Turkey Talk Patience + Persistence = PayoffBy Phil Salzano - Ol' Tom Field Expert  I can remember watching a comedian on the television poking fun at couple of old sayings we have. "Ignorance is bliss.", "patience is a virtue", he spoke looking like a philosopher pondering the meaning of life. Then he blurted out, "Well that's fine if you're real dumb and don't mind waiting around!" And of course the audience roared with laughter. I often think about those two old sayings and that comedian quite a bit while hunting turkeys. The reason is I admit to being the guy the comedian is talking about! Sometimes with turkeys, the more you know, the less you know. As far as waiting around, you bet, if I know the turkey's are there, I'll hang tight. [...read more...]A Turkey with My Missing Gun  A few years back, I was hunting a really neat ridgetop here by the house and I shot a bird up on the ridge. It was a fun hunt and I grabbed my stuff, headed to the truck and went to the office. When I looked for my gun, it was not in my truck. My initial thought was that someone must have stolen it - hard to believe that someone would have gone into my truck at the office in little New Melle, but possible. I replayed the events of that morning - apparently they roll together, because I could remember putting the gun in the truck. Maybe I am crazy...... Maybe, I left it in the woods where I shot the bird. Maybe I left it where I stopped to loose the mornings coffee? Maybe I left it on the hood and drove off? So back to the tick infested woods I went. Up the hill to where I shot the bird - nothing but feathers. It wasn't where I parked the truck either. So, I called the police and filed a report that my ol' stacked buddy must have been stolen in the clinic parking lot. [...read more...] A solid half days drive from the Ol' Tom headquarters in Olive Branch, Mississippi will put you slap-dab in the middle of some of the best Rio Grand turkey hunting the great state of Texas has to offer. And that is exactly what a few of us did to scout birds and partake in the opening day of the season.In some of the roughest terrain south Texas has to offer, our camp was a well kept trailer nestled amongst the mesquite, cactus and rocks nearly 3 miles off the highway. Heading up this oasis was longtime friend, expert guide, and chef extraordinaire, Glenn Cunningham, who has been chasing longbeards in these parts for over 15 years. [...read more...] The Armistead Family makes headlines in the monthly newsletter, The Outdoor Wire Ol' Tom would like to congratulate the entire Armistead Family for their turkey calling successes thus far!  PLEASANT SHADE, TENNESSEE-- Expert wild turkey callers from across the country are headed to the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville from February 19 to February 22 for the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand National Calling Contest, including a unique set of siblings from Pleasant Shade, Tennessee. The Armistead family (from left:) Andrew, Lewis, David (seated), Jonathan and Anna have made a name for themselves in the world of competitive turkey calling. [...read more...] Success with Ol' Tom and Casanova By Terence Williamson, Ol Tom Elite Team Member & Woodhaven Custom Calls Pro-Staff  This past turkey season has definitely been one to remember for me. After coming in second place in the friction division of the NWTF's 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Calling Championships, I was fortunate enough to come on board with Ol' Tom Technical Turkey Gear as a Field Expert. This has enabled me to try out and review some of the most amazing and innovative products in the hunting industry. While finishing up my last semester of college, I was not able to hunt as much as I would have liked, but when I did, the Casanova decoy tagged along. I used the strutting decoy in both Alabama and Texas, with similar results in each. [...read more...]  Congratulations to Lee Britt (see photo right), our Field Expert from Kentucky, on his
single-season Grand Slam in 2008. Lee was also luck enough to be along on a hunt in Illinois when his Dad bagged this great bird. Fall Turkey Hunting In New York By Chuck Tiranno, Ol Tom Elite Team Member Note from Ol' Tom: Think the spring is the only time to chase turkeys? Think again. Fall will be here before you know it, and fall turkey hunting is a great way to give yourself more opportunities in the field. Follow these great tips from Chuck Tiranno, one of our accomplished Elite Team members. Summer is over; the leaves are changing into brilliant colors and starting to fall. It's beautiful this time of the year here in Western New York and everything is opening up as far as hunting. Bow hunting for deer is in full gear along with fall turkey hunting and each fall I look forward to both. Hunting fall birds with a dog is very exciting and lots of fun. But I still prefer to hunt the old fashion way by locating a flock and busting them up. The key here after locating them is to scatter the flock in all different directions and this is where a dog can do a great job. [...read more...] Hunt For A Cure - Youth Turkey Hunt by Robert Prowell, Ol' Tom Field Expert  The 4th Annual Hunting For A Cure youth turkey hunt in Savannah, TN, was a special hunt for me. As a guide on the hunt, I was paired with a youth hunter, his parents, and a cameraman to capture the hunt on film. The first morning was windy and cold, but I had located some birds on a scouting trip the previous day so, despite the weather, I thought we had a good chance of seeing some action. At daybreak, we heard two longbeards gobbling near a food plot, so we made our way to the area and set up on the closest bird. My hunting partner, an anxious 8-year old boy, was eager to get into the game. [...read more...]
Press Release: Mossy Oak® BioLogic® Executive Pens ThrillerMADISON, MS-3 January 2008-Bobby Cole, Mossy Oak® BioLogic® executive, has written The Dummy Line (Context Publishing Co., 19 Feb. 2008, $24.95), an action-packed suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edges of their seats and quite possibility out of the woods at night. Jake Crosby, a troubled stockbroker, has planned a weekend escape at his hunting camp with his nine-year-old daughter, Katy. In the middle of the night, a gang of redneck drug dealers attempts to break into the remote camp. The gang's display of heinous intentions toward Jake and Katy causes Jake to make gut-wrenching decisions. [...read more...] Ol' Tom Vest Declared Field & Stream "Best of the Test"  We are proud to announce the Ol' Tom Time and Motion™ Vest was rated Best of the Test for turkey vests in the latest Field & Stream Magazine. Field & Stream asked their panel of hunters to hunt with and test out a number of hunting vests and then report their findings. Panelists were asked to evaluate based on comfort, innovation, durablity, practicality and price. [...see article here...] Ol' Tom Turkey Camp 2009  A solid half days drive from the Ol' Tom headquarters in Olive Branch, Mississippi will put you slap-dab in the middle of some of the best Rio Grand turkey hunting the great state of Texas has to offer. And that is exactly what a few of us did to scout birds and partake in the opening day of the season.In some of the roughest terrain south Texas has to offer, our camp was a well kept trailer nestled amongst the mesquite, cactus and rocks nearly 3 miles off the highway. Heading up this oasis was longtime friend, expert guide, and chef extraordinaire, Glenn Cunningham, who has been chasing longbeards in these parts for over 15 years. [...read more...] Success with Ol' Tom and Casanova By Terence Williamson, Ol Tom Elite Team Member & Woodhaven Custom Calls Pro-Staff This past turkey season has definitely been one to remember for me. After coming in second place in the friction division of the NWTF's 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon Grand National Calling Championships, I was fortunate enough to come on board with Ol' Tom Technical Turkey Gear as a Field Expert. This has enabled me to try out and review some of the most amazing and innovative products in the hunting industry. While finishing up my last semester of college, I was not able to hunt as much as I would have liked, but when I did, the Casanova decoy tagged along. I used the strutting decoy in both Alabama and Texas, with similar results in each.[...read more...] Hunt For A Cure - Youth Turkey Hunt by Robert Prowell, Ol' Tom Field Expert The 4th Annual Hunting For A Cure youth turkey hunt in Savannah, TN, was a special hunt for me. As a guide on the hunt, I was paired with a youth hunter, his parents, and a cameraman to capture the hunt on film. The first morning was windy and cold, but I had located some birds on a scouting trip the previous day so, despite the weather, I thought we had a good chance of seeing some action. At daybreak, we heard two longbeards gobbling near a food plot, so we made our way to the area and set up on the closest bird. My hunting partner, an anxious 8-year old boy, was eager to get into the game. [...read more...]Magnolia State Longbeards By Clay White, Ol' Tom Marketing and PR
Press Release: Mossy Oak® BioLogic® Executive Pens ThrillerMADISON, MS-3 January 2008-Bobby Cole, Mossy Oak® BioLogic® executive, has written The Dummy Line (Context Publishing Co., 19 Feb. 2008, $24.95), an action-packed suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edges of their seats and quite possibility out of the woods at night. Jake Crosby, a troubled stockbroker, has planned a weekend escape at his hunting camp with his nine-year-old daughter, Katy. In the middle of the night, a gang of redneck drug dealers attempts to break into the remote camp. The gang's display of heinous intentions toward Jake and Katy causes Jake to make gut-wrenching decisions. [...read more...] Walk or Ride, You Make the Choice By Larry Shockey, Ol' Tom Field Expert The one hunting blunder that I hear of and see most hunters make is driving through their turkeys while hunting and scouting. I have witnessed first-hand what riding through or up on turkeys can do in the early morning. [...read more...] Visit Ol' Tom @ 32nd Annual NWTF Convention  Come to the 32nd Annual NWTF Convention and hang out with the Ol' Tom crew in Booth #113. The convention will be held Feb. 22-24 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.We'll have some great deals on Ol' Tom gear, and while you're there you can register for the Hunt With Ol' Tom Sweepstakes. Seminars will be given by Ol' Tom Elite Team members Matt Van Cise, Marty Fischer, David Hale, Harold Knight, and Chris Parrish. We'll even have Ol' Tom tattoos for the kids. For all the details on the convention, click here. Keeping Your Friction Calls Tuned and Ready By Michael R. Horst, Ol' Tom Field Expert Spring Turkey Season 2008 is coming to a state near you…and soon! With a tremendous growth these last few years, friction turkey calls have become very popular with turkey hunters. In this article, we'll focus primarily on the care and maintenance of slate and glass calls. [...read more...] A Miss to Remember! By Bryan Simpson, Ol' Tom Field Expert  I recently read the article from Mr. McGraw and a good memory came back to me that I would like to share! Missing a turkey is a part of the sport and if you don't think it can happen to you...you had better think again! This past spring we had a special guest at camp and when it was said and done I had the hunt of a life time!!!!! [...read more...]How Can You Miss with a Shotgun? By Sadler McGraw, Ol' Tom Elite Member If someone says they have never missed a spring gobbler, they have never called up very many. It is a very easy thing to do with today's tight chokes and magnum turkey loads. And believe me... I have missed more than my share. There are several ingredients for tagging your turkey with a shotgun. The most important is to know where your pattern is hitting as compared to where you are actually aiming. [...read more...] Friendship and Long Beards - "Whoa, there he is, cover your ears!" By Tommy Floyd, Richmond, Kentucky  They say it’s the hunt not the harvest that makes the turkey adventure so enjoyable. This spring, I have found that to be true. I was fortunate enough this year to hunt with a true turkey fanatic in Hank Patton. Hank is well known for his dedication and commitment to Kentucky’s wild resources as he formerly worked for the National Wild Turkey Federation and now serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department. To say Hank is a pretty good turkey caller is like saying that fish are pretty good swimmers. [...read more...]Three R's in Preseason Planning By Bryan Simpson, Ol' Tom Field Expert Ol' Man winter has made its way into our area and in some places the snow may be a few feet deep. While stuck inside this time of year, a turkey hunter should take advantage of the down time and look ahead to spring. There are a few steps a successful hunter can do now to have the advantage on opening day. I refer to the following list each year so I'm ready when opening day rolls around. [...read more...] YELP LIKE A LADY By Scott Hook, Ol' Tom Elite Team Member Do you yelp like a hen or a gobbler? Traveling around the country doing trade shows and seminars I am often asked how one might improve their calling. Without fail the first thing that comes to mind in response to that question is "yelp like a hen not gobblers." [...read more...] Ol' Tom Team Members Competing in the NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Contest All of us here at Ol' Tom would like to wish the best of luck to all of our Ol' Tom team members who will be competing this year in the NWTF Grand National Turkey Calling Championship at the NWTF National Convention in Nashville, TN February 23-25th. Ol' Tom Team Members Competing are as follows: Matt Van Cise, Sadler McGraw & Chris Parrish. No strangers to the competitive scene, these individuals already have quite an impressive resume regarding their calling career. Van Cise is the two-time defending NWTF Grand National Champion and McGraw finished a strong third last year. Chris Parrish also is no stranger to this event as he has taken home the crown twice and also won the Grand National Champion of Champions three times. We wish you guy's the best of luck in this prestigious event! For more info on the NWTF National Convention. Learn Different Tactics By Mike Clary, Ol' Tom Field Expert There are two major schools of thought on hunting turkeys. The first of which known to hunters as "run and gun"and is a fast paced way to be aggressive and cover alot of ground in a short amount of time. The second is completely the opposite and it involves staying in one area for often long hours calling sparingly and can be just as effective. [...read more...] Long Gobble By Bryan Simpson, Field Expert  The hunt officially started 2 years ago on opening day in a little patch of woods I call heaven. I found my self slipping down an old ATV trail like many times before. This particular day was not the average opening day for the Kentucky season. Cool temperatures with an approaching storm had the bird's tight lipped and hard to find. Locating with a crow call every 100 yards I finally struck an Ol Tom on a distant ridge. With excitement running through my veins, I slowly closed the gap and the game plan was laid out in my mind. [...read more...]Early Rain Shouldn't Affect Turkey Populations By National Wild Turkey Federation Parts of the Northeast received up to 17 inches of rain earlier this spring, flooding homes and towns, and causing millions of dollars in flood damage. The rain also poses concerns for wildlife agencies and hunters about future wild turkey populations. According to Bob Eriksen, National Wild Turkey Federation Northeast regional biologist, an overabundance of rain during the breeding and nesting season can cause problems, but the rain would be harder on turkey populations if it came in late May and into June. [...read more...] Partnership Provides Native Grass Seed to Landowners By National Wild Turkey Federation  Native warm season grasses have been proven to enhance habitat for both wildlife and domestic livestock, but converting pastures and fields is expensive. Through a partnership, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Natural Resource Conservation Service and Hickory County Soil and Water Conservation District are working to make planting native warm season grasses more feasible for landowners in Hickory County Missouri. [...read more...]
Concerned about Smoked Turkeys? By National Wild Turkey Federation In areas of the Southeast, where wild turkeys and endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) meet, it's often a fiery relationship. Part of many recovery plans for the red-cockaded woodpecker is the use of late-spring or early-summer prescribed burns to manage the habitat of the forest. [...read more...] Controlling Predators By National Wild Turkey Federation With the rapid expansion of many predator populations, turkey enthusiasts have shown great concern over their perceived negative effects on turkey populations. In an effort to answer questions related to predator control, NWTF senior biologist Tom Hughes reviewed more than 60 studies that examined the interactions of predators and turkeys. Hughes found some interesting information and summarized them for Turkey Call. [...read more...]  Land Management with Garden ToolsBy National Wild Turkey Federation Land managers have planted food plots for years, even in places where there's not enough room for all-terrain vehicles or farm machinery. Their tools of the trade? Ordinary garden implements. According to Scott Vance, the National Wild Turkey Federation's director of regional habitat programs, a little bit of time and a few garden tools can create wooded, secret gardens that could make the difference in filling your game tags. [...read more...] Perseverance Pays Off By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member The past two weeks have been tough. Mosquitoes, snakes, high temperatures, and strong winds have made the comfort of my favorite recliner more appealing day by day. But rule number one in turkey hunting is that you can't harvest a bird if you don't hit the woods. I had hunted hard the previous weekend, which I had off of work. [...read more...] Wild Turkey Prep By National Wild Turkey Federation On her first turkey hunt, Jennifer Laval of Columbia, S.C., sat against the trunk of a knobby tree thinking about things that normally wouldn't cross her mind. For instance, a red ant climbed up and down a skinny birch for nearly an hour, and she tried to understand why this climbing was useful. [...read more...] Studies Suggest Wild Turkeys are Good Neighbors By National Wild Turkey Federation Vineyard owners in California, New York, Virginia and Connecticut, four states famous for producing wine, can rest easier knowing wild turkeys are not to blame for crop depredation. Many locals, including wildlife enthusiasts and hunters, are pleased to see wild turkeys hanging around. Some vineyard owners, however, have accused wild turkeys of eating grapes. [...read more...]  First Kentucky HuntBy Robert Prowell, Ol' Tom Field Expert Preparations for my daughter Hayley's first turkey hunt started about a month before the Kentucky youth season. We spent a lot of time patterning her 20 gauage and scouting. She also wanted to try and call her own bird in and since I work for BackCountry game calls she had plenty of calls to practice. [...read more...] Staying Safe This Spring: NWTF Safety Rules By National Wild Turkey Federation Be prepared this spring and follow these safety tips. A safe turkey hunter, like a safe driver, is defensive minded. Below are tips to help you enjoy a safe, successful hunt. [...read more...] NWTF Pledges Support for National Hunting and Fishing Day By National Wild Turkey Federation Wild turkey restoration stands as one of world's greatest conservation success stories. Thanks to funding and stewardship from volunteers, partners and sportsmen, wild turkey populations have grown from rare to plentiful. [...read more...] The River Gobbler By Brad Jones  I have known Chris Ewing for about 4 years, and one thing I can tell you is that he is a man of few words. Chris began helping me with my youth summer camp programs, and over the past few years, we have developed a great friendship. We both live near Pinewood, South Carolina so we get to spend many days hunting and fishing outside of our experiences at camp. [...read more...]"Tag Teaming" Toms By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member Last year's season marked one of the most exciting turkey hunts my good friend, Kelley Powers and I have ever experienced. The gobblers wouldn't make the trophy book, but Mother Nature could not have scripted a better hunt. Today I will share the experience with you. [...read more...] Getting ready for turkey season - Scouting Part III of III By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member  In parts one and two of this three part series in preparing Volunteer state hunters for getting a gobbler, we looked at patterning your gun and equipment. Today, we will take you to the fields and woods to pattern the birds and scout your land, whether it is public or private. In continuing this three part series, we will look at what can be done now, to better prepare you for doing battle with the "King of Spring." [...read more...] The "Gobblin Ghost of Cypress Swamp"By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member Many a sleepless night found old Mike tossing and turning with images of past turkey seasons playing on his closed eyelids like a movie screen. He'd been after the bird he laughingly coined the "Gobblin Ghost" for four seasons now. [...read more...] Hunting: One of the Safest Outdoor Activities By National Wild Turkey Federation Contrary to how it's often portrayed, hunting is one of the safest recreational activities enjoyed in the United States. In 2002, there were 713 hunter incidents in the U.S and Canada according to the International Hunter Education Association. Of these incidents, 68 were fatal and only 15 involved non-hunters being injured. [...read more...] Getting ready for turkey season - Equipment checklist
Part II of III By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member In part two of this three part series in preparing Volunteer state hunters for getting a gobbler, we will look at equipment. If you are like most turkey hunters, you wait until the last minute to check out your gear and ensure that it is all in proper working condition to chase after the "King of Spring". [...read more...] Parents Know Best When Their Kids Are Ready to Hunt By National Wild Turkey Federation Analysis of the latest safety figures demonstrates what many consider common sense: parents know more than the government about when their sons and daughters are mature enough to begin hunting. While hunting is remarkably safe in general -- even safer than tennis -- incident figures from the Hunting Incident Clearinghouse show states where parents decide when their sons and daughters begin to hunt were even safer. [...read more...] Getting ready for turkey season - Pattern your shotgun Part I of III By Rob Somerville, Ol' Tom Elite Member The Volunteer state has been blessed with one of the most successful, turkey restoration and relocation programs in the United States. Turkey hunting has quickly become one of the most popular outdoor ventures in Tennessee. But, the problem most "Gobbler getters" face each spring is that they wait until the last minute to get prepared to chase after the "King of Spring". [...read more...]  The Problem With Turkey Hunting is…By Rod Haydel, Ol' Tom Elite Member Turkey hunting especially in Louisiana is like playing chess. It is a challenging sport and there are many ways to win the game. Classic hunts are not the norm. So what do you do when you don't get a bird right off the roost? Problem solving is the key to success. First however you must figure out what the problem is. [...read more...] Ol' Tom™ Joins Shopatron Network  Ol' Tom™ joins the Shopatron network, the next big thing in e-commerce. Read all about it.
Shopatron enables Ol' Tom™, the manufacturer, to utilize its own website to redirect orders to dealers, nationwide, that have desired Ol' Tom™ products, in stock. [...read more...]Restoring Osceola Wild Turkeys in Everglades National Park By National Wild Turkey Federation Each year, National Wild Exactly one year to the day after the late Dr. George Dalrymple ended his battle with cancer in January 2005, his wife, Nancy O'Hare continued her husband's efforts to relocate 31 Osceola wild turkeys to the Florida Everglades. [...read more...] Spring Prescribed Fire Helps Turkey Habitat By National Wild Turkey Federation Each year, National Wild Turkey Federation biologists field a flurry of questions when turkey hunters find forest managers used prescribed fire on their favorite springtime hunting spots. What these hunters learn is prescribed fire improves turkey habitat. [...read more...] |
