Posted on by theoutdoorsguy

Ontario beards and spurs on the way!

(Imacdon with a nice looking Tom!)

With three weeks, or so, left until Ontario’s 2014 Spring wild turkey season, its a time that many hunters have been waiting for with baited breath!

Although I had promised myself that 2014 would be my year for turkey hunting, it didn’t quite happen but next year for sure..I mean, I took my turkey seminar over 20 years ago so I’m due!

Every morning on way into work I am taunted by gobblers all over the place! I predict some good calling conditions ahead if this spring-like weather continues into late April.

What are your plans for turkey season and where are you headed? By the way, next issue of Bounder coming-out in the next week or two.

Gobble gobble!!

 

Outdoorsguy

31 Replies to “Ontario beards and spurs on the way!”

  1. I have two gobblers who have been dropping by my yard religiously for a month now. Two weeks ago I bought a bag of cracked corn seeing as it’s been a long winter but they seem to prefer rooting in the dirt where they can find it, then taking on a gorge of corn before the evening roost. I wondered why there weren’t hens around but I saw that harem on Sunday down the road and I expect a bigger tom to be taking care of them and beating off Willy and Leo. May be a quick hunt but I have said that before.

    1. Willy and Leo..hehe..trapper always told me I shouldn’t name the wildlife around me but I never had a problem with it.

      You may be surprised where these Toms end up as spring progresses.

      Outdoorsguy

    1. Hey Iggy, I believe its April 25th every year…little over 3 weeks away!

      Outdoorsguy

    1. Iggy, never thought I’d see the day when golf would supersede hunting. I used to be an avid golfer too (11 handicap)..but would never put golf before hunting.

      I’m on verge of crying over here..talk to me.

      Outdoorsguy

  5. The reintroduction of wild turkey back to Ontario has been a success and it’s time to make changes that permits harvesting them in a similar fashion as grouse or water fowl. But the cash grab money mongers responsible won’t let that happen until their pockets are over flowing.

    1. Trapper, it seems Quebec is now cashing-in on the wild turkey increase with their own turkey education program. Their seminars appear to only be offered as an ‘online course’ and run around $50-60 which I think may be slightly cheaper. My father wants to hunt turkey now..course he’s 82 and doesn’t own a computer!

      All in the name of educating the hunter…and I guess if you think about it, an online seminar is an even better money grab – less overhead!!

      Outdoorsguy

    2. Grammar police: Quote Trapper “The reintroduction of wild turkey back to Ontario..”
      Redundant statement: Should have read “The reintroduction of wild turkey to Ontario..” or “The introduction of wild turkey back to Ontario..” would also be acceptable.

      Sorry man, I owed you that one…hehe

      Outdoorsguy

  8. Just went out to the end of the road to get the paper.
    Counted 13 deer and a partidge.

  9. That was a fall turkey. They are a lot fatter in the fall. It would be nice if the
    season was a little longer in the fall.

    1. imacdon, I’ve only ever eaten wild turkey taken in the spring…is there a difference in taste between the two??

      Outdoorsguy

    1. They sure do…yum yum!

      Sneak peak recipe from upcoming Canadian Wild Game Cookbook due out in June!

      Roasted Wild Turkey

      Serves 8 to 10

      The wild male turkey can grow to an impressive size and is the target of most gobbler hunting enthusiasts. Mature toms sport what is known as a beard, which is basically a clump of hairs protruding from the birds’ lower neck. Some very large toms will occasionally grow two, three and even more beards. Multiple beards are an indication of age, nutrients, habitat and good genetics. Although multi-bearded toms are rare, they do exist and would be considered the dominant male in any wild turkey woods.

      1 medium onion, chopped
      2 celery ribs, sliced
      1 wild turkey, dressed
      3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil

      Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place double layer of foil in large roasting
      pan, leaving enough overlap on each side to close over turkey. Place onion
      and celery on foil in pan. Brush turkey with oil and place in pan, breast up,
      on top of onions and celery. Wrap foil around bird, leaving just a small
      opening at top for steam to escape. Cook in oven for 3 hours. Check thigh
      for doneness after 2 1/2 hours. Let stand for 10 minutes before carving.

  11. Jeff, what’s with these annoying icons attached to the side of the comment section now? Can I get rid of them?

    1. johan, you mean the avatars over on the right of comment page??

      Outdoorsguy

  12. nope, annoying flakebook and twatter, email buttons on the left just appeared without me changing anything, go figure. I did a compatibility view change and they are gone now. I would never want to get rid of your avatar on the right!

    1. johan, those things are everywhere now, of course its a view I rarely get to see from inside the confines of this lonely moderation dashboard…sniff, I should get out more.

      Outdoorsguy

    1. I get it..its a ‘good to be alive’ Friday!

      This morning I watched three nice big Toms trying trying to herd 15, or so, ladies into a corner. The biggest guy figured he was in charge..hehe..and didnt seem to care much as my truck moved by.

      Now that’s true love!

      Outdoorsguy

  16. Once season is open or you know of someone how has and is willing to sell some spurs for a necklace. Please let me know, am a vet not who won’t be hunting anything anymore, but I sure would like to make a necklace, thanks Kim

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