It seems fitting to talk a little “turkey” with the spring turkey hunting season opening 30 minutes before sunrise on Saturday, April 9.

Although I am not an avid turkey hunter, I have managed to mess up more shots than I care to remember; there are those of you who have a passion for this sport.

My greatest blunder was made in trying to shoot a gobbler in full strut. Listen to me — never attempt this. If you do, you will find out that those feathers really are an armored plate that cannot be penetrated.

This bird was king of the county and had been around a long time; he probably still rolls over in laughter when he thinks of me. I know the turkey hunter I was hunting with at the time will never let me forget this one. What’s the old saying, “Do as I say, not as I do”?

If you’re not sure where to hunt, Virginia’s national forests offer great opportunities. State Wildlife Management areas also offer some excellent hunting opportunities, including Gathright, Goshen-Little North Mountain, Clinch Mountain, Fairystone and White Oak Mountain.

Hunting opportunities also exist in state forests, military installations and in designated areas of some state parks. Finally, use Find Game, the state’s web-based map viewer, to get information about public hunting locations and access.

MORE TURKEY TALK

There was a great time had by all at the Millswamp Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation fundraising dinner at Southampton County Fairgrounds on Feb. 25.

NWTF Senior Regional Director Kevin Grubbs emceed the event. Grubbs introduced the Millswamp Longbeards Chapter President Curtis Drake, Vice President John Worrell, Banquet Chairman Larry Fowler and Secretary/Treasurer David Nurney.

Grubbs told the crowd the more than $60,000 raised in the region last year was used for scholarships throughout the state. He also said the region received the most contributions toward the JAKES program, which is Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship.

After introductions, up-and-rising Nashville country singer Colton James of Courtland recognized current and former military personnel with his song “Brave Men.” A seafood buffet made by Leon Nixon Catering of Edenton, N.C., followed.

After dinner, Jimmy Fuller took over as auctioneer. With the help of two hostesses and chapter members, more than 35 highly prized items were sold.

I maintained my flawless record of not winning a gun, but we did go home with a beautiful framed print of a pair of elk and some other items. It was a great time had by all for a worthy cause.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Since food always gets my attention, I want to pass along that the Newsoms Volunteer Fire Department is having a barbecue sale 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5. I heard it’s the 30th annual.

Sedley Hunt Club is holding its first Kids Day on Saturday, March 12, for youth 4 to 15 years old. There will be BB gun shooting, archery and deer tracking competitions and much more. Contact Steve Eure for more information at 562-4162 or 641-8116. Here is a good chance to take the kids out for a great time outdoors that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Until next week, join me in praying that the weather continues to warm up those waters and the spring action begins to heat up in our neck of the woods. Stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors.

BOB RUDZIK is a Newsoms resident. He can be reached at outdoors@tidewaternews.com.