TD: I used to think weather played a bigger part in it than it actually does. Over the years, I have been successful in everything from snow to high winds. Ideally, a crystal-clear morning with no wind, and temperatures in the mid-20s, is best. But I never let weather stop me from going out. Even if I don't hunt, I can look for signs.

One year, it snowed 9 inches opening day, so I drove the roads till I cut tracks. Once I figured out where they were going, I got in front of them and started calling real softly. That old longbeard ran in like he was late for supper.

G&F: Do you have a preference for early or late season?

TD: Not really. Most of the guys I take out really like early to mid-season because the toms are more vocal. But I think I've killed more birds later on, once the hens have started to nest.

G&F: Why is that?

TD: It almost seems like the gobblers get bored or lonely in the middle of the day when the hens have gone back into the thick stuff to lay eggs or sit on the nest. If you can find where the girls are, often the boys will be running around nearby.

If you can sound like a lost hen, you'll get the toms' attention every time. And they frequently come in quietly, so you need to be alert.

G&F: What time of day is best?

TD: Daytime. What I mean is, turkeys are doing something all day long. If you quit after the morning hunt, you're cheating yourself out of opportunities to learn about them, and maybe talk one into a situation where you'll get to squeeze the trigger.

G&F: Where's your personal favorite place to hunt?

TD: It's all good, really. Everywhere you go, we are seeing more turkeys. If I had to pick a spot this year, I would be torn between Borrego Mesa and Unit 52, up near Tres Piedras.

G&F: Why Unit 52?

TD: Because they've only recently opened that up to spring hunting. There is a good population, and the birds aren't as educated as in other spots, including Borrego Mesa.

The downside to 52 is that it's so far from anywhere.

THE "GOOD OLD DAYS" ARE NOW
Whether you choose an over-the-counter tag for an area like Borrego Mesa, or apply for a limited-entry hunt on one of the state wildlife areas, New Mexico's spring 2007 turkey season is set to be one of the best on record.

The "good old days" for bagging a New Mexico tom are happening right now, let's be sure they don't pass us by!