Turkeys Dogs and Rifles

Recently a gentleman from Wisconsin sent me an email. I tried to reply back to him but every attempt came back to me as "no such address". However, after reading his email I found myself thinking very carefully before I tried to reply. 

His email to me read as follows: "How many states allow rifle hunting for turkeys? I'm a disabled veteran and would like to hunt fall turkeys with a small caliber rifle. If the state of Wisconsin is going to allow dogs for busting up flocks I think someone that has a hard time walking long distances should be able to use a rifle. I would like to hear your comments on this issue."

It seems to me I remember some time back hearing of turkey hunting with dogs here in Wisconsin but that was as far as it went with me.  I tried to call the local DNR office near me and get some info on this subject, I have yet to have my phone call returned. I did however find on the DNR website this: "Effective beginning October 1, 2007 for Fall 2007 and fall 2008 seasons ONLY, hunters with a valid turkey permit, stamp and license MAY USE DOGS to hunt wild turkey in the following counties only: Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, LaCross, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon and Wood counties. This is a pilot program and the season will automatically end after two years and will have to be re-authorized after its degree of success and public acceptance has been assessed."

Now I can't imagine in my mind why you would want to use dogs to hunt turkeys. Are there dogs trained to drive turkeys towards a hunter or hunters? Why wouldn't the turkeys just fly off which would have hunters shooting at flying turkeys. I guess I just can't see the wisdom in this idea, then again that happens often when it comes to the WI DNR. 

As far as how many states allow turkey hunting with a rifle? I really don't have that info. I have only been fortunate enough to hunt a handful of states that allow shotgun, muzzleloading shot gun and archery gear. The tactic of busting flocks in the fall is not a new one. I have used this tactic to my advantage on more then one occasion. The way I choose to do so is to simply walk through the birds at first light while they are still on the roost. Then set up close to the same spot and try calling the flock back together. I am not sure if using dogs for this gives the hunter an advantage because you still have to re-group the flock and make a shot. Then again I still don't see why you need a dog for this to begin with.

I can only hope after the two year test run the hunting public puts an end to this. Sounds like trouble waiting to happen. In the parts of the US where I hunt, I can't see using dogs for much more then waterfowl and upland birds. Please Note: I said, "where I hunt."

To the good man that sent me the email: Yes, I have to agree. If you can use dogs to hunt turkeys why not allow a disabled veteran to use a small caliber rifle to enjoy some turkey hunting. But I have to ask you this. One of the biggest turn ons in turkey hunting is calling the birds in close and taking pride in the fact that you did so and harvested that bird. Because you can not hunt from the road and would have to walk to a hunting spot why do you need a rifle to call a turkey into close range? I am pretty sure the only way you will get that to fly is if you can convince the DNR they can profit from it. 

God Bless and thanks for our Freedom.