The Challenge of Turkey Hunting

Editor's Note: Brian Ross of Port Sulphur, Louisiana, has guided clients from across the nation to deer and turkeys the past 11 years. You can read more about the adventures of guiding hunters for a living by visiting "John's Journal" and looking for the information on Scott Dillon.

Question: You also work at White Oak through turkey season. When do you start working for turkey season at the lodge?

Answer: The guides get to White Oak around March 15 each year to do some scouting. We start taking hunters on March 20.

Question: Why do you like turkey season so much?

Answer: I enjoy turkey season because turkeys generally let you know they're there by gobbling and moving around, which is pretty exciting. Also, turkey hunting is one-on-one guiding. The hunter is with you, sitting in the same spot.

Question: Why do you keep on guiding turkey hunters? What do you like about hunting turkeys?

Answer: I like the challenge of trying to outwit a bird and being able to get two people close enough to a bird to take a shot. Bagging a gobbler is a little easier with one person. But getting a novice hunter close enough to take a shot is a big thrill.

Question: What's the biggest problem you have when guiding a novice?

Answer: The problem is just guiding with another person along. That person doesn't necessarily have to be a novice. When I first started guiding for turkey hunting, I set up like I would be the shooter, which would have made my set-up for a client all wrong. Instead, as a guide, you have to think about where the other guy is looking. Although he's sitting next to you, he still may not be able to see a bird that you can shoot. You have to put him in the best spot, and that's tough. Many guides set up for themselves without realizing what they're doing. You just have to make sure the hunter can get the shot.

Tomorrow: Balancing Marriage with a Guiding Career

Check back each day this week for more about Diary of a Hunting Guide: Chapter Two ...

Day 1 -Getting Started as a Hunting Guide
Day 2 -How a Guide Gets Ready for Bowhunting Season
Day 3 -Preparing for Gun/Deer Season
Day 4 -The Challenge of Turkey Hunting
Day 5 -Balancing Marriage with a Guiding Career

John's Journal