New England Roundup

My "New England Roundup" (text and photos) for northeastern hunting and fishing destinations appears in the February issue of Cabela's Outfitter Journal. 

--S.H.

Hey Turkey Doggers

My buddy Pete Clare down at Turkey Trot Acres (607.659.7849) let me know today that American Gun Dog (Outdoor Channel) show times for the much anticipated turkey-dogging episode have changed to 11 p.m. Thursday 1/31, 10 a.m. Friday 2/1, and 10 a.m. Monday, 2/4.

--S.H.

Turkey Flocks

Found three different flocks out and about this morning: an adult group of a dozen hens and a handful of longbeards (17 birds), a family flock (14), and winter jakes, stubby beards and all (7).

Not a bad way to start the day . . .

--S.H.

When Tight Is Right

Check out my article on extreme roost setups in the March issue of Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine on newsstands right now. 

I've several features forthcoming this spring in Outdoor Life, Cabela's Outfitter Journal, Wheelin' Sportsmen, and N.H. Wildlife Journal, among others--including pieces for online industry sites as well, among them Realtree, Yamaha, and Hoyt.  

--S.H.

More Must-See Turkey TV

My longtime friend Pete Clare down at Candor, NY's Turkey Trot Acres (607.659.7849)--easily the best fall turkey-hunting lodge in the country, and the food and friendly atmosphere is also unrivaled--just got in touch. Tune in to the Outdoor Channel and the "American Gun Dog" program on the following dates for filmed turkey-dogging action:

Thursday, January 24 at 11:00 p.m.

Friday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 28 at 1 p.m.

Can't watch? Hit that record button on your controller, man. In short, trained dogs find and flush flocks in this fall hunting tradition. This allows the hunter(s) to set up at the concealed break site, and attempt to call the gregarious autumn birds back. 

--S.H.

Winchester Turkey Revolution

You a wild turkey hunter? You sitting at home waiting on the spring seasons? Winchester® Ammunition has a new television show called “Winchester Turkey Revolution” that might be of interest. It airs on VERSUS, a network I'm told is available to more than 74 million households, even this one in southern Maine where outside it looks like Lambeau Field did on Saturday. (For the record, this Steelers fan is on the Packers bandwagon right now . . .)

I digress. “Winchester Turkey Revolution” features expert advice, hunting strategies and experiences. While it debuted on VERSUS back on January 3, it's not too late to catch the next installment. Air times are Thursdays at 2 p.m. (EST), and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. (EST). 

You NHL hockey fans surely know where the VERSUS channel is, ay. To find out about future “Winchester Turkey Revolution” episodes, visit www.winchester.com or www.versus.com.

--S.H.

Striper Talk

As part of their Fish 2008 lecture series, I'll offer a talk on the "Seacoast's Top 10 Striped Bass Hotspots" tomorrow night at the Nashua Public Library, Nashua, NH (603.589.4600). The NPL Theater is the place. See you there at 7 p.m.

--S.H.

Combo New Hampshire Turkey License

As of 2008, New Hampshire will require purchase of a new turkey license that covers both spring and fall hunts (archery and firearms options there). 

Previously, a spring and fall turkey tag cost hunters $6--typically bowhunters used the latter option on the big birds during the annual Sept. 15-Dec. 15 season. Now, state residents will pay $16, and nonresidents $31. It's not quite a forced buy, but the license will allow you to hunt spring birds, and fall flocks in either archery-only or gun zones during specific autumn seasons. A big-game or archery license is also required. That's still cheap when compared to costs in other states around the country. 

Recent estimates indicate 36,000 birds roam the Granite State.

--S.H.

New Turkey Calls for 2008

Here's a quick look and sneak preview of Knight & Hale's new line of pot and peg calls. There are four new offerings all told: the Yella Hammer (for softer tree yelps, clucks and purrs), the Silver Hammer (aluminum for high-pitched calling on windy days), the Slate Hammer (pictured here, and made of Pennsylvania slate), and finally the Glass Hammer (for kee-kees, raspy hen yelps, and rowdy cutts). Knight & Hale Super Strikers are waterproof, and apart from that, I must confess, damn good to look at. Pot and peg love at first sight? Maybe so . . . Contact: www.knightandhale.com, or grab 'em wherever Knight & Hale turkey calls are sold.

--S.H.

Duck!

My first article of the year just cupped and committed . . . more to follow.

(Check out the realtree.com link in the side column.)

--S.H.