The turkey is a large North American bird, which was a staple of the North American diet. The turkey was brought to America by the Pilgrims in 1620, though the wild Turkey was introduced by the Wampanoag tribe. Today, turkey is used in many delicacies and is especially related to Thanksgiving. Some common breeds of turkey are: Narragansett, Bronze, White Holland, and Bourbon Red.Turkey Hunting requires a game hunting license as well as a Turkey permit. The different kinds of licenses are: small game, big game, conservation legacy, sportsman, super sportsman, junior hunting, nonresident super sportsman and nonresident hunting.

There are certain fees for Turkey Hunting: $13.25 for resident (limited), $78.25 for nonresident (limited), $10.25 for resident (unlimited) and $75.25 for nonresident (unlimited).

Residency is defined by the state laws. One person is allowed only one Turkey Hunting permit per year. The minimum age limit is 12 years. For obtaining a license, there should be proof of having obtained a hunting license before.

In case this is the first time, a mandatory hunter education course should be taken up. This course lasts for 10 hours. Hunters who wish to bow-hunt should take an additional mandatory 8-hour course on bow-hunting.The license should contain correct information. It is non-transferable.

It does not give the right to hunt on private property without the permission of the owner. Licenses should be produced on demand to any law enforcement officer, or the owner, lessee or person in control of the lands (or their designees), while on their property.Turkey Hunting is mainly carried out in spring and fall. Turkey Hunting is generally done in bottom lands, wooded areas and other wild spots, away from human development. The location is a very important aspect. Stillness and silence are absolutely necessary in Turkey Hunting.

A camouflage is also required, as is netting for the face. The guns and other equipment can also be camouflaged in order to prevent any reflection off them. You can use a bow or a shotgun (between #8 and #2) for hunting.

Rifles or handguns are not allowed, but muzzle loading shotguns are allowed. Bait cannot be used. Dogs can be used only in the fall season, with certain conditions. Electronic calling or amplifying devices cannot be used during the open season.There are some safety tips to be followed while Turkey Hunting: stalking is both dangerous and futile; don't wear turkey colors like white, red or blue; call only when you are standing in front of a large tree; don't wave or whistle or make any turkey sounds; always be sure of the target before shooting; shoot only when the turkey is as close as at least 30 yards; wear hunter orange while going in or out of the woods. Different kinds of calls are used to attract turkeys: slate calls, mouth calls and box calls.

Turkey Hunting can be a lot of fun, especially when you follow all the rules and conditions. However, it can also be dangerous, so instinct and concentration are very important.The license should contain correct information.

It is non-transferable. It does not give the right to hunt on private property without the permission of the owner. Licenses should be produced on demand to any law enforcement officer, or the owner, lessee or person in control of the lands (or their designees), while on their property.

Turkey hunting is mainly carried out in spring and fall. Turkey hunting is generally done in bottom lands, wooded areas and other wild spots, away from human development. The location is a very important aspect. Stillness and silence are absolutely necessary in turkey hunting.

A camouflage is also required, as is netting for the face. The guns and other equipment can also be camouflaged in order to prevent any reflection off them. You can use a bow or a shotgun (between #8 and #2) for hunting. Rifles or handguns are not allowed, but muzzle loading shotguns are allowed. Bait cannot be used.

Dogs can be used only in the fall season, with certain conditions. Electronic calling or amplifying devices cannot be used during the open season.There are some safety tips to be followed while turkey hunting: stalking is both dangerous and futile; don't wear turkey colors like white, red or blue; call only when you are standing in front of a large tree; don't wave or whistle or make any turkey sounds; always be sure of the target before shooting; shoot only when the turkey is as close as at least 30 yards; wear hunter orange while going in or out of the woods. Different kinds of calls are used to attract turkeys: slate calls, mouth calls and box calls.Turkey hunting can be a lot of fun, especially when you follow all the rules and conditions. However, it can also be dangerous, so instinct and concentration are very important.

By: Peter Emerson