Juniors-only over-the-counter spring turkey tags
By Rory Aikens, public information officer, AGFD
Photo of father Kirby Bristow with sons Kyle and Ryan after a successful spring turkey hunt

Can you do the Kee Kee Run? How about the Cluck or the Putt?

Nope, they are neither a 10K run in Kingman nor a miniature golf park in Peoria. They are all part of turkey calling. If you aren’t familiar with the gratifying art of calling turkeys and you have a youngster under 17 years old, then it is time to learn.

Why you ask?

Simple – this is the first spring turkey season in Arizona where youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 can get over-the-counter turkey tags. Yes, that means no drawing – just get and go.

If you have never called in a wild turkey and have it strut its stuff or prance around doing a tail-fan dance in front of your blind, then you are in for one of the greatest wildlife experiences on this planet. There is nothing quite like it. If you are lucky enough, you might just get to witness two huge toms fanning their tail feathers and doing one-upmanship in front of a flock of hens. It’s hilarious and thrilling at the same time.

Watching huge toms in full display is one of the grandest and most colorful courting displays in the wildlife kingdom.

It usually takes a short time to learn the basics of calling turkeys, but it takes a lifetime to truly refine this seasonal art form – you never stop learning. For tips on calling wild turkeys and for clinics, visit the National Wild Turkey Federation at www.nwtf.org/calling_tips.html.

You can even help your youngster construct simple squawk boxes and then go practice on amorous spring gobblers. This is not just a macho man deal, it’s something for the whole family. In my family, my wife Cindy has the calling talent. What’s more, it’s also something to pass down or up from generation to generation.

If you want some hands-on tips, come to the Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Expo on March 28-29. We’ll have a number of mini-clinics for you.

So go learn to Cluck and Putt and get your family into a Kee Kee Run state of mind this spring.