Chasin After Bushy Tails

Small game in the big timber

The hunting season is usually started with the beginning of dove season but if you're eager to get in the woods then I'd recommend squirrel hunting. Yep, shooting a mess of squirrels can be a blast and will also get you some practice sneakin around in the timber. Getting into the woods in late August or early September could be a great way to scout around in new areas for your next deer or turkey hunt as well.
Squirrels can be pretty tasty if prepared right. I prefer to boil them for a while first to soften or tenderize the meat, then simpy roll them in a little flour and fry em up. A few biscuits and some gravy and you got yourself a fine meal.
We all hunted them as kids and I'll bet most of you havent hunted squirrels in years. Its a great way to get kids started in hunting and will probably remind you of few great memories you had when you were younger.
Small gauge shotguns or a .22 rifle can make for a challenging hunt, especially in big timber. Dont take for granted that its always easy in baggin a limit. Gray squirrels are very skiddish and they can make even the most seasoned woodsman look silly. Give it a try again. Ill bet you might just like it.
You can see an episode next season on the G3 Sportsman and we'll show you just how much fun squirrel hunting can be.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Tribute to the Crocodile Hunter

Not Jaws but still eerie!

With the recent passing of Steve Irwin (a.k.a. Crocodile Hunter), Im reminded of just how spooky it was handling this shark. Mind you now, it wasnt a huge one but about any shark can leave a mark if they bite you...or worse!
This, my first shark expedition, was in Southern Florida this past spring on a photo/video shoot for G3 Boats. Getting to tag along with our own staff adventure hunter Steve Matt was quite the experience. If its dangerous, he's in. He may not like it or wished he'd not volunteered afterwards but he'll finish the job. Sharks to him were childs play. Id never caught a shark before and (to say the least) never handled one so my curiosity level was quite high to do both.
The morning started early, no wait, REALLY early. At the dock to meet the guide, Mr. Angel Torres of Vicious Strikes Charters at 3:30 am! Exchanged pleasantries, then across the bay, in the darkness of a unfamiliar body of water. Just Stevie, me, and our G3 1860. Did I mention it was really dark?
Anyways, we reached our destination and the guide (who by the way was in a really BIG boat) handed Stevie and I two rods, a 3 pack of frozen mullet, and a chum bag. Thats it! Showed us how to bait up and demonstrated the proper technique of hanging the chum bag. (Stunk to high heaven) He then said "keep shakin the chum bag and a shark will be around shortly", then cranked his big Yamaha and said "we'll go scout for tarpon, call us when you get one on"...and left us! Alone! In the dark!
"What do we do if we get a big one hooked" Stevie asked. "Just hang on and keep an open bail, they can flip your boat over" our guide said as he was heading away into the darkness. "I dont like the sound of that" we both said simultaneously, but being the troopers we are, we stuck it out, but then, we had no other choice but to.
Its a spooky feeling being on a big body of water, at night, trying to hook a shark, so, I got out the video camera and began shooting our experience and possible demise.
Just after day break, Stevie hooked this particular shark and we definitely proved again, just how tough and reliable these G3 Boats really are. It all worked out great and no one got hurt
...including the shark.
It was quite the experience and if you love adventure, then I strongly recommend shark fishing. Here's our tribute to you Crocodile Hunter, may you rest in peace, though I doubt you do.
Dont forget to check us out on FSN Midwest at 8am Sundays for the G3 Sportsman.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman

Wait a second...what kinda doves are these?

What appears to be a "new" dove migrating its way into the Midwest is actually the Eurasion Collard Dove (aka Ringneck Dove). Named primarily due to the distinctive black band circling the back of their neck.
Apparently, these birds made their way from South America up to the islands south of the Florida Keys and southern Texas. The first sign of these doves was sometime in the 70's and were very popular for exotic bird watchers. They've since migrated their way north and seem to be more abundant in suburban areas. Unlike our mourning doves, they prefer the city life and rarely feed in grain fields. I know they've been in SE MO for a few years now because my Granddad used to complain that they were pigs at his bird feeders.
If they are in your area and look to bag some, you'll have to find a field very close to town in order to get a shot at one. They are opportunists and prefer bird feeders. Plus, check regulations in your state to see if they are actually legal to shoot.
They are however aggressive and legend has it they kill young mourning doves and take over the nest. Ive no concrete proof about this but have been told from eye witnesses of such encounters. I can say, that they are easy targets. They are not as fast of flyers as what we are used to doves being and they are much larger.
Anyways, on a recent trip back home to the MO Bootheel for opening day, I was long over due to visit with my family. It was fun getting to hunt with my brother (Van pictured), cousins Duke Turnage(Primos Prostaff), and his brother Richard. Those guys are used to seeing these birds and was no big deal to them, but for me, this was my first encounter and I can tell you that they are definitely a more handsome bird than their cousins. Not sure yet if they'll taste the same so I'll have to report on that later.

Scott Turnage/Host of the G3 Sportsman