Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Written By Claire Fortenberry and Skyler Zunk

Welcome to Primland Resort! After a scenic Virginia country drive to Patrick County, we were greeted with gorgeous views of the resort and expansive surrounding hills. Primland Resort is a 12,000-acre estate in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with exquisitely managed wildlife, habitat, and activities. Featuring fine dining, relaxing spa packages, manicured golf courses, trail rides on horseback, guided hunting and fishing excursions, and other outdoor sporting adventures, Primland Resort has rich opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy in utmost luxury.

On a chilly President’s Day weekend, we set out to experience the unique and time-honored tradition of a driven pheasant shoot. A European sporting event fit for nobility, Primland Resort is one of the few areas in the United States to host these shoots and maintain the longstanding traditions of the sport. This was to be our first experience of driven pheasant shooting, and we were excited for the opportunity without a trip across the pond. Before the shoot, however, we had the chance to explore and experience much of what the resort has to offer. For the amenities, the people, and the shooting, we know we will be back.

The Resort

Every aspect of the stay featured attention to detail, quality of service, and opportunities to make lasting memories. Upon arriving to a beautifully appointed clifftop cottage, we were welcomed with a note and refreshment plate and set off for a leisurely walk through the rolling golf course to admire the mountain views. The sunset over the Blue Ridge was spectacular, and we finished off our stroll with a sighting of a large whitetail deer herd. In the evening, we dined at the signature Elements restaurant which featured unique menu choices, an exceptional wine list, and gourmet game meat. The food–from fried quail to pumpkin soup to beef tartare to elk–was prepared in a manner that can only be described as impeccable.

Saturday morning began with full-body yoga in the main lodge’s celestial observatory, which provides a unique view of the surrounding landscape. The expertly led session was followed with a green smoothie and breakfast back at Elements. The rest of the morning provided an environment of relaxation and appreciation for the natural world surrounding – we admired the view, watched the birds, and enjoyed good books in the comfortable lounge. One could easily spend a day with binoculars watching the mountain life, but in preparation for the driven pheasant shoot the following morning, we decided to dust off the over under on Primland’s sporting clays course.

After browsing through the signature Orvis shop and sporting center, the two of us took on the course through the woods. The scenic route provided every variety of fun, unique, and challenging shots, including from different stands and through varied topography. There were several families participating in the upland hunt, which takes place in the properties’ beautiful fields. Driving back to the resort, we spotted three turkey toms – a testament to the quality and management of the resort’s habitat and a temptation of Primland hunts to come.

Portland, OR – (March, 2023) – Korkers, the award winning outdoor footwear brand, is proud to introduce several new innovative footwear products geared for warm weather amphibious adventure.  The new Swift Sandal, All Axis Vented Shoe, Wet Wade Conversion Kit, and Derek DeYoung I-Drain Wading Sock collaboration highlight Korkers Spring 2023 assortment. 

“As a brand well known for creating high-performance, durable wading boots that provide exceptional traction on wet rock and unforgiving terrain, we have continually heard customers asking for lighter, more breathable options for hot summer days” says CEO Brian Chaney.  “We are very excited to bring our new collection of versatile sandals and shoes featuring our proprietary OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System as well as complimentary accessories in Spring 2023.  Unlike any other footwear on the market, Korkers new sandals and shoes provide all-around amphibious versatility allowing you to customize your traction for summer adventures like hiking, paddling, fishing, boating, camping, and travel.  The agility and confidence that these shoes provide on slick, wet rock while using a sticky rubber Vibram® sole, a felt sole, or one of our carbide-studded soles is unmatched.  Having the flexibility and versatility to quickly change from a high friction water performance sole to a trail based sole for hiking, street use, or travel is a complete game changer” Chaney continued. 

In addition to these incredible new shoes and sandals, Korkers is also introducing complimentary accessories like the new I-Drain Water sock.  The sock is a collaboration between Korkers and renowned fish artist Derek DeYoung, who’s colorful Brown Trout Flank pattern is prominently featured on the exterior protective cuff of the sock.  Lastly, Korkers new Wet Wading Conversion Kit features an ultra-cushioned EVA insert designed to improve fit and turn any wading boot instantly into a proper fitting wet wading boot or warm water flats boot.  Korkers new Spring 2023 product line will be available through premium outdoor retailers beginning in late March 2023. 

About Korkers Since 1959, Korkers® has created functional and versatile footwear for outdoor adventurers. Unique to the industry, Korkers’ proprietary OmniTraxTM Interchangeable Sole System provides a variety of performance traction options – from rock gripping felt soles to ice biting Triple Threat Carbide Studded soles to Vibram® XS Trek sticky rubber – allowing users to optimize traction performance on any terrain and in any condition. Brian Chaney leads the Portland, Oregon-based company’s team of avid fishing and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to developing product solutions that combine design advances with innovative technology.

Walleye whisperers share early-season go-to techniques and presentations

Springtime has arrived throughout all but the uppermost reaches of North America, ushering in some of the best angling of the year for everything from perch to pike. It’s an exciting time for all anglers, but particularly so for anyone targeting mobs of migrating walleyes headed to their predictable pre-spawn and spawn locations. This game is played wherever walleyes are found, but the big-league action takes place in a handful of premier systems. Walleye factories like the Mississippi River, Lake Erie and the Detroit River, Saginaw Bay in Michigan, the Missouri River, Wisconsin’s Green Bay – including the Menominee and Fox Rivers – and Northern Minnesota’s Rainy River represent a few of the premier arenas.

We asked two top walleye guides, Brian Bashore and Tony Roach, to share their favorite presentations for targeting springtime ‘eyes.

Brain Bashore

The Missouri River is prolific walleye water. Just ask Sioux Falls, South Dakota NWT tournament pro and guide, Brian Bashore. The St. Croix pro-staffer and co-owner of The Walleye Guys Guide Service says the mighty Mo near Chamberlain, South Dakota is the place to be once the ice clears from the river.

Shoot United is announcing 20-plus events in 2023 that will be held at shooting ranges throughout the United States, with the focus of introducing participants to the shooting sports and responsible firearm education. 

Each event provides individuals an opportunity to learn and ask questions of knowledgeable firearm instructors in a welcoming environment, have fun with friends and family, and receive a supportive hands-on experience.

“Shoot United range events are designed to attract people who would like to take the first step in learning about firearms at their own pace” said Jason Gilbertson, director of marketing for Shoot United. “We’re partnering with some outstanding ranges and educated trainers to create experiences that are turnkey. The opportunities through the range event program are an extremely important component of Shoot United.”

Whether you’re a new firearm owner, thinking about purchasing your first firearm, or looking to try out a new experience with friends and family, be sure to sign up for an upcoming Shoot United event.

Ranges that are interested in hosting a Shoot United event can reach out to [email protected].

Kim Rhode, the most iconic Olympic athlete in the history of the shooting sports, recently continued her impressive 2023 win streak in Doha, Qatar. Rhode locked up her third major victory in a row following an individual gold medal in Women’s Skeet at the Morocco World Cup and the Team USA Spring Selection Match in Tucson, AZ. 

Rhode also triumphed in the Skeet Mixed Team event alongside Team USA member Vincent Hancock. Both Rhode and Hancock were perfect in the shoot-off to bring home another gold medal for the United States. 

“Kim’s accomplishments this year are beyond impressive. She has been the dominant force in Olympic shooting for almost 30 years since her first Olympic Gold in 1996,” said Jason Gilbertson, director of marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “We look forward to following and supporting Kim’s career in the coming years as she works towards qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and 2028 Olympics, held in her home state of California. Kim is without question a tremendous ambassador for Team Winchester and the shooting sports.” 

About Winchester Ammunition

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 157-year-old Winchester brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Winchester: Committed to Safe, Legal and Responsible Firearm Use

As a global leader in the shooting sports and hunting industry, and a brand of 157 years, Winchester is committed to safe, legal and responsible firearm use. Winchester works with key groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation on a variety of topics important to our industry, including training and education, and on specific programs such as Gun Owners Care and Project ChildSafe. Winchester will continue to support programs, organizations and individuals who promote hunting and shooting sports activities in a positive and responsible environment. Any use of firearms by youth participants should be done under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or other responsible adult. 

TALLADEGA, Ala. – On March 11-12, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted its second 3D Archery Match of the year at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. A total of 10 individuals participated in the event.

Kenneth Bowes reached a score of 212 to lead the Men’s Known 40 event, while Devyn Chapman reached 196 to overtake the top spot in the Young Adult Open Female category. Other categories of the tournament included the Men’s Known 40, Men’s Pins 30, Men’s Pins 40 and the Young Adult Open Male – each seeing only one competitor at Talladega in March.

Talladega’s 3D Archery Tournaments are open to the public, with both new and experienced individuals welcome to compete. The competitions are designed for hunters, archery enthusiasts or anyone else who simply loves to use a bow and arrow.

The tournaments follow official ASA (Archery Shooters Association) rules and are fired upon professional Delta McKenzie Targets. Though the events are held over two days, individuals may choose one day to complete his or her 20 total targets for score. Entry fee is $7.50 for Juniors (ages 6-17) and $15 for Adults (18 and over).

The next Talladega Monthly Archery Tournament will be held April 22-23. Additional upcoming monthly 3D Archery Tournaments at Talladega in 2023 include: June 24-25, Aug. 19-20, Sept. 16-17 and Oct. 7-8.

Federal Ammunition leads the category of most frequently purchased shotgun ammunition according to the Southwick Associates’ 2022 “Hunting & Shooting Participation and Equipment Purchases Consumer Tracking Study.” Southwick’s yearly survey compiled the feedback of over 9,000 hunters and recreational shooters.

“The fact that Federal shotshell ammunition leads the category for most shotgun ammo purchased is a testament to the demanding work everyone at Federal puts into creating these products,” said Dan Compton, Product Director for Federal Shotshell Ammunition. “This year’s survey showed the highest percentage of all shotshell ammo purchased was Federal. This is truly a team effort, and our company couldn’t be prouder.”

Federal has expanded its shotshell lineup in the past several years, adding a competition target lineup in High Over All, along with sub-gauge extensions for Top Gun, Black Cloud and a new Bismuth offering featuring HEVI-Bismuth. New HEVI-Bismuth shot is 22 percent denser than steel, delivering more lethal energy downrange. Launched by the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, bismuth pellets pattern consistently, and their metallic properties make them safe in both modern and classic shotguns.

“We want to continue to have Federal Ammunition be a company that fills all of your shotgun ammunition needs,” said Compton. “For those that enjoy cold mornings in the duck blind, to busting clays, and for home defense, Federal Ammunition’s quality and trusted performance is there to meet those needs. With Federal’s wide range of product choices, shotgun hunters and shooters can easily find a product to fit their needs.”

Southwick’s in-depth resources illustrate shopping behaviors, such as where consumers buy, brand preferences, and amount spent. Learn more at www.southwickassociates.com.

Columbia, MO – MidwayUSA Foundation is proud to announce the payout of over $4.6 million in cash grants to over 950 youth shooting programs, including youth shooting teams and organizations.  Since MidwayUSA Foundation’s inception, cash grants paid to support youth shooting programs total over $55 Million.  This latest grant cycle paid an average of $4,246 per youth shooting team.  Many youth shooting teams rely on these funds to pay for ammunition, targets, entry fees, travel, safety equipment, and more.   

“Thanks to our MidwayUSA Foundation grant, our kids can still afford to shoot even after the impact of inflation on shells and targets,” said youth shooting team coach Rob Kinsella of Centerburg, Ohio.  In addition to the assistance with team expenses, Centerburg’s shooting team has been able to add sporting clays and a SASP pistol team as additional options for their athletes.  These additions are possible because of the financial stability their endowment offers. Centerburg’s fundraising efforts and MidwayUSA Foundation’s matching program have grown their youth shooting team endowment to over $550,000, providing an annual grant of nearly $28,000. 

There are approximately 2,800 youth shooting teams and nearly 80 youth shooting sports organizations with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment and each program is eligible to receive a 5% cash grant, every year.  To increase that annual cash grant, the Foundation offers various resources to assist in fundraising and growing the endowment.  Every endowment can receive tax-deductible donations through the MidwayUSA Foundation website and donations to youth shooting teams are matched.   In addition, generous sponsors provide free product grants to use in community fundraisers.  Proceeds raised with these products are also matched. 

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. MidwayUSA Foundation Auctions and some incentives are void in California. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit  MidwayUSAFoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

Remington Ammunition is proud to announce Team Remington’s winning performance at the 2023 Gator Cup competition at Back Woods Quail Club in Georgetown, SC, March 14-19, 2023. As one of the largest sporting clay tournaments in the country, the Gator Cup draws hundreds of talented shooters to compete in a variety of challenging categories.

Madison Sharpe continues to tally podium finishes as HOA Ladies Champion and FITASC Lady HOA. Todd Hitch scored HOA runner-up in the main event as well as Junior HOA, plus another HOA finish in the FITASC Junior event. Finally, Wendell Cherry walks away with the Veteran’s HOA runner-up and champion in Veteran FITASC.

“The Gator Cup marked an amazing shoot for Team Remington competitors,” said Team Remington Manager Mike Hampton Sr. “We continue to be amazed at the podium finishes and outstanding performances from each competitor. We’re charging full speed ahead this season as Big Green brings home big wins.”

Team Remington is comprised of an accomplished list of top shooters who continue to compete with the best in the world across trap, skeet and sporting clays competitions domestically and internationally. Utilizing Remington Premier STS Target Loads, Team Remington shooters continue to tally podium finishes and represent Big Green against the best shooters in the world.

Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

Win places St. Croix pro third in MLF Toyota Series AOY points race

St. Croix pro, Jordan Wiggins, caught 44-14 on his home waters of Lewis Smith Lake to win the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division event in Northern Alabama by more than four pounds last week. He caught almost all of his bass on a homemade shakey head jig.

Wiggins fished to staging spotted bass in deeper water during the first day of competition, catching a third-place bag weighing 15-14. He followed the spots shallower the morning of day 2, going to work on shelf rock with deep-water access where the bass were actually spawning. “The fish were sliding up as the tournament went along, so I just adjusted with them,” says Wiggins, who keyed in on darker-colored banks that had a combination of rocks and docks – a pattern that would hold for the final two days of competition. Wiggins added 14-8 on day 2 and another 14-8 on day 3 to secure the victory, winning over $90,000 in cash and contingencies while qualifying for the 2023 MLF Toyota Series Championship, scheduled for November 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri.

“My brother (MLF Bass Pro Tour angler, Jesse Wiggins) and I both make our own shakey head jigs,” Wiggins says. “We just tweak a few things to make them fish around cover and rocks better.” Wiggins was tipping his home-brewed heads with a green pumpkin-colored 6.5-inch Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm.

“I always throw my shaky-heads on my 7’1” medium-heavy power, extra-fast action St. Croix Legend Elite (EC71MHXF) rod,” Wiggins says. “It’s just so light, well balanced and easy to fish with all day, with the extreme sensitivity that’s necessary to blind-fish to spawning bass.”

 SLG2, Inc., the industry’s leading event marketing company and includes brands Shoot Like A Girl®, Safe LivinG, Hunt Like A Girl and SLG2 Consulting, is proud to announce GLOCK® as the first recipient of the Safe LivinG Excellence in Safety Award. Through community outreach, commitment to public safety and its partnership with Safe LivinG, GLOCK demonstrates exemplary performance in advocating for safety in shooting sports and personal protection.

“As a longstanding partner of SLG2, Inc. and an avid leader in the shooting industry, GLOCK serves as a perfect candidate for our Q1 safety award,” said Karen Butler, founder and president of SLG2, Inc. “Between its Follow the Four campaign, Cobb County’s Safety House and overall dedication to education and safety, the brand has impacted and educated thousands of new and experienced shooters.”

The company generously donated $100,000 to Georgia’s Cobb County Safety Village to build GLOCK’s Gun Safety House. This interactive miniature home is used to teach Safe Neighbor contact, Safe Place and gun safety to the youth in the community. Cobb County’s Safety Village believes that education is the key to reducing risk and protecting the public, teaching the importance of safety techniques, guidance on crime prevention, and, most importantly, gives residents hands-on learning experiences.

“At GLOCK, firearms safety is our #1 priority in order to increase awareness and educate those who own or handle firearms,” said Ainsley Connor, communications manager at GLOCK. “We are honored to be receiving the safety award and are proud to partner with an organization like Shoot Like A Girl and Safe LivinG, who share the same values as us in encouraging responsible gun ownership.”

With more than 37,000 pledges, GLOCK’s Follow the Four campaign encourages firearm safety and responsible gun handling and ownership. The campaign underlines the four primary rules of firearm safety:

Grey Man Tactical has released a new product, the Vehicle Rifle Rack – Rubber Clamps + 12.25 X 21 RMP. This mounting solution is designed to transport firearms and gear within a vehicle while providing optimal storage solutions. The compact design of the 12.25 X 21 RMP allows for a smaller profile than the previous 15.25 X 25 RMP Vehicle Rifle Rack Package. The updated RMP design allows rubber clamps to be mounted without the use of aluminum RMP Backer Plates, using integrated slots.

The Vehicle Rifle Rack – Rubber Clamps + 12.25 X 21 RMP is built to last and withstand the toughest conditions from everyday use. Rubber Clamps are designed to securely hold your firearm in place, preventing any shifting during transportation.

Grey Man Tactical seeks new ways to keep costs down, starting with this brand-new configuration with integrated slots to secure your gear. The product is available for purchase on their website for an MSRP of $124.99.

“We are thrilled to offer gun owners a reliable and secure way to transport their firearm in their vehicle,” said Grey Man Tactical CEO, Paul Capdepon. “The Vehicle Rifle Rack is an excellent solution for those who need to stow their firearm while driving, while also having quick access at a moment’s notice.”

The Vehicle Rifle Rack – Rubber Clamps + 12.25 X 21 RMP [Nut & Bolt] contents include:

When the competition heats up, and the fish are biting, the last thing a pro angler needs to worry about is whether or not their marine starting battery has enough power to last the day. Lithium Pros delivers tournament fishermen peace of mind with the power they can rely on all day. The new M31150-S 12V 150 Ah marine starting battery gives anglers all the juice they need on the water.

With an impressive 1500 Marine Crank Amps (eq), the M31150-S has the highest cranking power of any other battery in its class and will have no trouble starting all conventional outboard engines on the market. Just one of Lithium Pros’ M31150-S lithium-ion batteries holds as much power as two traditional 12V Group 31 AGM lead-acid batteries at just ¼ the weight and at ½ the space! 

The M31150-S features one of the most advanced, fully-integrated, digital internal battery management systems in the marine industry, safely housed in a lightweight box. This system continually monitors for over-temperature, over-current, under-current, and short-circuits. This automatically protects the battery from damage if any issues are detected, ensuring long battery life and trouble-free service.

Powered by high-power lithium-ion phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry and using only the best lithium-ion cells, you will not find more capacity in a battery that fits inside a standard Group 31 case. Featuring a whopping 360 minutes of reserve capacity, the M31150-S is designed for the competitive angler who refuses to compromise on reliability, power, or battery life. It is the starting battery Lithium Pros recommends for fresh and saltwater tournament fishing, and especially for those anglers who need to simultaneously run multiple 12 in. graphs and forward-facing sonar. Since it holds a higher voltage at discharge than traditional lead-acid batteries, fishermen no longer need to worry about their graphs resetting during an engine crank. Stay on track–and on the fish– all day long!

The M31150-S lithium-ion battery provides up to five times more cycle life with 80% DoD and recharges five times faster than traditional lead-acid batteries. Charging is easy and convenient since it can be used with any existing 12V AGM and gel battery-compatible charger, including those from Mercury*, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha. And, since lithium-ion batteries don’t contain toxic chemicals or emit harmful gasses, they’re a better choice for the environment. 

America’s Most-Loved Fisherman Bill Dance to Appear at 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville

Anglers will see major improvements across Tennessee lakes this spring as part of the new Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, just as thousands make their trek to Knoxville for the annual Bassmaster Classic beginning March 24. Often dubbed the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Classic brings anglers to Knoxville for the second time since 2019. Visitors can stop by the “Bill Dance Signature Lakes” booth at the Expo on Saturday, March 25 between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. for a chance to meet and greet the legendary fisherman, Bill Dance, who serves as the inspiration behind the Signature Lakes program.

Since the program was announced in December 2021, much work has taken place under the water in participating lakes, including the stocking of 935,000 fish in small lakes and 8.4 million fish in large reservoirs. Additional efforts are underway to improve habitat and fisheries management, as well as improved access for fishing and boating with new boat ramps, expanded parking, courtesy docks and fishing piers.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes is a collaborative effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to improve and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation and honor Dance’s legacy. The multi-agency partnership has committed more than $15 million to improvements — both above and below the water — at lakes bearing Tennessee icon Bill Dance’s stamp of approval.

Work at 14 lakes across Tennessee since 2020 includes:

The winning design captures the essence of what makes lever-action firearms so special.

Big Horn Armory (BHA), makers of big-bore firearms, is excited to announce the winner of its Lever Action T-Shirt Design Contest. The contest invited designers to submit their best designs for a lever-action-themed T-shirt, and after many submissions and an open voting period to the public, the winning design has been selected.

The winning design, submitted by Able Bratcher, captured the essence of what makes lever-action rifles so special. The T-shirt features a message that will appeal to big-bore lever-action enthusiasts as well as T-shirt collectors. Bratcher will receive the first edition of the T-shirt when it goes into print, along with a $500 gift certificate good for one year to use on any purchase from www.bighornarmory.com.

“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this contest. I am proud to be associated with a great American company,” commented Bratcher.

“We were blown away by the number of entries we received and the level of creativity each designer brought to the contest,” remarked Greg Buchel, President of Big Horn Armory. “The voters had a difficult decision to make, but we are thrilled with the design that Able submitted.”

As the 2023 spring turkey season in New Mexico approaches, hunters in the state can look forward to new hunting opportunities thanks in large part to years of conservation efforts to benefit the Gould’s wild turkey.

Last year’s delisting of the Gould’s wild turkey subspecies from the threatened and endangered species list in New Mexico was a significant achievement in conservation. After being on the list since 1974, the subspecies’ delisting demonstrates successful conservation management and preservation of the turkey population in the state.

Following a thorough assessment of the 2017 Gould’s recovery plan in New Mexico, the previously threatened subspecies has been successfully removed from the list. The decision was reached unanimously by the New Mexico State Game Commission, based on careful examination of habitat concerns, future habitat availability and management objectives outlined in the plan. One of the primary objectives was to maintain a population of 175 Gould’s wild turkeys; however, the numbers have consistently remained above that goal, with approximately 225 turkeys recorded over the past four years. It is worth noting that the counts exclude the populations of Gould’s turkeys that reside on private property, which are not included in the official count or management objectives.

For hunters, this restoration of Gould’s in New Mexico presents a rare opportunity to hunt for the subspecies. In the past, the New Mexico Game Commission issued only two conservation (enhancement) tags for Gould’s turkey, intended to generate maximum conservation funding for Gould’s conservation through raffles and auctions.

However, with the successful delisting of Gould’s turkeys, the state offered four additional once-in-a-lifetime public draw tags for hunting during the 2023 spring season (in hunt units 26-27), from May 1 to May 31. While the chances of drawing a tag for this hunt were relatively low (deadline to apply was Feb. 15), officials may adjust tag numbers in the future based on population responses to the newly added hunting pressure.