David_Weatherly's Blog

I love the outdoors. When I was a kid I spent most of my days wondering and exploring the fields and woods around my home. As I got older, my time in nature usually involved hiking, hunting or fishing. I wasn’t much of a hunter though, in fact, hunting was really just an excuse to spend time watching and listening to the world around me. It’s amazing what you can see and hear when you are quiet and still for a long time in the woods.

One thing I never saw, and only recall hearing once, was a wild turkey. Back in the 60's and 70’s there just weren’t very many in North Carolina or anywhere else. The majestic bird, that almost became our national symbol, was nearly gone from its native land. Today I see and hear turkeys everywhere in my travels. It’s always a thrill. The wild turkey has made a dramatic come back. Why? The answer might surprise some. It’s mainly because of Hunters. That’s right. When you see a wild turkey, it’s in large part, thanks to the same group of folks who enjoy getting the birds in their gun sight and putting them on the dinner table.

For decades the National Wild Turkey Federation has done a tremendous job of education, conservation, replenishment and management. Today we are seeing the benefits of their work. Greg Longuillo will testify to that.

 He is an avid turkey hunter and member of the NWTF. It’s Greg and his two kids, Jacob and Rose, who are the real reasons for my post here.

 The kids have grown up with a dad who loves to hunt. Greg is glad that turkeys are now so plentiful, but plentiful does not mean hunting them is easy. Hunting turkey takes a special skill. You need to speak the language. You know, talk turkey. Using a variety of specialized devices, known as turkey calls, the hunter must lure in his prey within range. Trust me it’s not easy. The birds have almost bionic hearing and x-ray vision. 

Greg has a business making turkey calls. His designs have won quite a few national awards. Both kids are accomplished turkey callers and have a stack of trophies and ribbons to prove it. 

The biggest competitions always surround the NWTF National convention. This year, as usual, Greg entered several of his calls in the call making contest. Eight-year-old son Jacob entered one of his own. To everyone’s surprise it was Jake’s call that took top honors. On his first attempt, the little call he made, brought home the grand champion medal.

It’s great to know there is another generation interested in the outdoors. Hopefully, the Longuillos and others will continue the efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation. By doing so, all of us will be able to enjoy the thrill of seeing or hearing one of nature’s most beautiful creatures.   Click here to see the story we did on the family.