0:37 Primos Hunting Calls presents Mastering the Art of Spring Turkey Hunting.

0:45 With the turkey population at an all time high, thanks to the efforts and dedication of the National Wild Turkey Federation and it's volunteers, more and more hunters are flocking to the spring woods each year. With more hunters and more turkeys the chances for an accident become higher and higher. The National Wild Turkey Federation has come up with a checklist that will help you become a more defensive and safe turkey hunter.

1:13 When setting up to a turkey, select a large tree trunk, stump, rock or blow down that is wide or wider than your shoulders and higher than your head. Not only does this help in breaking your outline, from an approaching turkey, but if you're calling were to entice another hunter, that hunter would have to walk past you, before he can spot you, giving you the opportunity to make the hunter aware of your set up.

[Hey!]

1:42 The colors red, white or blue should be avoided in turkey woods. These colors are the same colors in the head and neck area of a wild turkey.

1:58 [Hunter calling turkey]

2:00 Although challenging a hung up gobbler by gobbling back at him is effective...use it with caution.

2:19 [Hey, doing alright?]

2:28 [Hunter calling turkey]

2:30 When a gobbler you've been calling to shuts up, sometimes he's trying to slip in silently. This could also mean another hunter has slipped in on your bird so be alert.

2:52 Never wave your hand or just wave your hand to alert an approaching hunter of your set up. Rather with a loud tone to your voice, simply let the other hunter know your location.

[Hey!]

3:06 This is much safe than quick movement or using animal sounds to get the attention of another hunter. Remember common sense is the key.

3:19 Never enter or leave the woods without first unloading your gun. The only time a gun should be loaded is once you set up on a turkey. A safety on a gun is a mechanical device and mechanical devices sometimes fail. If you plan to move to a different set up, unload your gun again. Small sticks and vines can pull on a trigger when walking in thick cover. An unloaded gun is the only safe gun.

3:53 If you're a hunter who prefers to hunt alone, always let someone know where you will be hunting or leave a detailed map or note on your vehicle in case of an accident. Spending time in the woods alone is great, but if you become lost or injured, time alone can become life threatening.

4:13 One of the most effective ways to call in turkeys is using the drop back method. The hunter sits about 15 yards in front of the caller. Although this method is effective, if done improperly, it can be dangerous. Some hunters feel that 15 yards is not far enough away to be able to fool the turkey into coming that extra distance to the shooter. But any further can be dangerous. If the caller moves back too far, and loses sight or communication with the hunter, the hunter has no way of knowing where the caller is if the turkey happens to circle. So staying 15-20 yards is a safe distance to using this method of calling. I would add that if you can't see your buddy, then don't do it.

5:05 When carrying decoys, be sure that the entire decoy is stuffed in your vest with no visible parts hanging out. A head of a decoying hanging out of a vest could be mistaken for a walking turkey. You would be amazed at how many hunters are mistaken for a turkey.

5:28 [Calling a turkey] [Gun shot]

5:42 The most satisfying feeling is to have a big gobbler over your shoulder after a successful hunt. The walking out with that gobbler can be dangerous. Purchase a camouflage vest with a blaze orange pull out for toting that big old gobbler back to the truck.

6:00 [Closing]