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Happy spring to one and all. I took a longer break from this column than I had expected. It always amazes me how time flies, but I'm going to try to get back to and stay on track!
As I write this, trout stocking is in full swing and the Gold Rush is happening. According to the DNR website there will be 50,000 golden rainbow trout stocked during their 68 stockings. I believe there is a special tagged trout that could net some lucky angler a lifetime fishing license. I hope some fisherman catches the "Golden Ticket."
I have only made it to the river with my grandsons and a couple of their friends, a handful of times with not much success.
Even with the minimal results, it has been time well spent. One of those times I didn't even wet a line. I just enjoyed watching them fish. For a short time once, I even watched from the warmth of the truck. Some of those mornings were cold and blustery, but as it was when I was younger, it didn't seem to effect teenagers as much.
I know I preach a lot about getting our youth into the outdoors, but it is high on my priority list, as it should be with any outdoorsman. The youth of today are the future.
Next time you are taking your child or grandchild, ask them if they have a friend they would like to invite. You might be surprised with the difference it might make in their life, just having someone show some interest. Some children don't have the positive influence in their lives that most of us took for granted when we were younger.
As we get into the month of April, we get close to my favorite season, Spring Turkey Season.
Youth season is April 15-16. Youth hunters 8-17 can take advantage of this season. Hunters ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult who cannot carry a gun and must remain close. Hunters ages 15-17 must comply with all licensing requirements. As always, consult the DNR Regulations for more information.
The regular season comes in on April 17 and ends May 21.
Although I am still looking forward to it, this year comes with some sadness. Part of the family property that I have hunted since I was big enough to walk has been sold.
I understand that, as many people have experienced, things change with properties being sold or leased. It is like the old saying, "The only constant is change". The only thing one can do is adapt and move on.
A lot of people believe that the lack of accessible hunting property is one of the reasons that hunter retention is down. I'm sure the DNR would like to find some middle ground with this problem, but I couldn't begin to imagine what this would be.
On the upside, this year I am going to try a new shotgun. I have used a 10 gauge single shot for spring gobbler season for years. Yes, the recoil when you were patterning a new shell was excessive, but when the adrenaline kicked in, as a turkey moved into range it made the recoil barely noticeable. But as I find myself getting older, I am switching to something a little more moderate.
This year I am trying a 20 gauge semi-automatic. There have been many developments in turkey shotshells for smaller gauges the last few years. Most notably the TSS Shotshell Market. The largest problem I have seen has been the price with an average of $10 per shot with shells that range from .410 gauge to 12 gauge.
Luckily turkey hunting is not like dove hunting. If you call the long beard into an effective range, it only takes one shot.
So good luck with whatever your outdoor adventures.
Stay Safe and Stay Outdoors.