Turkey season is coming on fast and the preparation for a traveling turkey hunter is in full swing. Setting up places to hunt out of state usually starts 6-8 months earlier and sometimes even longer. If you are going to be hunting out of state you need to take several things into consideration. First is to get your license and tags prior to the season. Most DNR’s have online purchases now so you can buy your licenses before you go. Get your hotels booked and your vehicle rented. I always like to rent an SUV because it will haul more stuff. The next task is getting your gear prepared. Whether you are going to hunt in the swamps and need rubber boots or the mountains and you need climbing boots, the right gear can make all the difference in comfort. I teach several turkey hunting seminars every year and one of the things I never forget to mention is a Thermacell. Where I live there is seldom an outbreak of mosquitos but if you head down south to Florida or one of the other southern states you better have it with you. The first time I hunted Florida, I was almost carried off one night by a black cloud of mosquitos big enough to carry off a small dog. These days, my Thermacell has a spot in my vest every spring no matter where I hunt. That brings me to the turkey vest. I carry enough stuff in my vest that would fill up a wheelbarrow. So make sure you have enough pockets and gear to make your trip enjoyable.
The biggest hurdle in a traveling hunter is the airplane. If you are unable to drive to your destination the plane is your next option. There are a couple things you want to remember. Check the airlines policy on carrying guns. Most airlines want your gun in a hard case that is lockable. Your ammo has to be separated from the weapon and usually has to be in the original packaging. I forgot once to put my shells, that I carry in my vest, back into the package and they took my bag completely apart and pulled them out. Luckily I stayed until it was checked and was able to put it back in its original package. Also, don’t forget that each piece of luggage is going to cost between $25-$35 per bag unless you are flying Southwest (the first 2 bags fly free) which can be an extra expense that is often forgotten. Checking the gun/s is fairly easy if you follow these steps. First, they want you to open the case, and check to see if the gun is unloaded. Most don’t even look inside but they should. Next, they will have you sign a red card that says it’s unloaded and you’re not a terrorist, I think. I really don’t remember ever reading that card. Then they want you to close the case and, depending on the TSA agent, may or may not have you lock it until it goes through the x-ray machine. Give yourself a few extra minutes when you are checking in so that you can stay around until it’s all checked and locked then you can go through the x-ray machine with your pants falling off and being barefoot. As long as you jump through their hoops it can go smooth. I’ve only had one gun that never made it to my destination and I don’t want it to happen again. One thing I always do is carry on my turkey calls. Some of my calls are very important to me and some are very expensive. I always carry them on the plane with me so they won’t get lost. If nothing else shows up at my destination at least I can call the turkeys in for other people.
I always have a problem getting everything I need to fit into my bag that is going to be checked and I am always pushing the 50 pound, weight limit. When you are trying to put a turkey vest, camo clothes, regular clothes, extra boots, extra hunting gear, underwear, socks, thermals, a jacket, and a ditty bag, there is not much room for a decoy. Make sure to take out all your knives and sharp objects when flying. I have forgotten to take out my pocket knife before but was able to put it in my checked luggage before it was actually checked. Don’t forget about bringing your trophy home. If you are going to have it mounted you might be able to freeze the turkey and ship it before you come home. Check with your taxidermist as to how he would like you to send it. If you are going to bring the meat home that’s a different story. I have bought a small Styrofoam container to carry my meat in. If you can freeze the meat before you put it in the container it will probably stay frozen until you get home. I just carry those containers on the plane with me. I also put my tail, beard, and spurs in my checked bag. They don’t take up much room but again I am fighting the 50 pound, weight limit.
So keep these things in mind when you are traveling to your next turkey hunting destination. As long as you jump through the hoops you should be OK. Good luck and hunt safe.
Gobblin Forever, Joe Slaton
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