Parrott Completes the Puzzle

EDITOR'S NOTE: Five-time World-Champion turkey caller, Walter Parrott of Fredricktown, Missouri, represents Knight & Hale Game Calls, Mossy Oak Camouflage and Bass Pro Shop's Redhead's Bowhunting Team. Although many states now have ended their turkey-hunting seasons, some seasons still remain open across the U.S.

Question: Can you tell me about the turkey that taught you the most about hunting?
Answer: The turkeys I've learned the most from are still alive. I try to learn from every turkey. Successful turkey hunting involves a learning process each spring. If you put all the pieces of the puzzle together that the turkey gives you, then you'll be successful. Completing the puzzle is a great challenge. You can hunt and hunt a tom and never take him. Then perhaps in a couple of days, you'll put the puzzle together and be at the right place at the right time to bag that bird. You need to become part of his spring mating ritual without his knowing it for you to be successful.

Question: Can you give me three secrets to turkey hunting that everyone doesn't know?
Answer: There's probably not any secrets to turkey hunting. You need to have good scouting techniques, patience and quality equipment. If you practice good skills, learn from the turkeys you hunt, and put the pieces of the puzzle together, you can be successful.

TOMORROW: Parrott's Big Buck