Ganging Up On Turkeys

EDITOR'S NOTE: Twenty-eight-year-old Michael Waddell of Columbus, Georgia, a longtime avid hunter of all game species, produces "Realtree Outdoors" T.V. shows and videos.

Question: What does winning a two-man team contest mean to you?
Answer: Winning means a lot to me, but it probably will mean even more to my wife because she'll have some extra spending money in her checking account. The title is important, however, the title is not as important as coming to these contests and hanging out with my friends. I enjoy seeing all my buddies, who treat me like a brother. We feel like we are kin because we all share similar interests -- although we come from different parts of the country. Everyone treats everyone else with equal respect, no matter if you are a champion caller like Walter Parrott or a first-time caller. Turkey calling is becoming more and more popular and offers opportunities to win some pretty big money. The winner of the World Champion Competition will go home $5,000 richer, which isn't bad money just for sounding like a turkey.

Question: Do you use practical hunting applications when competing in the two-man team calling contests?
Answer: The way I present a scenario is similar to the way I approach a turkey in the woods. During the contest, I work a turkey and throw in some creative stuff as if I'm hunting in the woods. During the preliminary round, I perform straight-laced calls. I give the call that I need to call, and I don't ad-lib at all for fear that I'll mess up and get docked points. I can let it all hang out during the two-man team competition.

Question: Can you give me an example of a hunt where two-teaming helped you take a turkey?
Answer: Bill Jordan, the creator of Realtree, and I hunted an old, difficult gobbler for several days. As Bill called to him, I walked behind him into the thick mesquite brush, moved around in the brush and yelped softly. My moving around gave the gobbler the idea that the hen was hung up and couldn't get to him. That old gobbler went crazy. Bill shot him seven steps away as he ran toward us. If you hunt with people who know turkeys and know what to present to them, those people can help you bag a gobbler.

Question: What have you learned from hunting with a partner?
Answer: No matter who you hunt with, an experienced hunter or a beginner, everyone's got little tricks up their sleeves that they use to bag gobblers.

To learn more about turkey hunting, you can order John E. Phillips' three turkey-hunting books by calling (800) 627-4295. Click on Books on Night Hawk's home page to learn more.