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Grilled or pan fried? Doesn’t matter…whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with Missouri turkey (VIDEO)

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Grilled or pan fried...doesn't matter. Missouri turkey is delicious.

Grilled or pan fried…doesn’t matter. Missouri turkey is delicious.

Hard to believe that after nearly ten months of planning, studying, practicing and hunting, my time with the Missouri Department of Conservation and my journey with my two mentors, Kyle Lairmore and Jim Low, is coming to an end.

You’ve followed my steps from hunter education through deer, duck and now turkey hunting and I hope we’ve provided good information along the way to help you get started.

The final step, now that I was able to harvest a turkey on my first hunt, is to show you how to prepare this delicious meat that is a great protein source.

On our final video (watch below), Kyle will walk you through a quick and easy, pan fry and bake recipe that goes great with rice and vegetables.  Ever since we’ve hosted Thanksgiving at my house, I’ve prepared our bird on a charcoal grill.  So I was really interested to see how a Missouri jake would turn out.  I was very happy with the results as we used the grill meat to make a delicious muffaletta from a recipe straight out of the Cooking Wild in Missouri cookbook.  Of course, turkey season isn’t complete without Morel mushrooms!  Another great resource is to get a copy of the Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms book.

In fact, for being a faithful viewer and reader of my hunting journey, I want you to have an opportunity to win these great books.  Click here to sign up to win.

After going through the process of each hunt, if I had to pick a favorite, I would choose turkey.  I mentioned several reasons in my last story, but the final decision came down to how delicious the meat tasted. I had heard from multiple people, hunters and non-hunters who all told me the same thing…store bought turkey doesn’t even come close to the taste of a native Missouri gobbler.  Man, they were right!

What I learned about hunting is that the whole experience isn’t just about whether or not you harvest an animal.  The best part of this final video shoot was cooking the food, sitting down at the table and sharing a meal, great stories with plenty of laughs.  That’s what truly completes the experience.

Here’s a post on the Department of Conservation’s Facebook page that I think sums up what hunting is all about.  This comes from Randy H.

Can’t thank you guys enough for these blogs. I started turkey hunting at 40 and brought my son along for the first time about 5 or 6 years ago at the age of 12. We have been every year and have yet to bag a bird although we’ve been very close. You guys are absolutely correct that the adventure and the stories are sometimes better than a kill. At 18 now, he chose to go hunt by himself for the first time last weekend and had one within shooting distance but couldn’t take the shot through the brush in the woods. Just hearing his stories were really cool and I was extremely proud and happy for him. My hope is that we can both bag our first birds in the same morning while sitting together. He will be going off to college in the fall and our times together will be fewer but I will always have the memories in my mind and in my heart. We still have this weekend…

I know I started this post by saying that my journey was coming to an end, but that’s incorrect.  It is really just beginning.

Beginner’s luck perhaps, but I was successful on my first turkey hunt. So far this has been my best experience (VIDEO)

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My first day turkey hunting, my first bird!

My first day turkey hunting, my first bird!

After trying deer and duck hunting in the fall, Kyle Lairmore from the Missouri Department of Conservation and my mentor for deer hunt, suggested I try turkey hunting this spring to get a full range of everything that our state has to offer.  Kyle told me once I tried turkey hunting, it would be my favorite…he was right.

In our video below, I’ll take you through my hunt and Kyle will share his expertise on what characteristics to look for to make sure you harvest a legal bird.  We’ll talk about when is the right opportunity to take an attempt and the responsible steps to take once you are successful.

What I really hope you take away from this is that through our hunting, Kyle and I have built a friendship.  I’ve enjoyed listening and watching someone who has an absolute love for what they do.  Not to speak for Kyle, but his excitement is genuine when he sees me harvest a turkey for the first time.  As you’ll see, we already have great stories to share and plenty of laughs.

That’s what I’ve learned the most through this experience.  The memories and stories are just as good, if not better, than the hunts itself.

Not in any particular order, but there are several reasons why I enjoyed my turkey hunt over the others.  For starters, it’s spring time, colors are starting to bloom, the landscape is beautiful and the weather is starting to warm up.  When turkey hunting, while there is that moment when you must remain stationary, and keep quiet and still, you can walk the field, call out to the turkeys, try to get a response and follow their calls.  I found the spring time to be more favorable to my liking.

Over the three week spring season, I had the opportunity to go out twice with Kyle in Gasconade County.  My first hunt on the first day of the season was from a blind and that was intentional, because we had a film crew following us.  To have four people out in the open going on a “walk and call” type of hunt would not be successful.  Turkeys are a smart animals with great vision.  One sign of a crowd and they would stay in their roost or run away before we even knew they were there.

On my second hunt, which took place during the final week of the season, it was just me, Kyle and his dad.  No cameras, no distractions.  We just took to the woods, and with the help of his father Jerry, who helped with our calls.  We positioned ourselves between our gobbler and a hen, but couldn’t get him to come out way up the trail.  While I was unsuccessful on the second day, I was fortunate to harvest a bird my first time out.

For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website and follow this link to watch our entire series.

Before our turkey hunt, it’s important to make sure your equipment is ready to go. The importance of patterning (Google Hangout)

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Kyle Lairmore goes over my pattern as we prepare for this spring's turkey hunt.

Kyle Lairmore goes over my pattern as we prepare for this spring’s turkey hunt.

We’re closing in on the start of turkey hunting.  Following this past youth weekend, the spring season begins on April 20th, and I am ready to embark on my first turkey adventure.  Kyle Lairmore from the Missouri Department of Conservation will be my mentor again.  Just a few final preparations that need to take place before we go out into the field.

The first and most important…Getting a good pattern on your shotgun.

It’s important to get comfortable with the firearm you’ll be using, finding what fits best, plus the load that works best out of your shotgun. Turkeys, for the most part are a still target, so its important to test the firearm you are working with and to try different loads to see what has the best pattern and best chance at harvesting the bird.  If you don’t get a good pattern, you have the potential or missing or wounding the bird.  The goal of hunting is to put food on the table and so avoiding the breast meat with your shot is important, so getting on the range before your hunt helps narrow in your pattern for success.

That’s what we talk about on this next Google Hangout that you can watch below.

Also, here are some basic rules for avoiding accidents:
-Identify a turkey’s head and beard before aiming.
-Never shoot at sound or movement. Assume it is another hunter until you can clearly see a turkey’s head or beard.
-Wear hunter orange when walking through the woods.
-Use hunter orange to identify your hunting location.
-Wrap a bagged turkey or decoy in hunter orange when transporting it.
-Dress defensively. Never wear red, white, blue or black while hunting turkey.
-Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
-Never follow the sound of a gobbling turkey or attempt to sneak up on turkeys. Always call turkeys to you.
-Sit against a large tree or other natural barrier to shield yourself from hunters approaching from the rear.
-Shout “STOP” when another hunter approaches. Don’t move, wave, whistle, or make turkey calls to get their attention.

Preparing for the turkey hunting season as I continue through my Adult Onset Hunting journey (Google Hangout)

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Pair of turkeys. The season begins April 11th for youth, April 20th for adults. (photo/Missouri Department of Conservation)

Pair of turkeys. The season begins April 11th for youth, April 20th for adults. (photo/Missouri Department of Conservation)

Two things I’ve learned already about the spring. If I enjoyed my first time deer hunting, I’ll really get a kick out of turkey hunting. Second, the turkey tastes really good.  If you followed us in the fall, you know that I tried my hand at hunting during the deer season and then duck season with Kyle Lairmore and Jim Low of the Missouri Department of Conservation.  Now, I’m ready to give turkey hunting a try.

I’ve had friends and acquaintances tell me over the winter how they enjoyed watching my videos that took us from safety courses, to training at the range, to the hunt and preparing our harvest. Many people, including Kyle, told me turkey hunting will be a new and completely different rush from deer and duck hunting.

Before we get started, Kyle will share some basic information (Watch our Hangout below) on turkey hunting, which begins on April 11th and 12th for youth season and the adult season runs from April 20th to May 10th.

SPRING TURKEY REGULATIONS

Missouri boasts the largest turkey population in the country.  We have the eastern turkey here in Missouri, but hunting is still a challenge.  These birds are smart and the right steps need to be taken to have success.

The requirements for turkey hunting safety and certification are the same for deer.  March and April are really the hot times for finding a class as hunters from across the state are getting ready to hunt.  Click here to get signed up.  During turkey season, hunters will be using shotguns and its important to pattern our firearms to help with a quick, clean harvest.

In closing, there are many adults who would like to hunt in the state of Missouri, but for whatever reason never started and may feel uncomfortable trying now.  My advice to you is don’t hesitate.  I’ve been lucky to have Kyle and Jim from the department take me under their wing (excuse the pun), but hunters all across the state are willing to take time to show you.  So if you have some friends who hunt, ask them to take you along.  They’ll be more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise.  Plus, you can always call on the Missouri Department of Conservation to help.

Enjoy our video and check back here soon for our next video in the series as we’ll pattern our shotgun and get our gear and permits before our hunt.

From the field to the table. Completing our Adult Onset Hunting journey with some great meals (VIDEO)

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Bill and Jim LowI didn’t realize that perhaps the most fun I would have during my Adult Onset Hunting experience would be the last day…the cooking segment.  At the beginning, I was just excited to become a licensed hunter and to be able to get some work done on the range.

I set a goal for myself to harvest a deer and a duck.  While I only came through on 50% of that, (harvesting a doe), I was very satisfied with me overall performance.

Yet, the preparing, the cooking and then enjoying a meal that came from all my hard work was much more rewarding that I expected.  This is what hunting is all about.  Being able to provide food for family and friends and offer a healthy food alternative.

Bringing food from the field to the table completes the circle.  I was fortunate to have two mentors who were able to take me every step of the way, including this final segment in the kitchen.

You’ll watch Jim Low and Kyle Lairmore as they show us some great recipes for duck and deer and how easy it is to prepare.  Join us on the final Google Hangout of this series.  For more additional information on the deer recipes, find the attachment below this Google Hangout.

Deer recipes

My first duck hunt and I froze. No, I was dressed warm. I meant I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger (Google Hangout)

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Here I am on my first duck hunt with Jim Low (L) and his retriever Willa

Here I am on my first duck hunt with Jim Low (L) and his retriever Willa

I was determined.  My goal, when I set out to begin this series on Adult Onset Hunting with the Missouri Department of Conservation, was to get a deer and a duck on my first two hunts.

I came through on the first half, harvesting a doe.  On the duck hunt?  A different story.  To my defense, the weather was warm and the conditions weren’t ideal to see many ducks, however, I had a chance…a great chance to reach my goal and I just watched as my mentor Jim Low did all the work.

It happens quite often with a new hunter.  I wasn’t exactly sure what I would see or how I should react.  While I thought everything was happening so fast, Jim actually told me this was an ideal situation for us.  Shows you the difference between an experienced hunter and a newbie!

Enjoy our visit with Jim on this next Google Hangout as he describes the differences between duck and deer hunting and answers some questions most first time hunters have.

Adult onset hunters…We’ve tried deer hunting, now let’s get ready for our first waterfowl hunt (Google Hangout)

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Bill Pollock prepares for his waterfowl hunt by practicing with his firearm on the skeet range

Bill Pollock prepares for his waterfowl hunt by practicing with his firearm on the skeet range

You may be like me, someone who was at least curious enough to want to give hunting a try.  If you’ve been following me from the beginning of this series, I’ve taken you step by step from getting certified, to training, to hunting and harvesting my first deer.

If you’re a beginner like me but deer hunting is not your preference, perhaps waterfowl hunting will be for you.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is here to help me and many other who suffer from Adult Onset Hunting.

Most of the same principles apply when it comes to safety, protection from the elements and meeting the requirements from the Missouri Department of Conservation, regarding tags and permits.  However, the hunt for waterfowl is a completely different animal (if you excuse the pun).

To help walk us through some of the differences between deer and waterfowl hunting is Jim Low.  He’s the News Service Coordinator with the department and he’ll be my mentor on my upcoming duck hunt, which will cover on our next Google Hangout in this series.

He’ll talk more about the specific permits you’ll need as well as a few extra items in terms of the gear you’ll need to wear.  When you duck hunt, you of course want to make sure you’re warm, but it is essential that you stay dry…because you will be in water.  Duck hunting, opposed to deer hunting, is also different in the way you’ll handle your firearm and the biggest difference of course, is that you’re attempting to harvest an extremely fast moving target.

Enjoy this hangout as we prep for our next hunt.  Be on the lookout for follow up videos in our series.  After we hunt, we’ll teach you how to prepare your harvest with some delicious meals just in time for the holidays.

I finished the training, got my gear and permits, and now it’s time to hit the field for my first hunt (Google Hangout)

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Bill Pollock sets his sights on a potential harvest as sunset nears in Gasconade County.

Bill Pollock sets his sights on a potential harvest as sunset nears in Gasconade County.

It was “D-Day” for me…as in deer.  After spending the last couple of months becoming a certified hunter through the Missouri Department of Conservation, and hitting the range for practice, I got my warm clothes and hunter orange, picked up my tags and now I’m finally ready for my first hunt.

I was joined by Kyle Lairmore, Hunting Education and Shooting Range Coordinator from the conservation department, as we headed out to Pigg Hollow Farms in Gasconade County.

We set out in the afternoon after lunch and got set up in our elevated blind just after 2 p.m.  After we got settled into the blind, I tried to take in my surroundings, using landmarks, such as trees, or different shades of coloring in the field to help determine distances that I knew would be within my shooting range of 150 yards and closer.

Then I scanned the field looking for any deer movement and kept my own movements and talking to a minimum.  In our third Google Hangout of this series on Adult Onset Hunting, you’ll hear Kyle and I talk about how perceptive deer are of their surroundings.  When you enter their environment, they are very in tune with things around them.

The biggest question I was asked by my family and friends was if I was nervous when I set my sights on my first harvest.

Yeah, I was excited, but I have been waiting for this opportunity.  For the last few weeks, I’ve visualized how I would approach my first attempt.  Constantly reminding myself to stay calm, control my breathing and to remember the most important aspect of a hunt is to go for a quick, clean, harvest.

My biggest concern was that I didn’t want to rush a shot, or take a bad shot with a low success rate to where I would just wound the deer and that’s not what I wanted to do.

I was more excited seeing a buck through the brush and then when I saw three yearlings and a doe behind us, but once I decided to make an attempt, I actually felt calm and confident for my first harvest.

How would things actually workout?  Watch our Hangout as we take your through my first day of hunting from start to finish.

Know what you need to gear up for your first deer hunt of the season (Google Hangout)

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Kyle Lairmore (L) of the Missouri Department of Conservation shows Bill Pollock some tips on sighting in a rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

Kyle Lairmore (L) of the Missouri Department of Conservation shows Bill Pollock some tips on sighting in a rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

I started this series writing about the arrival of fall and cooler temperatures. Now, with the start of the deer firearm season starting on Saturday, our forecast calls for snow. Last year, hunters were out in short sleeves with temperatures near 70. That’s Missouri weather for you.

Welcome to part two in our series of Google Hangouts with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

In our first Hangout, I was joined by Kyle Lairmore, the Hunter Education & Shooting Range Coordinator and three others, who were interested in taking up hunting for a variety of reasons. I showed you how easy it was to take the online hunter education course and attend the skills session, where I took my test and earned my hunter education certification.

Before I take my first shot in the field this deer season, there are just a few more things we need to cover that all new hunters need to take into consideration:

1: Purchasing the proper permits and tags.
2: Getting out to the range to practice with the firearm
3: Picking out the right clothing to wear.

In this Hangout, Kyle will talk to us about the permits. Brian Flowers, Outdoor Skills Specialist, will discuss which firearms are best to use during deer season and why it’s important you get them sighted in properly. Finally, Jessica Moore, a first time hunter like myself, will share her humorous story about the difficulties of finding the proper clothing to wear.

It is your responsibility to have the proper licenses to hunt and to understand the limits that you are allowed to harvest in the field. The cost for a resident deer permit is $17 and you can also purchase an antlerless permit for $7, during the firearms season.

Kyle encourages you to pick up a pamphlet at one of the several conservation centers around the state which will help answer all of your questions regarding tags and permits. For your convenience, we’ve included one that you can download here.

2014 Fall Deer and Turkey Regulations

Bill Pollock shows off his first three shots while sighting in his rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

Bill Pollock shows off his first three shots while sighting in his rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

I suggest that when you go to buy permits, go to a conservation center near you. The volunteers and staff on site will be more than happy to assist you and answer all your questions.

Brian said when selecting a firearm that is best for deer hunting there are four calibers that stand out: .270, 30-30, 30-06 and 308 Winchester. Any of those will work well for a first time hunter. You also need to take into consideration your price range and available ammunition.

Brian also says when choosing a firearm, consider the distance you’ll be targeting deer from.

My advice to you…as you shop for a firearm, keep in mind your initial distance to target a deer is most likely going to be from 100 yards and in. As Brian mentions, the goal is a quick, clean kill. For a first time hunter, anything over 100 yards is pushing your skill level.

My other piece of advice. You have to watch the Google Hangout above on Jessica’s story about trying on clothes. Fashion has to take a back seat for warmth, comfort and flexibility.

You may suffer from Adult Onset Hunting. You’re not alone. Join others who are also ready to try hunting for the first time. (VIDEO)

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Bill Pollock, (left) work with another student during a recent Skills Session, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Bill Pollock, (left) works with another student during a recent Skills Session, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation

It’s fall.  The temperatures are cooling, colors are changing and now is the time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors of Missouri.  Of course, you know this is also the time of year many Missourians are getting ready for their annual hunting excursions.  For some of us, like myself, we’ve missed out on all the enjoyment hunting provides.  Today, that changes.

Allow me to give you some background into what these upcoming features and videos are all about.

Over the summer, Missourinet teamed up with the Missouri Department of Conservation, in a series of Google Hangouts designed to inform hunters and the public on deer health and deer management.

I moderated the series of web chat videos. During one of the production meetings, I was asked if I was a hunter, to which I responded that I was not.  However, having been a resident of Missouri since 1995, a number of friends and acquaintances seemed like they were avid hunters and I felt left out.

I would hear the stories about their preparations for the upcoming season, the successes and failures of their hunts, and the fun times they had with friends and family.  I always made up excuses about why I couldn’t hunt.  I didn’t want to bother an experienced hunter by having me tag along.  I don’t know how to handle or shoot a firearm.  I don’t have the clothing, I’m not sure how to get started. It’s too expensive. The list went on and on.

As I shared my reasons with Karen Hudson, the Marketing Coordinator  for the Department of Conservation, she assured me that they were many adults who were in the same position that I was in.  She said it’s the goal of the department to expose as many new people to all the wonderful benefits that hunting has to offer.

So, from that small conversation, we are excited to take you through my journey as I learn the ins and outs of hunting.  The goal of this series is to answer all of your questions, through a hands-on interactive video series, which will show you how easy it is to get started in an activity that will last a lifetime.

These Google Hangouts are designed to take you from the very beginning of the process which includes becoming certified through hunter education and skill sessions, all the way through food preparation and making meals.

I have an interest in learning more about hunting from the sport aspect as well as wanting to be able to spend more time outdoors and enjoy nature.  I also know that through my success in the field, I’ll be allowed to share the harvest with families who are in need for food.  (We’ll cover more of this down the road).

You’ll also hear from Jessica, who very similar to me, grew up in a family that did not hunt and now she is ready to give it a try.  Jeff, a father of two young boys, learned to hunt because of their interest.  Finally, we’ll hear from Angela who is interested in discovering new food alternatives.  She feels that hunting may provide a healthy plan for her dietary needs.

Joining us from the Missouri Department of Conservation is Kyle Lairmore.  He is the Hunter Education & Shooting Range Coordinator.  Throughout the fall, Kyle is going to be our “go to guy.”  He’s going to take us step by step and not only tell us, but show us all we need to know about hunting.

I also encourage you to watch if you are an avid hunter.  Please realize there are several of us in the state dealing with “Adult Onset Hunting.”  You are a vital part to the health and success of our state’s conservation.  With your support, you can help others like myself enjoy the great outdoor experiences, Missouri has to offer.

Now, for you newbies…before you run out and buy your camo, and take off for the countryside  there are a few items we need to take care of first.

As I mentioned earlier, hunter education is required in Missouri, and it qualifies you to buy a firearms hunting permit.  Once you have your hunter-education certificate, you can buy a permit to hunt for deer, turkey, waterfowl, furbearers or small game.  After taking the hunter education portion online or in a booklet, we’ll head over to a required skill session where we’ll learn how to handle firearms and hunt safely.  Once you pass your test, you’re just about ready to go.

Enjoy our first Google Hangout and feel free to share your questions and comments below.  Be on the lookout for our next Google Hangout on November 13.

You can click for more information on Hunter Education and Skill Sessions.