So my husband’s birthday is in March, for his birthday I gave him a new Schaffer Opposition Sight. He has been threatening to get this sight since it came out and never did. So, the loving wife that I am told him to get it next time he was at Schaffer and I would pay for it as his gift. He never did. So finally as turkey season approached he pulled his bow out and started shooting.  He noticed that the coating on his limbs was starting to peel (I say, “That’s what he gets for shooting a Hoyt!”) so, he took it to the shop to get new limbs.  While it was at the shop I called and asked them to put the new sight on and I paid for it. I must say and I am not getting paid to say, that I truly enjoy doing business with Schaffer Performance Archery. I called up there and the deal was done, everyone’s lips were sealed! The sight would be put on when the new limbs got put on.

As the days passed the question crossed my mind a couple times. “I wonder if I am putting this sight on too close to turkey season. Maybe I should wait because I am not sure how much time he is going to have to sight it in.” But I honestly thought it would be fine. How much time will he need??? What I didn’t realize it that he wasn’t picking his bow up until 48hrs before season opener. Opps!

Wednesday evening we went up to pick up the bow. John Schaffer asks Tim, “Are you sure we just put new limbs on?” Tim replies “yep, just the new limbs.” John asks “Are you sure?” At this point Tim figures it out, yep the best wife in the whole world called up here and had your new sight put on!! YAY!! Nope, as grateful as he was said “I need a few days to sight this in and it’s pouring rain out! I’m not going to be able to hunt this weekend.” CRAP I knew it, I messed up!!!! It was Wednesday night and Friday morning was opener, we had commitments on Thursday night!

He was very appreciative; I don’t want to make him sound like a jerk! He loved the sights and the thought! I just messed it up. He had some time to shoot and says he’s ready. Needless to say neither one of us got out this weekend!! Keep your fingers crossed for next weekend!

On my way to work today I witnessed my first turkey fatality for the season, and it wasn’t the good kind, it was the road kill kind. With turkey season opening here in MN yesterday, it’s always a little sad to see game killed on the side of the road rather than harvested. To me it doesn’t matter if it’s a deer, turkey, duck or any other animal that could have been sacrificed for the means of food. I guess it’s the circle of life; the coyotes must eat too!

With that said, it leads me to ask the question, what is going on with the turkey population anyway? As I mentioned, I live in suburbia. A huge neighborhood with a few manmade ponds and trees however, come spring I still hear gobbles in the morning.

According to the MN DNR all failed attempts to raise the turkey population in the 1920’s is finally turning around due to trap and transplant efforts of the 1990’s. Now it’s not uncommon to see a flock of turkeys out in the field. If they have a food source and I mean any food source including frogs and snakes (gross) and good habitat to roost and a little shelter to protect them from the harsh winter, the turkey will survive.

Since MN first hunting season in 1978 there have been more applicants than permits. In the past five years there have been approximately 20,000 interested hunters that have not been chosen to hunt. Don’t worry friends, take comfort in knowing you are not alone, I have been one of those 20,000 that have not been chosen either.

So I ask the question, should there be more permits allowed?? Hens lay 10 to 12 eggs each year. (I have proof; the pictures taken below are from my mother-in-laws back yard!)
Most hunters are MN residents. The state has not attracted many out of state hunters due to the fact of the large turkey population in other states. Why come to MN to hunt when you can hunt in your back yard?

The economic impact is growing. In my opinion, this is huge. In 2005 the average turkey hunter spent and average of $614.20 in lodging, meals, transportation, guns, ammunition and other special clothing equipment. Come on folks we all know too well about the “special clothing equipment”, you know who you are, myself included thanks to my husband and his friends. In 2011, 35,000 spring permits available hunters will increase to $25 million worth a total estimated economic impact of $47million a year.

So, I ask the question should MN allow more permits?? I don’t know the answer, I am asking you. With each hen laying 10 to 12 eggs a year do you think we have too many turkeys?

With that said good luck this season. I hope you shoot your turkey and not hit it with your vehicle! I will be hunting at the end of the season with my bow, can’t wait. Better get practicing!!!