An unusually warm spring meant extended time on the water for a fisherman, resulting in fewer hours in the field for a hunter. When you indulge in both hobbies, you’re still left with one turkey tag left to fill by mid-May, and late season hunting can be tough.

I had filled two tags the opening week of spring turkey. With a few short yelps, the unsuspecting Toms came barging in to challenge my Dave Smith jake decoy. However, as the season progresses, they get educated, more wary. Calls become less effective, and patience is tested. I spent many mornings and evenings in the blind, calling once an hour hoping to catch a lonely Tom off guard. The morning of May 14th was no different.

Hidden away in the quiet town of Lebanon, Kansas, lies one of the best-kept hunting secrets in North America: The Trouvaille Hunting Lodge. This remarkable little lodge is nestled in the middle of picturesque countryside, perfect for hunters and recreationists from across the country. Reconnect with the outdoors and rejuvenate your soul at this family friendly lodge that’s perfect for small, tight-knit groups.

You still have a turkey tag left attached to your license, or even worse, you haven’t filled one yet. Don’t panic…yet. Whether your season is still measured in weeks or mere days, you can do this. You just need a little luck and possibly, may want to switch up a tactic or two.

Turkey season has come upon us! Not many things can rival the sound of calling and hearing those big old toms gobble back at you. We had the pleasure this season of being able to hunt not far from the coast of Morrow Bay in California and were able to bag a few gobblers to bring home to the fam. This recipe is a play on the good old chicken piccata recipe that’s super quick, easy, and doesn’t disappoint. If you’ve never had piccata, well, you’re in for a treat because when you pour the sauce over the top everyone will think you’re a five-star chef. I spiced this one up with some jalapeños and wild turkey but feel free to use any pepper or bourbon; you can also omit the peppers and just use white wine if you’d like to go the classic route. Any way you slice it, you’re bound to love this dish.

In the past I have hung up my hat after my big game season of choice, the whitetail, and subsequently retire to hiking and fishing through the spring and summer waiting for opening day to return; so beginning my offseason. But two years ago following a successful season of whitetail harvest, I had been unsuccessful in the sense of time spent in the woods. I felt the absolute need to get out and spend more time amongst wildlife. I had been busy working and completing school during deer season and the spring squirrel season presented a chance for me to get back on the chase.

Almost every seasoned spring turkey hunter knows the struggle of finding public land to call over a tom and fill your tag. For our Kansas-bound turkey fans, our guide has all the information to make this spring a success. From season dates and permits to regulations and location recommendations to help you find the perfect hunting spot, we’ve got you covered.

It can be one of the most critical decisions a turkey hunter makes; where to set up when he hears that longbeard gobble. And, typically, he must make it fast. But, unless the bird is right on top of you, take a moment and choose your spot wisely. Dropping down in the wrong spot can put you in a slight depression or behind brush that may obstruct your view—and shot. Or it can leave you unnecessarily exposed or sitting facing the wrong way from where the bird wants to approach. Here’s how to choose a spot that will provide for the perfect ambush.

Wild Turkey is the first wild game I ever hunted. My journey to becoming a hunter started 12 years ago when I was invited out by a family friend. I was an apprentice chef at that time and fascinated by the fact there were wild turkeys roaming the fields outside the small town where I was living. I had no idea that there were wild turkeys. I thought the turkey was a domesticated bird much like a chicken. As a curious young chef I wanted to taste the difference. Little did I know that it would be one of the most memorable hunting experiences of my life.

For turkey hunters, vests are a must-have, and the Nomad Pursuit Convertible Turkey Vest is the ultimate choice. This vest is designed to be lightweight and versatile, allowing hunters to choose between wearing it as a traditional vest or converting the bottom half into a fanny pack.

Spring turkeys have long been a nemesis of mine. I’m not talking about a Captain Ahab and Moby Dick situation, because my efforts have been more casual than obsessive. Yet, in my 16 year hunting career I have yet to kill one. I have taken fall birds, and truthfully, my addiction to walleye fishing as well as life’s general obligations have caused turkeys to slide pretty far down the priority list some seasons. Still, I have put in many hours and been defeated by missed shots, other hunters, hung-up birds, season ending injuries, and a handful of other occasions when Murphy’s Law was the only explanation why there was a tag in my noodle soup in place of the turkey.