HUNTING
Oregon Turkey Ops Make Good Memories With burgeoning Beaver State bird numbers, even midday outings can provide solid hunting. By Troy Rodakowski
I
t’s that time again to chase gobbling turkeys throughout the state of Oregon. Mountain birds, valley birds, private ranch birds, ag birds and nuisance birds alike, turkeys have expanded their range across the state, and mild winters have also contributed to very robust populations on both sides of the Cascades. Turkeys provide quality hunting opportunities and experiences, like one I enjoyed in 2020.
DAUGHTER’S FIRST HUNT
How good is spring turkey hunting in Oregon? A midday trip with low expectations last year still yielded a pair of gobblers for author Troy Rodakowski and a friend, plus a chance for his daughter Reese to take a shot at a third with her cap gun. (TROY RODAKOWSKI)
Last season I was able to take a good friend as well as my 3-year-old daughter, Reese, on a very special hunt in the hills of Western Oregon. My daughter had been asking when she could come with me and wear her camo clothes. Of course, it was tough finding just the perfect day. “Daddy, do I get to put camo paint on my face like you?” was the question I kept getting from Reese, and of course she wanted to take her cap gun. We finally found a midday hunt with warm 70-degree weather, so I packed snacks and water, dressed her in camo and painted her face. She was excited, to say the least. I was just hoping she would be able to make the hike up the hill to where I wanted to set up. My friend and I weren’t expecting a lot, considering the time of day, but we were very enthusiastic to nwsportsmanmag.com | APRIL 2021
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