Are the Turkey Slams Good for the Future of Turkey Hunting?

However what concerning the negatives? Social media, whether or not we prefer it or not, is right here to remain. For each helpful interplay on these platforms, it appears that there’s additionally a combating adverse one. 

Most hunters put up with optimistic affect in thoughts, typically utilizing the platform to showcase their accomplishment whereas spreading consciousness and data on behalf of the wild turkey. 

Others posts, whether or not deliberately or unintentionally, can have the other impact. Social media bragging and belittling is noticed every day. 

In relation to turkey slams particularly, I’m now seeing a rise in movies specializing in “how rapidly” one can full the slam, virtually emitting a conceit and a “look what I can do” angle in them. 

Whereas I’m certain these movies haven’t any unwell intent, one thing about them doesn’t sit properly with me. Is that this how we wish to showcase such a outstanding achievement? 

Fortunately, I imagine, that is extra of a social media downside than it’s a downside with the slam itself.

One other trigger for concern revolves across the turkey inhabitants itself. Is taking a slam moral or sustainable long run? 

As wild turkeys throughout the land face a wall of overgrown forests, an absence of early successional habitat, an invasion of predation, advanced looking methods and the ever-growing human influence on the panorama; it’s laborious to not query whether or not we should always pursue the slam or not. 

Fortunately, with the assistance of hunters, habitat managers, recreation departments, and habitat pushed organizations, wild turkeys have huntable populations all through their ranges. 

And whereas I don’t imagine taking a slam will result in an extreme consumption of the useful resource itself, I do urge hunters to go afield with conservation in thoughts. 

We’re stewards of the land, so be aware of your presence and influence whereas in your journey as your aim ought to attain far past the private satisfaction of finishing a slam. 

Just like the outdated saying says, “go away it higher than you discovered it.”

The Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation summed it up greatest.

“Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt.”

From the combined hardwoods of Canada, all the way down to jungles of Central America and 49 U.S. states in between, the pursuit of a wild turkey slam presents an journey like no different. 

It’s a journey certain to check even essentially the most seasoned hunter’s talent set. So, this spring, whether or not you propose to reap your first fowl in pursuit of a slam, or goal to punch your tag in your ultimate subspecies, remember to decelerate and luxuriate in what we love most about this time of 12 months. 

The rising solar in a hardwood timber. The thunderous gobble of a boss gobbler. The spit and drum of a closing fowl.

The Wild Turkey.