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RMEF/Lone
Pine Outfitters The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sponsored a fall turkey hunt for 3 PA matches, hosted by Big Brother Jerry Schickling and Lone Pine Outfitters. The event was attended by two matches from BBBS of Elk County and one match from BBBS of the Capital Region in Harrisburg. In addition, Wayne Carlton, world renowned turkey caller, spent the weekend with the matches, passing along his turkey hunting knowledge and showing the Bigs and Littles just how turkey calling is done. John Hafner from Jordan Outdoor Enterprises brought Realtree camouflage clothing for the matches, making sure the Littles were properly outfitted for the hunt. For all three of the Littles, this hunt was their first fall turkey hunt. Little Chris from the BBBS of the Capital Region had shot is first deer two weeks before and Littles Tim and Justin from the BBBS of Elk County agency had hunted deer before also. The hunt started with a calling seminar given by Wayne in St. Marys. A good crowd of over 60 folks marveled at Wayne's calling expertise and enjoyed his stories and videos. The seminar served as a great warm up for a fun-filled hunt. The matches arose well before it even thought about getting bright out the next morning, and wolfed down a hearty breakfast prepared by Jerry. Then it was off to the woods in search of the elusive fall turkey. While lots of sign was seen that morning, and one match had a turkey coming towards them, none were seen. The afternoon hunt proved no more successful, but everyone enjoyed the time in the woods with good companions, and the stories that were told around the table at deer camp later in the evening. The group of hunters was welcomed to several camps throughout the weekend, with everyone more than willing to help the Littles on their quest for a fall turkey. As a compliment to the Littles and their Bigs, they were invited back by each camp visited! The next days hunt came close to bagging some birds. Little Tim and his Big Brother Carl Loeffler had two toms in range, but something spooked them and they were off and running before a good shot could be made. That afternoon, a similar occurrence happened to Realtree's John Hafner and Little Justin as a flock of about 20 birds was making its way through the woods towards their position. But before they got within range, something spooked them and the flew to safer ground. BBBS wishes to thank Bigs Carl Loeffler, Clyde Buttery and Lonie Bender for taking time from their busy schedules to take their Littles on a hunt that will be long remembered. Jerry Schickling from Lone Pine Outfitters was fantastic in making sure that everyone was comfortable and had opportunities for birds. John Hafner of Realtree gets a big thanks for outfitting the Bigs and Littles and helping to call for the matches. A big thanks also goes to Wayne Carlton for providing each of the Littles with box calls and pushbutton calls and showing them how to use them effectively in the field. And last, but not least, thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for all they do to Pass It On! The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sent their production crew along for the hunt, so there's a real possibility that you'll see these guys in an Elk Country Journal show on the Outdoor Life Network next year!
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