A flock of wild turkeys is a great sight. They are easy birds to trap and kill. They can be baited into any trap with corn, and can be shot at night on their roosts. They can be called with a turkey caller right to the hunter, and if they get into a trap, have not sense enough to get out.

The best load for turkeys is No. 2 to No. 3 shot.

In going out for turkeys before the snow is on the ground, a good dog will stand a turkey the same as he will a quail and will trail him for miles. When the dog goes slowly and cautiously and makes frequent points, it shows that the turkeys are close. Then go very quietly and avoid all dry twigs, for a turkey seems to know what a gun is.

When he discovers you, he will start off cackling to warn the rest of the flock.

POINT WORK.

If your dog is trained to obey the motions of the hand, he will scatter the flock in all directions and make them light on the trees by barking at them.

When the snow is on the ground, track them, and the length of the tracks will determine whether the birds are going fast or slow. If slow, the tracks will be from six inches to a foot apart, showing that the birds are loafing or feeding.

But when the tracks are from eighteen to thirty inches apart it is a sign that the birds are frightened or are on a long tramp from one locality to another. In this case do not follow the tracks, but circle out a quarter to a half a mile and cross their tracks and then make another circle according to the direction in which they are then going. By confusing them in this way they will lessen their speed and be easily overtaken. When close to them, send the dog. and he will scatter them by barking; then call them to you by using a turkey caller and they will be readily killed.

Group Of Game Birds

This group of birds represents pheasants, quail, prairie chickens and grouse, all of which are well known in the middle and western states, and also in most of the eastern states.