Junior Hunting Stories

Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve Spring Youth Turkey Hunt
April 4-5, 2009

Well with the rain this past weekend in Santa Clara county marks the end of two completely different turkey hunts at Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve owned by the Department of Fish and Game and co-managed by the California Deer Association. This years youth hunt brought 10 young hunters during two hunts in the month of April.

Both events started on Saturday morning at the cabin with Jeannine Dewald (DFG), Ron Martin (National Turkey Federation) and Steve Fortino (Hunter Safety Instructor) introducing the parents and kids to the ranch, turkeys and above all hunter safety. Both weekends had some cool weather and thankfully no rain.

The first weekend defined the true meaning of the word hunting as all hunters got “skunked”. Only one group got a shot off but all guides reported that the “birds” just would not come in. Each youth hunter is setup with a guide that is familiar with the property and typically a driver to “chauffeur” them around. The first hunt was cut short and they did not get to hunt on Sunday.

The second hunt was a little more prosperous. Guide Lee Kirk took out Nimrit, a 15 year old girl from the Central Valley on her first turkey hunt. Of course there was no pressure to bag a bird as we also sent a photographer from the local paper out with them…….20 minutes later she bagged a nice tom and the radio crackled….”Dad…I got one!”

The next bird to come in was taken by Guide Matt Scarcella and Chad, a 10 year old young man from the bay area. Matt’s expert calling brought in a beautiful tom, but not quickly. Matt said it took almost two hours to locate and bring him in. They were set up in a blind at the base of canyon just below a pond (known as Turkey Pond – go figure). Chad had to be patient, but patience paid off with a 7 inch beard and 1 inch spurs.

The third bird to come in was another tom guided by master guide, Ron Martin and taken by Mark. This was the second bird they called in. The first was a little too cautious and would not get to close to the group. “Every time I called, he stepped one step in the other direction!” said Ron. But persistence paid off with a move and locating a second bird about 20 minutes before the day ended at 4:00 pm. Hiding behind some brush and trees they were able to call it in and take a deadly shot!

Two other hunters were left. One group spent the night with their guide Al and driver Les at the cabin…..

Davino and I had a wonderful experience hunting with Al. Al is the man!!! Al has a great amount of knowledge and shared so much.  He is such a great guy. I cannot compliment him enough. We learned so much and now we are hooked on Turkey hunting. Also, we are so glad that we were able to spend the night and hunt both days. We did some real hunting and it was great.  A lot of cool things happened while we were out there. This is a hunting trip that Davino and I will never forget. Also please thank Les for us.  He is a really great guy. He was an awesome driver. He always knew right when to push in the clutch cutting the engine and killing the noise. Thank you again for this great opportunity and memory,

Unfortunately our last hunter, Tommy,  spent both days trying for a bird. They got to see plenty but could never get them close enough to take. The abundance of wildlife was reported by all hunters – deer, pigs, quail, mountain lion, bob cat, red tailed hawk with a snake, turtles, snakes, and the list goes on. All in all 4 birds were taken out of a possible 10.

Many thanks go out to the parents for taking the time to allow their kids to experience the Cañada de los Osos Ecological Reserve. A special thanks to Jeannine Dewald with the Department of Fish and Game for organizing all of the applications. Also thanks to the guides and drivers, Matt Scarcella, Al Nelson, Lee Kirk, Ron Martin, Chuck Walston, Jeff Amstutuz, Jeff  Floersch, Todd Morrell, Marc Mantelli, Brian Eslick, Jerrod Pehle, Gary Hill, Brett Fullington, Henry Coletto, John Marfia, Steve Balbo, Mark Madlena, and Les Dixon.

The turkeys found on the reserve were relocated from Texas in 1978. During the early 1980's several hundred turkeys were live-trapped on the ranch by Fish and Game wildlife biologist Don Pine and others for relocation to other sites in central California. These relocations were the beginning of thriving turkey populations on both private and public lands.

The ecological Reserve was purchased in 2000 by the Department of Fish and Game. It has been set up for youth outdoor education events, with CDA partnering with Fish and Game to manage the area. CDA is helping to put on a variety of youth events, and is providing funds for habitat restoration, research, and outdoor education programs.

Al and Davino

Nimrit - nice camo!

How about a bigger smile, Chad?

This says it all!