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May 8, 2007
Greetings fellow members,
Please send any submissions for the Market Edge to me at KJBraden1@aol.com. Examples are market news, contests, jobs, events, press trips, corporate member new products, member news and items for sale, such as used camera equipment.
Good luck!
Kelly Braden
KJBraden1@aol.com
FOWA NEWS
Keep an eye out soon for details on the upcoming 61st Annual FOWA Conference in Homosassa -- it's a beautiful part of our state and the itinerary is one you won't want to miss.
Also, May 15 is the deadline for Excellence In Crafts submissions. Winners receive cash, award plaques and recognition from fellow scribes and broadcasters.
Doug Kelly, Executive Director
MARKETS
Adventure Cyclist
Adventure Cyclist is published nine times yearly by the Adventure Cycling Association, a nonprofit service organization for bicyclists. Adventure Cyclist uses stories that are between 1,000-3,000 words. Payment is 45 cents per word. The editors buy first rights and rarely consider simultaneous submissions. Go to www.adventurecycling.org or e-mail editor@adventurecycling.org for more information.
Bird Hunting Report
In its 18th year of publication, the Bird Hunting Report newsletter speaks to traveling wing shooters who want the facts on quality places to hunt. Sought for publication are experienced-based, fact-checked reports that make educated value judgments and recommendations about available worldwide hunting opportunities: on both public and private lands, in lodges and clubs or “do-it-yourself.” This is a great secondary market for information you’ve gathered for other stories. Payment is 16 cents per word for an 800-1,000-word report. No photo support is required. Direct additional questions, queries and requests for style sheets to Managing Editor Tom Carney, tom@birdhuntingreport.com.
Canoe & Kayak
Canoe & Kayak covers canoe and kayak camping, safety, the environment and history. Features (2,000-3,000 words) provide in-depth coverage with liberal use of photos. Departments (300-1,000 words) cover techniques, new equipment and product reviews. Preference is given to writers supplying color photos. Payment is 15 cents per word within 30 days of publication. Canoe & Kayak purchases perpetual, first-time and exclusive worldwide print rights, including first anthology and all electronic rights. Canoe & Kayak always seeks previously unpublished images in 35-mm, 2 1/4-inch or 4x5 slide formats. Images must not demonstrate a lack of common sense or knowledge about paddlesports or disregard for safety or the environment. Purchased are nonexclusive, one-time print and electronic rights. Payment is upon publication. Color photo payment ranges from $75 for page or smaller to $500 for the cover. Payment for second use of images in the same publication is $25. Send submissions with a SASE to art director, Canoe & Kayak, 950 Calle Amanecer, Ste. C, San Clemente, CA 92673 or to jeff.moag@primedia.com. For details, see www.canoekayak.com.
Queries and manuscripts may be submitted via e-mail to Jeff Moag, jeff.moag@primedia.com
FalconGuides
FalconGuides, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press, is looking for authors to complete several series of outdoor guidebooks. Current needs include regional, where-to books on paddling, birding, road biking, mountain biking, hiking and fishing, as well as a series of outdoor-related travel guides to natural destinations. In most cases, these books are written on a royalty contract. To check on the status of each series, go to www.globepequot.com. If you’re interested in proposing a book for a region that does not already have one in print, contact Bill Schneider, FalconGuide acquisition editor, at waschneider@qwest.net or P.O. Box 504, Helena, MT 59624. One-page queries (e-mail or snail mail) are preferred, but you also can call 406-431-4594 to discuss your ideas.
FLW Outdoors magazine
FLW Outdoors magazine, published eight times annually, three editions per issue (bass, walleye and saltwater), is geared toward serious anglers. The saltwater edition’s editors currently seek general saltwater queries. Articles should be 1,800-2,500 words in addition to a short sidebar. Pay is $500 per article and $50-100 per photo. Manuscripts must be original; print and Web rights to manuscripts and photographs are purchased. Submissions are acknowledged upon receipt. Queries will be answered as time permits. E-mail queries to Will Brantley, associate editor, at wbrantley@flwoutdoors.com.
Forest Magazine
Forest Magazine, published quarterly, explores issues pertaining to America’s system of USDA Forest Service national forests. One-sided or shrill environmental rants are not appropriate. Most features in Forest Magazine range from 1,500-2,500 words; departments are as follow: “News” (300-750 words) are reports about forest topics; “Reviews” (200-700 words) cover books, documentaries or films; “Out There” (800 words) are profiles of places and are paired with photo essays; “Point of View” (1,000-plus words) are contributed by Forest Service employees. Pay is 30 cents per word. Basic rate for photos is $25-$35 per published image and $100 for cover photos. Payment is upon acceptance. E-mail queries, with writing samples and resume, are preferred. First North American serial and electronic rights are purchased. Query Patricia Marshall at patricia@fseee.org; visit www.fseee.org.
Living Aboard Magazine
Living Aboard Magazine, P.O. Box 91299, Austin, TX 78709-1299. 512-892-4446. Fax 512-892-4448. Email editor@livingaboard.com. Website www.LivingAboard.com "Living Aboard is a lifestyle magazine for people who live on their boats-or dream of doing so. We seek articles on any subject related to living aboard a boat. We want to hear about how you made the decision to move aboard, how it changed your life, and what your experience has been living aboard. What have you done to make your boat more livable? How do you deal with the daily problems of living aboard? We like practical information or personal anecdotes. We do not publish poetry or fiction." Welcomes new writers. Circ. 10K. Bimonthly. Pays on publication. Publishes ms 1-3 months after acceptance. Buys First N.A. rights. Occasionally accepts reprints. Responds 2-4 weeks. Sample on request. Subscription $18; $22 outside the U.S. Guidelines online at http://forums.writersweekly.com/viewtopic.php?t=6027, by email or by mail with SASE. Current Needs: "Environmental pieces as related to boating; cooking as related to boating; anything related to living on a boat." Pays $0.05/word for 1000-2000 words. Submit query or complete ms with cover letter, bio and photo. Photos/Art: Pays $5/photo; $50 for cover photo. Hints: "If you send your ms as an attachment, label the attachment with your name. Include captions with your photos. Label digital photos with your name."
Power & Motoryacht
Power & Motoryacht, 261 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10016. 212-915-4313. Fax – 212-915-4328. E-mail diane.byrne@primedia.com. Website www.powerandmotoryacht.com. Diane M. Byrne, Executive Editor. 25%-30% freelance. "The leading consumer powerboat enthusiast magazine in the United States, Power & Motoryacht concentrates on boats 24 feet and larger, particularly the 35-foot-plus market. We provide authoritative, detailed information on new boats and gear, maintenance, and cruising. Our readers have an average of 33 years of experience on the water and consider boating a lifestyle, not a hobby." Welcomes new writers; expertise in the boating field is preferred. Circ. 157K. Monthly. Pays on acceptance. Publishes ms 3-6 months after acceptance; "if the story fits a particular theme of a future issue, the time frame could be longer." Buys first N.A. print and permanent electronic rights. Rarely accepts reprints. Responds 1 month. Sample by mail with 9x12 SASE. Subscription $21.95; $29.95 Canada; $39.95 other. Guidelines online at http://forums.writersweekly.com/viewtopic.php?p=44338, or by email. Current Needs: " We're looking for profiles of interesting or even famous yacht owners: people who have owned multiple boats over the years and are just as passionate about the lifestyle today as when they bought their first vessel. We're also interested in receiving first-person accounts (and photography) of interesting yacht cruises, whether stateside or overseas, particularly if they're adventurous or circumnavigations." Pays flat fee of $500-$1000 for features of 750-1300 words. Submit query only (no unsolicited manuscripts) by mail with SASE or via email. Photos/Art: "If a writer pitches us on a cruising story, professional-quality photography MUST be part of the package. Photography 'tells' the story as much as the words do in this case, and poor quality will result in a story being turned down." Pay depends on usage in magazine (various rates for sizes), although it's included in fee for cruising stories. Hints: "One of the most common mistakes is ignoring our 'no unsolicited manuscripts or photography' policy. Not only do we not accept them, we also do not return them. Another mistake is to assume we cover motorsailers, but these boats are still considered sailing vessels, so we don't. The biggest, however, is pitching us on cruise-ship trips. Cruise ships aren't yachts!"
Shotgun Sports
Shotgun Sports is looking for trap, sporting clays and skeet articles. If you have a story ready to go (or almost ready), send it in! With summer fast approaching, the competition fields will be heating up! Make sure your story is out there for shooters to read. The editors are not interested in hunting stories at this time. Please hold all hunting submissions until later this fall. Payment for articles ranges from $50-$200, upon publication, for all rights. Do not query; send manuscripts via e-mail to shotgun@shotgunsports.com or mail to Linda Martin, production coordinator, Shotgun Sports, P.O. Box 6810, Auburn, CA 95650. Read editorial guidelines at www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com.
TROUT
TROUT is the quarterly publication of Trout Unlimited (TU), America’s foremost coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TROUT’s mission is to provide engaging, informative conservation information to TU members and prospective members. Review back issues to note how topics are covered and the articles’ tone. Unsolicited manuscripts are rarely accepted; send or e-mail clips and queries (no queries are reviewed without clips), and note the connection to TU’s issues or chapter offices for all story ideas. TU purchases first North American rights plus the right to publish on its Web site and to authorize small reprints for educational uses. For complete guidelines, visit www.tu.org and click “Newsstand” then “Editorial Guidelines.” Contact Beth Duris, editor, Trout Unlimited, 1300 N. 17th St., Ste. 500, Arlington, VA 22209-2404, 703-284-9415, bduris@tu.org.
Wilderness Press
Berkeley, Calif.-based book publisher Wilderness Press is always looking for new authors with a passion for the outdoors, a knack for writing and photography, and new ideas. Most Wilderness Press titles are destination guidebooks for hiking, backpacking, bicycling and other self-propelled outdoor activities, but the press also publishes outdoor-related how-to guides, an urban walking series and fitness-related books. Proposals for outdoor destinations across North America are sought. Wilderness Press does not publish titles focused only on hunting/fishing and rarely considers memoirs. All writer compensation is royalty based (no work for hire). Send proposals that follow Wilderness Press’ guidelines, which are at http://www.wildernesspress.com/working.htm. A listing of current titles is there, as well. Contact Emily White, marketing and publicity assistant, Wilderness Press, 1200 5th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 510-558-1666, ext. 108, publicity@wildernesspress.com.
Womenoutdoorsmagazine.com
Women are a growing demographic in the outdoor recreation world. Women www.outdoorsmagazine.com intends to provide solid content and information for women interested in new outdoor activities. The editors seek articles about hunting, fishing, camping, travel, horses, cooking in the field, hiking, family adventure, gear that actually works for women and short, newsy pieces on interesting events. This is a quarterly publication, and articles for any season are sought. Please have at least one digital photo available per article. Payment is $25 per feature article and $10 for a short piece, paid on publication, with byline and link to your Web site. Reprints are fine. Send queries or questions to Amy Grisak at agrisak@yahoo.com.
PRESS TRIPS
Arizona Media Tour - Fall 2007
Northern Arizona - Navajo Nation - Williams/Grand Canyon - Page/Lake Powell
September 24-28, 2007
An exceptional Media Tour is being offered to a limited number of journalists. This tour will feature the beauty, adventure and cultural diversity of Page, Williams & the Navajo Nation. We are seeking journalists who can join us with an assignment for story placement.
All costs of air transportation from major cities, transfers in Arizona, breakfast & dinner, attractions and lodging are provided by the sponsoring communities.
We will have some interesting & colorful people for you to meet along the way and we will visit attractions including the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley with a tremendous variety of story possibilities.
See tour details at: http://azcomgroup.com/AZRocksMediaTour.htm
If you are interested in participating, please send a bio, assignment/placement information, and any special interests that you have in the Arizona Rocks region. Space is limited to 8 journalists.
Reply to: MediaTours@azcomgroup.com
Maya Spa and Zahra Hotel & Cabanas
Luciana Salaun
EcoTulum Resorts & Spa
1 888 898 9922
media@ecotulum.com
Just one and a half hours south of Cancun, Maya Spa feels like another world: slow paced, candle-lit, and richly endowed with pleasures for our senses. Slow down and breathe fresh sea air, bury your toes in cool white sand, linger in the lapping waves of the warm Caribbean
Sea. It is the perfect tropical retreat to stimulate your senses and immerse yourself in explorations of your body's wisdom. Discover new ways of being through daily yoga and lucid dreaming courses. Purify yourself with our indigenous sweat lodge and fresh tropical meals. Revitalize and keep in shape with pure fun: sea swims, snorkeling in fresh water caverns, and kayaking to the coral reef. Maya Spa is like a retreat within a retreat: a world of wellness within the candlelight Caribbean beach of Tulum.
The holistic spa and its idyllic surroundings offer the perfect antidote to high stressed city life. The properties of earth, wind, fire, and water are combined to purify the mind, body, and soul. The
holistic principle lies in integrating the totality of one's being: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. We invite you to enjoy an experience of complete relaxation, guided by the sound of the ocean and gentle hands which will guide you through an exploration of your inner world. The Maya Spa holistic spa and activities program features a variety of Mayan treatments performed by local shamans. Herbal treatments prepared by Mayan healers using local plants are available as needed, upon request.
Maya Spa forms part of the EcoTulum Hotels & Resorts, a small group of three eco-hotels on the Tulum coast: Cabanas Copal, Azulik, and Zahra. In December 2004, Zahra inaugurated seven new cabanas, designed with both couples and families in mind. Four of the new sea view cabanas have king size beds and two bunks, for lounging or sharing with the family. The three two story family suites have the kids´ area below, with a queen size hanging bed and two bunks, and the parents´ area on the second floor, with a king size bed and soaking tub carved out of a
tree trunk.
The 22 Zahra rooms and cabanas are clustered on a small property nestled between two sandy beaches. The cabañas are based on the traditional Mayan style, with thatched palm roofs, and some are raised on stilts above the sandy beach. Guests can enjoy in-room spa services
and room service from the restaurant, or they can venture out to the restaurant to enjoy authentic Mexican specialties and live music. Our restaurant-bar is open all day long for dining.
Zahra is ideal for travelers seeking less of a rustic jungle experience, while still being able to enjoy the natural beauty of Tulum. Some rooms are sea view, while others look out onto our
tropical garden patio.
Zahra invites a professional travel writer on assignment to step off the beaten path for a four night getaway to experience our new cabanas. Editors also welcome.
What's included:
. Four nights accommodation
. One hour massage with Daniel, Mayan shaman at Maya Spa
. One hour in the floatation tank
. One ticket to the temazcal ceremony, indigenous sweat lodge
. All meals included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily) for writers
only (travel companions are more than welcome to accompany the writer, but we ask that they pay their own meals) with confirmed story assignments (please provide letter).
For more information, please visit our websites: http://www.zahra.com.mx
http://www.maya-spa.com
To qualify you must be a published professional travel writer.
FYI
Snook From Down Under
Skip directly to the full story.
By FRANK SARGEANT The Tampa Tribune
Published: Mar 23, 2007
Bill Miller caught a half-dozen 6-pound snook on a half-dozen casts, and Glen Pla was not far behind. Both Bay area television hosts are great anglers, so maybe it's no surprise there.
What was surprising is that we were nearly 100 miles from either coast of Florida. And the "snook" they were catching were imported from Australia.
Barramundi are the Australian cousin of the snook. Biologists say barramundi, snook and Nile perch all evolved from a common ancestor that existed before the continents drifted apart millions of years ago. Today, all three are still similar in appearance, and barramundi and snook have very similar habits and habitat.
The fish Miller and Pla and a few other lucky anglers have tangled with are found on a fish farm managed by Byron Hennecy of St. Cloud. The fish are being raised as food fish, but Hennecy also offers fishing trips to his ponds for a bit of side income.
"These fish had to be permitted to be grown here, and we're required to see that none of them leave the premises alive," said Hennecy, an avid snook angler who makes regular trips to the inlets of the east coast for his linesider fix. He said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission "wants to make sure they don't get out and become exotics in our lakes, but inside these fences, they make a great gamefish."
Hennecy estimated there are some 7,000 barramundi in the pond where most anglers fish, and they all weigh at least 5 pounds.
"These fish are only 8 months old. They gain about three-quarters of a pound per month when they're juveniles, and they can put on a pound a month as they get older," Hennecy said. "We think by next year at this time, we will have a pond full of fish in the 15-pound range or larger."
In fact, he said he already has a good number of 15-pound fish that were left from an earlier attempt at raising them. The Tampa crew managed to land one of these giants, and it put on an impressive display.
And a year or three down the road?
"We could easily have several thousand fish in the 40-pound-class," Hennecy said. "These guys can reach weights over 80 pounds in the wild, and with all the food they can eat here, they have potential to get really big."
The fish eat commercial fish pellets, so feeding them is not nearly so difficult as feeding captive snook. However, when offered the chance, the barramundi readily attack any sort of live bait, and they grab jigs, sinking plugs, jerk baits, topwaters and all types of flies.
The fish fight a lot like snook, with fast, powerful runs and lots of jumps. Also like snook, they have lots of sharp edges on their heads that can cut your line if you don't use a stout shock leader.
"A barramundi has the sharp gill covers, but then he has about 10 other places he can cut you with," said Hennecy, whose hands are covered with scars from handling the fish.
Most importantly, they are even more sensitive to cold than snook.
"A common snook can survive OK at 60 degrees, but if our water here gets that cold, we have a lot of dead fish," he said.
Hennecy has made provisions to avoid the occasional cold snap, however. A huge pipe can pour thousands of gallons of ground water per minute into the ponds should the temperature threaten. The well water is far warmer than water in the lake, and Hennecy said it has saved his fish many times.
For more information on fishing the barramundi ponds, contact Byron Hennecy at (407) 908-3216 or http://www.osceolaoutback.com/. Rates are $200 per angler for a party of four.
What Are Barramundi?
Barramundi are Australian cousins of the common snook.
Barramundi don't have a stripe down the side like snook, and their body tends to be deeper, with the shape more similar to the Nile perch. The color is a silver-gray.
The mouth is not as big as a snook of equal size. But in the wild, like snook, they prefer coastal rivers and flats, and must be able to reach saltwater to spawn. They reach weights of more than 80 pounds, according to the International Game Fish Association.
Frank Sargeant
EVENTS
“Ladies Only Fishing 101 Workshop”
Capt. Rodney Smith and Robin Folsom will be joining the excitement at
the Fisherman’s World’s Fishnanaza on Saturday, May 12th, 2007.
Capt. Smith, an inshore and back country guide on the Indian River
Lagoon coast for 15 years, along with Robin Folsom, a writer for
Coastal Angler Magazine, will be hosting this new and exciting
workshop. “We’ve been doing different educational workshops for the
past two years, everything from surf fishing to fly fishing, so this is
where we got the idea to do a ladies only class,” states Smith “We
wanted to create a learning environment conducive to women and
fishing.”
“It is so much fun to see these women learning to love fishing as much
as I do” comments Folsom. “Women are often afraid to ask questions
while they are out on the boat with their partners because they don’t
want to look stupid…well, there will be no stupid questions on this
day, that’s for sure.”
The Ladies' Only Fishing Workshop 101 is a 5 hour instructional
workshop gear towards beginner and intermediate women anglers.
The workshop will cover the basic skills and techniques for inshore
fishing; hands on casting instruction, tackle and bait rigging, bait
handling and section (shrimp/mullet/clams/sand fleas/ladyfish) and safe
handling and releasing of fish. It will also touch on putting line on
the reel and tackle maintenance, tips on boat handling and much more
useful information will be covered in the fun filled afternoon of
learning.
CONTACT TO Capt. Rodney Smith at
rodney@coastalanglermagazine.com
or 321-750-3374
Date: May 12, 2007
Time: 12 pm-5pm
Place" Fisherman's World-Port Canaveral 321-784-5285 750 Mullet Dr.
Price: $55.
Florida's Free Coast to Coast Outdoor Magazine
Coastal Angler Magazine Use, Don't Abuse It!
www.coastalanglermagazine.com
Toll Free: 888-800-9794
Locally: 321-777-2773
Fax: 321-777-4622
P.O. Box 373257
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Outdoor Writers to Offer Free Half-Day Workshop June 16
Aspiring outdoor communicators welcome to attend free seminars
The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) will kick off its 80th annual conference in Roanoke, Va., by offering a free, half-day workshop titled “How to Become an Outdoor Communicator,” Saturday, June 16, from 8 a.m.- noon, at The Hotel Roanoke.
Workshop subjects will include: The Newspaper Outdoor Beat, Following the Big Story for Newspapers, Outdoor Radio Shows, Outdoor Stories in Mainstream Magazines, Working with State and Federal Agencies, Outdoor Photography, Writing for Travel Publications, Women in the Hook and Bullet World, Self Publishing Your Outdoor Book.
Workshop presenters will include Virginia celebrities Mark Taylor and Bruce Ingram, in addition to well-known outdoor communicators from other parts of the country, including Tim Flanigan, Tony Dean, Wade Bourne, Christina Larson, Susan Ebert, Joel Vance, Mark Freeman, Risa Weinreb-Wyatt and Pat Wray.
No experience is necessary! We all started with just interest and desire. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Interested in attending this free, half-day workshop? Send your name, snail-mail address and e-mail to krhoades@owaa.org. In the subject line, please specify “How to Become an Outdoor Communicator Workshop.” You’ll receive a confirmation.
Workshop participants are also welcome to attend OWAA’s four-day conference as a guest. After signing up for the free, half-day event, register for the four-day conference online (fee required) at http://www.owaa.org/Conf_2007/index.php or call OWAA headquarters at 406-728-7434.
The Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) is an international organization representing a diverse group of professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. Headquartered in Missoula, Mont., OWAA’s mission is to improve the professional skills of its members, set high ethical and communications standards, encourage conservation of natural resources, and mentor the next generation of professional outdoor communicators.
More on OWAA's 80th Conference: http://www.owaa.org/Conf_2007/index.php
Five Reasons to Attend OWAA Conference: http://www.vatc.org/owaa.htm
Reserve a room at The Hotel Roanoke: http://www.owaa.org/Conf_2007/travel_housing.htm
Kevin Rhoades, krhoades@owaa.org, www.owaa.org; 406-728-7434
More about OWAA: http://www.owaa.org/about_owaa.php
A Call for Writers
The Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival invites Southern authors to join our Literary Village in 2007. During the annual three-day event, tens of thousands of people celebrate all that is the cultural arts in the Southeast, including our deep literary tradition. The Literary Village is a gathering of writers from all walks of life and from all publishing methods who sell their work, stage readings and network with other authors in a fun, casual and creative environment. The festival will run Sept. 14-16, 2007. Visit www.artsintheheart.com.
Contact: Stacey McGowen-Hudson, Arts Writer, 700 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, (706) 738-1142 x. 208, stacey.hudson@metrospirit.com, www.metrospirit.com or Brenda Durant, 706-826-4702, arts@augustaarts.com
JOBS
Associate Editor Position Available with FLW Outdoors Magazine
FLW Outdoors Magazine seeks a qualified associate editor. Good candidates should have strong writing and editing skills (including familiarity with AP and OWAA styles); a passion for fishing and must be willing to work and learn, both on the water and in the office. Duties would include writing articles for all three editions based on research from travel, field work and interviews with sources, as well as editing copy and limited photography. This position is located in beautiful Benton, Kentucky near Kentucky Lake.
Please send resumes, cover letters, writing samples and salary requirements via e-mail to Jason Sealock, editor, jsealock@flwoutdoors.com; or Will Brantley, managing editor, wbrantley@flwoutdoors.com. Write to us at:
FLW Outdoors Magazine
30 Gamble Lane
Benton, KY 42025
Attn: Jason Sealock
Thanks for your time.
Jason Sealock
Editor
FLW Outdoors Magazine
30 Gamble Lane
Benton KY 42025
(270) 252-1606
http://www.flwoutdoors.com
CORPORATE CORNER
From: Mike Walker
Toyota Launches Fishing Website Showcasing New Series ³Hooked²
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. has launched a new website devoted strictly to their professional angler team that thoroughly documents the activities of the members both on and off the water. Besides the traditional printed stories, Toyota has developed a new series of webisodes called ³Hooked² that debuted on www.toyotafishing.com
Monday April 9, 2007 to begin the 15 episode weekly series.
Loaded with lots of behind the scenes footage, ³Hooked² is a true first-of-its kind for the bass fishing industry. It delivers footage of the life of pro anglers away from the water and directly to the computer screen of fishing fans worldwide.
Video crews spent nearly a month shadowing the Toyota Tundra Fishing Team; Greg Hackney, Mike Iaconelli, Terry Scroggins, Dave Wolak and Kevin VanDam, capturing over 70 hours of film living life as they know it from practice at the 2007 Bassmaster Classic to life at home.
Mike Davis, Executive Producer of ³Hooked² said, ³I was amazed by not only the number of miles these anglers drive to compete and fulfill sponsor obligations, but more than anything, I was amazed at what super good people they are. They have very diverse personalities, but they all share a central passion for fishing, and none of them are afraid of hard work.²
New episodes of ³Hooked² will air every Sunday for the next sixteen weeks. Episodes will also be able to be viewed on www.thefishinghome, www.smarthunter, www.thecampingsource.com, and many others.
Mike Walker, mike@walkeragency.com
National Wild Turkey Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation’s Code of Conduct
As a responsible turkey hunter, I will:
- Not let peer pressure or the excitement of the hunt cloud my judgment;
- Learn and practice safe hunting techniques;
- Hunt the wild turkey fairly;
- Know the capabilities and limitations of my gun or bow and use it safely;
- Obey and support all wildlife laws and report all violations;
- Respect the land and the landowner and always obtain permission before hunting;
- Avoid knowingly interfering with another hunter and respect the right of others to lawfully share the outdoors;
- Value the hunting experience and appreciate the beauty of the wild turkey;
- Positively identify my target as a legal bird and insist on a good shot;
- Share responsible turkey hunting with others and work for wild turkey conservation.
- To receive more spring tips for the best hunting tactics or improving your land for more wildlife, click on this link: http://www.nwtf.org/SpringTips/ or call the NWTF at 1-800-THE-NWTF.
The Wild Turkey Dictionary
Compiled by the National Wild Turkey Federation
For more information, call (800) THE-NWTF.
Beard: Modified feathers that grow out from the chest of male turkeys (and some hens). They average 9 inches long. The longest beard to date is recorded at just over 18 inches. It is not uncommon for some turkeys to have multiple beards. Hens can have beards, although only about 10 percent of them do.
Box call: A turkey hunting classic, the box call was patented by Henry Gibson in 1897. As the name implies, the call is a small coffin-shaped box that creates a sound chamber and is operated by running the lid of the call along the edges of the box. These calls offer the great volume that is needed on windy days and can be used to replicate the entire range of turkey vocalizations, including gobbles.
Breeding: Mating season is anytime between the end of February to the end of May, depending on the latitude and elevation. The courtship begins when turkeys are still flocked together in wintering areas. The process is basically controlled by day length but also influenced by weather.
Caller (or call): Device used to mimic various sounds of the wild turkey. (See diaphragm call, push-pin call, box call, slate call, tube call and wingbone call.)
Calling: When the hunter imitates the sounds made by the desired game animal with the goal of enticing the animal into shooting range.
Call-shy: Used to describe individual animals that have heard hunters using calls so much that they avoid the call rather than come to it.
Characteristic differences of male and female turkeys: Male and female turkeys are distinguished by two main characteristics: spurs and beards. Both sexes are born with a small button spur on the back of their legs. Soon after hatching, the male’s spur begins to grow pointed and curved, and eventually reaches lengths of up to 2 inches. Hen’s spurs don’t normally grow. Gobblers, or male turkeys, also always have beards. Also can be distinguished by a difference in head color, breast feathers, size, their droppings and the calls they make.
Chufa: A grass-like plant. Turkeys dig up the tuber and eat it in the winter and spring.
Cluck: The cluck consists of one or more short, staccato notes. Many times, plain clucks include two or three single-note clucks. It’s generally used by one bird to get the attention of another. And it’s a good call to reassure an approaching gobbler that a hen is waiting for him.
Cutt: A series of fast, loud, erratic single notes. It’s a modified cluck and a distinct abrupt call. A cutt can be heard at great distances and is often used by a hen turkey on the prowl for a partner.
Decoys: They come in several styles, ranging from photo-image silhouettes to foldouts and inflatables. A typical decoy setup includes a pair of hens and a single jake. Be sure to check with state regulations to make sure they are legal.
Diaphragm (or mouth) call: One of the more difficult calls to learn to use. It is also the most common because of its effectiveness and hands-free operation. The call is simply a small horseshoe-shaped frame, wrapped in tape with latex stretched across the opening of the frame. Many turkey sounds can be made by holding the call in the roof of the mouth and exhaling air between the call and the tongue. A caller uses his or her tongue to adjust pressure and alter the sounds of the call.
Dogs: Dogs are used to hunt turkeys in the fall in states where it’s legal. Any breed that can cover a lot of ground, bark on the flush then sit still while a hunter works birds back in can be a turkey dog. Historically, hunters used a dog, called a feist. Once a dog finds a flock, its main job is to achieve a good scattering of birds.
Drag marks: During the spring, gobblers put on a show to attract the attention of hens. They fan their tails out, drag their wings on the ground and take a series of steps in a display that’s called strutting. The feathers on their wings leave marks on the ground when they strut. These marks look like someone drew a line in the sand. If you look, you might find these “drag marks” along sunlit roads and at the edge of fields.
Dusting: Found in areas where mounds of dry sand, burned stumps or old rotted stumps are present. The turkeys lie on their breasts and kick dust and dirt on to their backs. The dust filters through their feathers, removing mites, lice and other parasites.
Eastern Wild Turkey: The most common of the five subspecies. They are found throughout the Eastern half of the United States.
Feathers: An adult turkey has between 5,000 and 6,000 feathers, which are a color combination of green, red, bronze, copper and gold. A gobbler is more colorful than a hen, which helps keep her camouflaged from predators and other dangers. Gobblers like to show off their tail feathers.
Feathers (as sign): If you find a feather, you can be sure a turkey was there. Feathers under a tree may mean turkeys spent the night roosted in that tree.
Flock: a group of turkeys
Fly-down: When a turkey flies down from a tree
Food: Wild turkeys eat different things depending on the season. In summer, young turkeys, called poults, eat insects. Insects have lots of protein, which helps poults grow. Adults also eat insects as well as grasses, berries, young leaves, flowers and other green foliage. During fall and winter, wild turkeys eat more fruits and berries. They also like acorns, waste corn and pine seeds. They’ll also look for waste grain in fields that have been harvested.
Foodplots: You can attract turkeys by planting plots of corn, sorghum, chufa or millet.
Friction call: As its name implies, this type of call uses a form of friction to make turkey sounds. Box calls use a lid, while a slate call uses a peg.
Gobbler: Gobblers are the male wild turkey and are typically larger, darker and more shiny and colorful than hens. Their heads are especially colorful and can turn red, white and/or blue. One of the characteristics of a gobbler is a beard of modified feathers, which grows from their chest (some hens have these also). Gobblers also have long spurs, up to 2” long, growing from the back of their legs.
Gould’s: Subspecies of wild turkey that are found in central Mexico, southern Arizona and southern New Mexico.
Hen: Hens, or female wild turkeys, are smaller and duller looking than the colorful gobbler. This allows them to sit on their nest without being seen by predators. Also, hens have more feathers on their head, which also helps them blend into their surroundings. While all gobblers have a beard, some hens have a beard, although it’s rare.
Jake: a gobbler less than a year old
Jenny: a hen less than a year old
Lifespan: A turkey is most vulnerable to predators and environmental elements during the first six weeks of its life. The average lifespan of wild turkeys is just under two years, but they’ve been known to live for over five years in the wild. The record is 17 years.
Merriam’s: This subspecies ranges along the Rocky Mountains and neighboring prairies of Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, south into Arizona and New Mexico.
National Wild Turkey Federation: In 1973, when the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Thanks to the work of wildlife agencies and the NWTF’s many volunteers and partners, today there are more than 7 million wild turkeys and nearly 3 million turkey hunters. Since 1985, the NWTF and its cooperators have spent more than $230 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 11.3 million acres of wildlife habitat. The NWTF is a nonprofit organization with 545,000 members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport. For more information on the National Wild Turkey Federation, call (803) 637-3106, check out our web site at www.nwtf.org or e-mail questions to nwtf@nwtf.net.
Nesting: Hens actually nest on the ground. They pick places where they can hide among shrubs and other plants. They normally lay a clutch of 10 to 12 eggs during a two-week period. As soon as the young birds hatch after 28 days, they’re ready to follow the hen to find food. By the time poults are two weeks old, they can fly up into low trees to spend the night.
Ocellated turkey: A different species of turkey than the North American wild turkey (which is divided into five subspecies). It is found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, northern Belize and the El Peten region of northern Guatemala. The bird is easily distinguished from its next of kin. The feathers of both males and females are a unique color combination of shimmering bronze and greens. Spots on the tail feathers are similar to a peacock’s. Both sexes also have blue-colored heads that are covered with wart-like growths. They don’t have a beard.
Osceola: The subspecies of wild turkey found only on the Florida peninsula.
Predators: Fox, skunks, snakes, bobcats, eagles, opossums, raccoons, coyotes, hawks and owls prey on wild turkey eggs and poults in their early stages.
Poult: a turkey chick; term used to about six months of age
Purr: Purring is a soft, rolling call turkeys make when they’re content, like when feeding. This is not a loud call, but is good for reassuring turkeys as they get close to your position. May be loud and aggressive as gobblers fight.
Push-pin call: A friction call that consists of a small box with a rod that is pushed or pulled to make turkey sounds. Not only is it one of the easiest calls to use, it is also effective. These calls are great at making basic yelps, clucks, and content and aggressive purrs. With one-hand operation, push-pins allow the hunter to minimize movement. Some models are also easily fastened to the barrel of your shotgun, then operated with your finger as you hold your gun.
Putt: The putt is a single note, generally associated as an alarm. It can also be several notes delivered in a sharp or rapid fashion, which usually means they have seen or heard something they don’t like.
Rio Grande: This subspecies roams throughout parts of Texas and into Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. Also has been introduced into California, Oregon, Washington and some other western states.
Rocket Net: A rocket-propelled net fired over flocks of turkeys to catch them for transferring.
Roost: Trees used for nighttime safety.
Roosting: Flying up to an elevated perch at dusk to avoid ground predators.
Scat: You can also tell whether the turkey in an area is a gobbler or a hen by looking at its droppings. Gobbler droppings are shaped like a “J” or a fishhook while hen droppings look like a spiral-shaped pile. If droppings are old, they’ll crumble when you touch them with a stick. Fresh droppings are soft, which means a wild turkey was recently in the area.
Shelter: Turkeys like places with lots of trees. Trees provide food and a place to sleep. Trees also provide turkeys a place to hide from predators.
Shock gobble: Instinctive gobble in response to a loud noise such as a crow call or gun shot.
Sign: Ways to tell a wild turkey has been in an area (See tracks, scat, droppings, drag marks and feathers.)
Size: Male turkeys typically weigh 17 to 21 pounds, while females weigh 8 to 11 pounds.
Slate (or pot and peg) call: This call consists of a small pot that acts as a sound chamber and is covered by a surface made of slate, aluminum, glass or other synthetic material. The pot is held in one hand, while a striker, also made of various materials including wood, glass and graphite, is drawn across the surface to make turkey sounds.
Space: Most eastern wild turkeys live their entire lives within five miles of where they hatched. They usually don’t move more than two miles a day. Sometimes they do get an urge to wander . . . and may roam 12 to 50 miles in a year. (This usually happens in the West.)
Spurs: Jakes grow 1/2-inch or shorter spurs their first year. Two-year-old toms sport blunt spurs that are less than 7/8 of an inch. By age 3, spurs can become sharp, unless worn down by rock terrain. The Merriam’s and Gould’s subspecies tend to have shorter spurs than the other subspecies. Gobblers living in areas with sandy soil tend to sport the sharpest spurs.
Strut: Mating display of the gobbler, head tucked to body, feathers erect, tail fanned, used to attract and impress hens.
Subspecies: There are five subspecies of wild turkey in North America. (See Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande, Gould’s and Osceola.)
Tracks: You can tell which way a turkey was moving by looking at its tracks. You can also tell whether the turkey is a male (gobbler or tom) or a female (hen). A gobbler’s toes are wider and the middle one is longer than a hen’s. (The middle toe is around 4-inches-long.)
Tube call: A small tube covered on one end by latex, these calls were once crafted by hunters using old pill bottles.
Vocalizations: Turkeys have 28 different calls. For example, males gobble; females yelp and cluck. Visit www.nwtf.org to hear a sample of turkey sounds.
Water: They drink from streams, ponds, and manmade watering holes. Young turkeys also get water from the insects they eat. You will not find turkeys far from a permanent water source.
Wild turkey release: At one time, wild turkeys almost disappeared from North America. Thankfully, biologists learned how to catch wild turkeys in areas where there were a lot of them and let them go in places where there weren’t any. By doing this, state and provincial wildlife agencies, hunters and the NWTF helped build wild turkey populations to more than 7 million birds.
Wingbone call: Native Americans created this call more than 4,000 years ago. Made by joining the small bones of a wild turkey’s wing together, the call makes sounds by drawing air through the hollow bones.
Yelp: The yelp sounds almost like it’s spelled. It is often delivered in a series of single-note vocalizations and can have different meanings.
To receive more spring tips for the best hunting tactics or improving your land for more wildlife, click on this link: http://www.nwtf.org/SpringTips/ or call the NWTF at 1-800-THE-NWTF.
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