey vest. But it’s time to organize your vest, sanitize those dirty mouth calls and clean and oil your turkey gun, so it is all ready to go for next season. Consider cleaning your friction calls, too, and storing them somewhere safe. Learn more about after-season gear care.

Whether it is reading the legendary Tenth Legion or checking out other wild turkey literature, reading stories about time chasing gobblers can often transport you back against a tree in the spring woods. You’ll likely learn something new that you can bring into the woods the following year.

In addition, the NWTF is continually telling mission-related success stories from across the country, from helping people with disabilities get back into the outdoors to wild turkey research projects and everywhere in between. Check out the NWTF’s Content Hub.

What is your favorite way to spend the offseason? Let us know at nwtfstory@nwtf.net.