SPORTS

Think safety. Be careful. There will be another day

Well, here we are heading toward the end of March. In fact, by the time we get another edition of The NewsStar, April will be upon us. Where has this year gone?

Now it looks like we might experience a little dry spell. Please pay attention to our agriculture community as this year's crop starts to get planted. A lot of today's agricultural equipment is big, really huge and expensive. When encountering this equipment on the road, please be just a little courteous. Give them a little room. Everybody will get to where you're headed quicker.

Turkey season opened this weekend for most people. My foot is still swoll up so bad I can't get any normal footwear on, let alone a pair of rubber knee boots. What little bit I've been in the woods there seems to be an abundance of standing water. As much trouble as I've had with this foot, and as well as it seems to be getting better, I don't want to get it infected with some kind of "swamp water." I might get adventurous and ride the Mule over to "the woods" and get out on a high place. My daddy owns property which might near join the Sicily Island WMA. Twenty or 30 years ago there were so many turkeys on this WMA that captured turkeys were used to "stock" other areas. I don't think it's worthwhile now to even go out there. I just don't know what happened to all the birds that were there and on adjoining properties.

Once again, don't shoot at something white. Please don't shoot just at something white. I just literally near have a spell when a group of people telling the "Big" tales of a turkey hunt say, "The turkey took a tree on me and the next time I saw that white head, I shot 'im." Remember there are lots of white things in the woods on any given day, and most of them are on somebody or stuck in somebody's pocket: paper towels, handkerchiefs, T-shirts, an old tin containing diaphragm calls, and just a sluice of other light-colored things. A legal turkey in Louisiana must have one or more beards, but remember it is illegal to shoot a bearded hen. People being shot during turkey season should be a criminal offense. We will all be camouflaged to the hilt. Most of us will probably be sitting down, hopefully calling, and probably will have been "hid" for quite some time, if and when the "shot" occurs. Think safety. Be careful. Be aware of where your buddy is. There will be another day.

Again, do not allow a loaded shotgun on a moving vehicle. You are an accident looking for a place to happen. I shouldn't have to remind anyone that the woods, except maybe some hill country, will be full of water. This will necessitate two things for a Saturday morning hunter: a good pair of rubber boots and a ThermAcell. This modern marvel is just a must while sittin' and callin.' And if you are up against a tree with a hunting partner, the device can be positioned between the two of you to keep most insects away. As you know, it has been raining and the mosquitoes are plentiful. A turkey has a poor sense of smell. Carry a common black plastic garbage bag to sit on the damp ground. Tell someone where you intend to hunt and with whom. Shoot your shotgun before hunting with the choke and shot size you intend to hunt with.

Don't forget to take a youngster with you when you go to your camp. Learn them how to do things. Build a big fire, cook some really good grub, enjoy the weekend. Sitting around a fire, talking and telling tales with young ones is a fine way to pass the time and helps the youngster become a fine hunting buddy.

With the warmer weather upon us, many people will get their boats out. Before you hit the road, look at and inspect your boat trailer. An old dry-rotted nylon tire won't get you far, and without an extra tire, you're busted. Check your wheel bearings or have them checked and packed. Look at the springs on the axle. New springs are not that expensive.

Don't forget about the 2015 NRA Annual Membership Meetings and Exhibits coming up April 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee. I urge anyone who believes in the U.S. Constitution, especially in the Bill of Rights, anyone who has and wants to keep firearms to seriously consider attending this annual event. It is a great weekend full of events that your entire family can enjoy. Visit NRA's website for the weekend events: www.nrsam.org. If you are not a member of the NRA, by all means, consider joining. It is one organization that continues to "fight the good fight" to protect all Constitutional rights for all of us.

If you get a chance, take a kid hunting or fishing. For that matter, take anyone. One doesn't have to kill to enjoy our outdoors. Some of the best friends and meals are made "at the camp."

Richard Price writes a weekly outdoor column. Contact him at mrcattle@hughes.net