Turkey Camp

An early morning chill fills the air as we sip on our coffee.

Our eyes are barely open but our hearts are filled with anticipation. 

Sounds of gobbles in the distant trees have us sitting on the edge of our seats.

The decoys are set and the shotguns are ready.

Visions of a tom’s fan spread out and glowing in the morning light occupies my imagination as I purr and cluck like a hen feeding.

All goes quiet except for the geese and neighboring dogs, and so we wait, and call, and listen. 

As the morning turns warm we hear the sound again.

Knowing we must outsmart them we don't hesitate.

Our boots hit the ground moving quickly to get in closer, our calls they can't resist and soon they are on top of us.

A perfect shot on a beautiful tom made for a first harvest.

Pride in teamwork and persistence gives way to high fives and hugs and we soak in the sweet success. 

12 women gathered this weekend in the pursuit of the wild merriam turkey.

Strangers, they soon will be bonded by this wild place, laughter will fill the campground as they gather around a late night fire, and a contentment will surface as they quietly navigate the forest and fields alongside one another. 

The companionship is welcomed by all, each of us walking a different path in life but brought together by a common denominator, hunting wild turkeys. 

As their fingers pluck the feathers from the harvested tom their confidence blossoms knowing when it’s their turn they will be ready - To teach the next generation, to bring sustenance to the table, to venture out alone needing no one to hold their hand and experiencing the many benefits that wild places gives each one of us. 

Gathering in a circle we give thanks for the experience and as each woman speaks its apparent this hunt was not just about the harvest.

Thank you once again for taking the time to follow the What’s Your Wild Creative journey. To learn more about our Women’s Hunting Community visit Venerymt.com