herb mcclure
Senior Member
I realize this is not a subject or time of the season when most turkey people would be interested in anything but a hunting related topic. However, there is many newbie's that are coming to this turkey forum; especially this time of the year. There is not any subject about wild turkeys that is as important to me as the back and forth comments related to original wild turkeys; like the Mossy Head thread, submitted by RaynWhit last year, which has received many thousands of hits.
Having hunted bach-in-a-time when there were still original Eastern mountain turkeys living in the woods where I was introduced to turkey hunting and also, writing a book about those type turkeys.
I respect all other's opinions on this subject, especially serious comments and those who experienced these original wild turkeys regardless of where at.
In my opinion, the Appalachian Mountain's original wild turkeys have different characteristics than the lower costal and swamp turkeys. I will not go into any details about these characteristics; as one can pull-up Mossy Heads thread for remarks. I, will just say, from this forum It was pointed out that there some very small bodied turkeys that I was unaware of; and I do stand corrected on a comment I made.
Original wild turkeys were referred by different names in different locals. Mossy Heads being the most prevalent name in most places, but the original wild turkeys where I hunted and referred to were called Natives.
Having recently read in a new book, about the area where I have always hunted for wild turkeys; it inform me as to why; the original wild turkeys survived there; when they disappeared from almost everywhere else!
Yes, books contain knowledge and the title of this book is: Arthur Woody and the Legend of the Barefoot Ranger; by Duncan Dobbie. It is amazing at the research that went into this book and the photos. The background is about the old mountain way of life and the Blue Ridge wildlife area.The B R area is the oldest wildlife area in America. Woody was the responsible person for saving the original turkeys on the B R; from extinction. I recommend the reading of this great book to all turkey hunters; for knowledge.
Most of you forum regulars are familiar with my many comments. But; what credentials do I have to spout-off so often about original turkeys. Almost all credentials are educational background credentials. However, I fail when it comes to education. Any credentials I may have; have come from the woods where original wild turkeys have lived; since God created them on the Blue Ridge WMA; and not from education.
There are many of you turkey enthusiasts who have killed more turkeys than I have. However, this is not about how many turkeys has one killed. Not all places and condition are equal to killing.
Attached photo is in my log home. The turkey tail on the left side is from the second gobbler I killed in 1959; thanks to my mon; for saving the tail; all these years. The turkey tail on the right side is from the last gobbler that I will ever kill, which was in 2013 and I wrote a story about that. The beards between the tail represent about half of the turkeys I have seen killed; many other hunters have hunted with me! Hanging belowe the beards is an original American Native Chestnut burl; also from the B R area.
I still have a passion in me; to visit remote turkey woods where I have always hunted. Three afternoons this year, I have gone into those turkey woods; with camera and Leon's Turkey caller; staying there till night. Because of personal obligations; I can not go in the mornings there; don't hear any gobbles anyway. It takes me 3 hours to drive and walk, and climb; into those turkey woods; both going and coming back. The full moon this week was nice to see how to walk the Appalachian Trail after dark.
herb mcclure
Having hunted bach-in-a-time when there were still original Eastern mountain turkeys living in the woods where I was introduced to turkey hunting and also, writing a book about those type turkeys.
I respect all other's opinions on this subject, especially serious comments and those who experienced these original wild turkeys regardless of where at.
In my opinion, the Appalachian Mountain's original wild turkeys have different characteristics than the lower costal and swamp turkeys. I will not go into any details about these characteristics; as one can pull-up Mossy Heads thread for remarks. I, will just say, from this forum It was pointed out that there some very small bodied turkeys that I was unaware of; and I do stand corrected on a comment I made.
Original wild turkeys were referred by different names in different locals. Mossy Heads being the most prevalent name in most places, but the original wild turkeys where I hunted and referred to were called Natives.
Having recently read in a new book, about the area where I have always hunted for wild turkeys; it inform me as to why; the original wild turkeys survived there; when they disappeared from almost everywhere else!
Yes, books contain knowledge and the title of this book is: Arthur Woody and the Legend of the Barefoot Ranger; by Duncan Dobbie. It is amazing at the research that went into this book and the photos. The background is about the old mountain way of life and the Blue Ridge wildlife area.The B R area is the oldest wildlife area in America. Woody was the responsible person for saving the original turkeys on the B R; from extinction. I recommend the reading of this great book to all turkey hunters; for knowledge.
Most of you forum regulars are familiar with my many comments. But; what credentials do I have to spout-off so often about original turkeys. Almost all credentials are educational background credentials. However, I fail when it comes to education. Any credentials I may have; have come from the woods where original wild turkeys have lived; since God created them on the Blue Ridge WMA; and not from education.
There are many of you turkey enthusiasts who have killed more turkeys than I have. However, this is not about how many turkeys has one killed. Not all places and condition are equal to killing.
Attached photo is in my log home. The turkey tail on the left side is from the second gobbler I killed in 1959; thanks to my mon; for saving the tail; all these years. The turkey tail on the right side is from the last gobbler that I will ever kill, which was in 2013 and I wrote a story about that. The beards between the tail represent about half of the turkeys I have seen killed; many other hunters have hunted with me! Hanging belowe the beards is an original American Native Chestnut burl; also from the B R area.
I still have a passion in me; to visit remote turkey woods where I have always hunted. Three afternoons this year, I have gone into those turkey woods; with camera and Leon's Turkey caller; staying there till night. Because of personal obligations; I can not go in the mornings there; don't hear any gobbles anyway. It takes me 3 hours to drive and walk, and climb; into those turkey woods; both going and coming back. The full moon this week was nice to see how to walk the Appalachian Trail after dark.
herb mcclure