I always shoot for the last week of season for camp. This year that means May 16-20. The reasons are twofold, firstly to try catching the best weather possible, secondly the hens are off setting eggs pretty early in the mornings meaning the toms are left alone to their devices and are looking for love any way they can get it. Late season calling can be some of the most productive of the year.
There had been a rumor that tags were taking a 25% jump in price this year, but apparently that is not the case. It's $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents, no additional licensing or tags necessary. Since turkey is considered a big game license, the state throws in coyote/fox/etc. Iowabow had a coyote come in on him last time but was unable to move to take a shot. Or so he says, I was 15 ft away and didn't see a thing. (There was crazy talk that I was taking a long hard look at the insides of my eyelids at the time, which I categorically deny)
I ground up 20 lbs of venison, pork, wild turkey breast, and some pheasant breasts for salami this morning. I got the casings stuffed and will be smoking them tomorrow. Pending taste testing, there will be lunchmeat available for snacking.
And Pearlie, I am about sick and tired of your flirty teasing. Stop with these empty promises and make the trip out here.
I would go just for the food the heck with the turkeys,lol.
I am pretty darn sure that has been everyone's attitude all along. None of the people invited have taken a turkey yet. Not soy, not tattoo dave, not Kyle, Mikey, Julup, Primitive Tim (heck - he even got SHOT when he came out here), Iowabow (but at least he has taken shots!), or any of the rest! And it is not for opportunities. We've never had a year where folks weren't working birds morning or night. Last time we even called a rogue batch of hens right up to the campsite! Which, by the way, we will be using the Elk Rocks site again.
It got that name when I camped there the first time. In the rain in the middle of the night I had elk bugling within a few hundred yards of me. We had cow elk tracks on the edge of camp two years ago, too. I am finagling a deal with a local landowner for access to a couple roosts on his place, he wants these birds thinned out since they are all over his haystacks. We will see what becomes of them come spring, though.
At this time, there are only two RSVP's, mine and Kyle's. It's not an invitational thing, if you are interested in coming post a reply or send me a message. There is NO CHARGE for camp because that means I would have to bet a guide license and insurance. I provide the food, cook from scratch, and all you gotta do is pitch in your share of the groceries and propane. Most years it is between $30-35. No, seriously. I watch the sales all spring and stock up when it is cheap, so this all works out well. Carry your share of the water in camp and pitch in on what few chores there are. No politics. Practice, but don't flaunt your religion. Take lots of pictures.
