Post by Steve Sutton on Apr 4, 2010 13:39:43 GMT -5
TURKEY HUNTING REMINDERS
The Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season will begin on April 26, 2010. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has some important reminders for turkey hunters to consider before the season begins.
Permit Applications-Although the turkey hunting permit application deadline has passed, hunters may still send in their permit application to the Westborough office; however, MassWildlife cannot guarantee that late applicants will receive their turkey permit before opening day. Hunters who bought their hunting/sporting license over the counter will find the application on the duplicate certificate. Hunters who purchased their license online through MassOutdoors must go to www.mass.gov/massoutdoors, go to "Buy New License" and then choose "Add Permits" to apply for their turkey permit. If the turkey application option does not appear, it means you already applied for the permit. MassWildlife District offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters will be selling turkey permits over the counter beginning April 20, 2010. Hunters must present their 2010 hunting or sporting license to those offices to purchase a permit.
Safety Stickers Required --An official turkey safety sticker is required to be affixed to the firearm in such a way as to be visible when sighting down the barrel. To obtain safety stickers, stop by a district office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope, including a note requesting the stickers, to any District office or the Field Headquarters in Westborough.
Turkey Check Stations --An updated list of turkey check stations has been posted on the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/turkey/turkey_safety_tips.htm. Turkey hunters are encouraged to check this list before going into the field as there are new check stations, and some stations from past seasons may no longer be checking turkeys.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips--Lastly, MassWildlife encourages all turkey hunters to hunt safely. To avoid an accident, the following safety tips should be followed:
Don't stalk turkeys; sit or stand and call the birds to you. Do not sneak up to the sound of a turkey calling, as you may find yourself stalking another hunter, not a bird.
Don't wear red, white, blue, or black anywhere on your body where the colors might be seen during your hunt. These colors are found on the head and feathers of tom (male) turkeys during the breeding and nesting season.
Don't set up in a place where your view is obstructed or where another hunter may not see you. Some turkey hunters tie some bright orange surveyor's ribbon above their stand so that other hunters know there is a person in the area.
Be sure you have properly identified your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.
By using common sense and safe hunting practices, turkey hunters will have a safe and memorable experience. With some skill and luck, successful hunters will bring home a tasty meal for the dinner table to share with friends and family.
The Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season will begin on April 26, 2010. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has some important reminders for turkey hunters to consider before the season begins.
Permit Applications-Although the turkey hunting permit application deadline has passed, hunters may still send in their permit application to the Westborough office; however, MassWildlife cannot guarantee that late applicants will receive their turkey permit before opening day. Hunters who bought their hunting/sporting license over the counter will find the application on the duplicate certificate. Hunters who purchased their license online through MassOutdoors must go to www.mass.gov/massoutdoors, go to "Buy New License" and then choose "Add Permits" to apply for their turkey permit. If the turkey application option does not appear, it means you already applied for the permit. MassWildlife District offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters will be selling turkey permits over the counter beginning April 20, 2010. Hunters must present their 2010 hunting or sporting license to those offices to purchase a permit.
Safety Stickers Required --An official turkey safety sticker is required to be affixed to the firearm in such a way as to be visible when sighting down the barrel. To obtain safety stickers, stop by a district office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope, including a note requesting the stickers, to any District office or the Field Headquarters in Westborough.
Turkey Check Stations --An updated list of turkey check stations has been posted on the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/turkey/turkey_safety_tips.htm. Turkey hunters are encouraged to check this list before going into the field as there are new check stations, and some stations from past seasons may no longer be checking turkeys.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips--Lastly, MassWildlife encourages all turkey hunters to hunt safely. To avoid an accident, the following safety tips should be followed:
Don't stalk turkeys; sit or stand and call the birds to you. Do not sneak up to the sound of a turkey calling, as you may find yourself stalking another hunter, not a bird.
Don't wear red, white, blue, or black anywhere on your body where the colors might be seen during your hunt. These colors are found on the head and feathers of tom (male) turkeys during the breeding and nesting season.
Don't set up in a place where your view is obstructed or where another hunter may not see you. Some turkey hunters tie some bright orange surveyor's ribbon above their stand so that other hunters know there is a person in the area.
Be sure you have properly identified your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.
By using common sense and safe hunting practices, turkey hunters will have a safe and memorable experience. With some skill and luck, successful hunters will bring home a tasty meal for the dinner table to share with friends and family.