Turkey season is nigh! Patt Dorsey from the National Wild Turkey Federation shares her turkey savvy with us — from what makes a good roost tree, to all the quirks a biologist would care about, like the bird’s laser-like vision, or a hen’s ability to store semen for later use. 

  • 1:30 – Nicole Qualtieri’s article on turkey and bear hunting quarantine ethics
  • 3:00 – Sautéed turkey breast with morels… mmm
  • 5:30 – Why would you want to hunt turkeys in the first place?
  • 6:30 – If you celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, chances are you know your way around a turkey. It can be a good first quarry for new hunters. Field dressing a turkey is a lot more intuitive for some people than, say, an elk.
  • 7:00 – ‘Bird brain’ doesn’t apply to turkeys. They outwit people all the time.
  • 8:00 – Spring is breeding season, which means toms are on the prowl for hens, calling them in
  • 9:00 – What is it about that naked-looking waxy head and bright red snood? #sexyandyouknowit
  • 11:00 – Turkey biology. Did you know hens can store semen for later use? And other details.
  • 13:00 – Fall vs. spring turkey hunting. Totally different
  • 15:00 – Topographical clues for good turkey country
  • 17:00 – What makes a good roosting tree? 
  • 18:45 – NWTF turkey video with veterans hunting, “Beyond the Strut – Montana”
  • 19:40 – Turkeys have phenomenal eyesight
  • 23:00 – Diaphragm vs. box vs. pot calls
  • 25:00 – Being patient is more important than being a great caller
  • 30:00 – Stay safe out there
  • 35:00 – How you field dress depends on what you want to do with your bird
  • 36:00 – Wild turkeys… not the same as your store-bought Butterball. Treat the meat differently, it’s going to be a bit more tough.
  • 38:00 – Share turkey feathers with Pueblos for traditional handicrafts
  • 39:30 – Other turkey bits – beards and spurs