It's been a busy and successful turkey hunting season for Melissa, and she has bagged several birds. However, the true highlight of her season has been a turkey hunt with her young son. Melissa says she and her husband recently took their 3-year-old son, Jax, turkey hunting and he was able to fill his first tag. Although he is young, Melissa notes that he is very enthralled with the outdoors, has a deep passion and excitement for hunting already and had a real desire to get out and turkey hunt this spring. In order to make that happen, Melissa says they spent a lot of time practicing and preparing him for the hunt to make sure he would be capable. First they picked up an old .410 shotgun and customized it to fit his small stature. Then they set the shotgun up on a BOG-POD in their living room and played turkey videos on the television so he could practice following the turkey with the gun. A red dot was mounted on top to make it easier for him to aim, something Melissa suggests for any young or new shooters. In addition, she notes they practiced with him outside on his BB gun and then worked into practicing with his shotgun in realistic scenarios with decoys. When the big hunt finally went down, they were able to call in a lone gobbler, get Jax setup on his shotgun and then step back and let him put his practice to work. Ultimately, Jax was able to drop his first turkey at 15-yards, all on his own. Although she has been on a lot of hunts over the years, Melissa says this one tops them all and viewers will be able to see it during season 11 of Winchester Deadly Passion.
Although the majority of hunting seasons are over until fall, Melissa talks about one of the best summer hunts available that most people have never tried. Alligator hunting is one of Melissa's favorite things to do as it allows you to chase big game during the middle of summer and beat the heat and hunt at night. It also is more social which allows the hunter to talk and have fun with friends. To hunt alligators, Melissa says the lights are turned off and baby alligator distress calls are made. These distress calls bring in females looking to defend or help the babies, but they also bring in males who want to kill them. Calling can be very effective and because alligators are more active at night, it can set the stage for an incredible hunt. Melissa discusses the gear needed to bowhunt alligators, she also talks about how to prepare and cook alligator meat for a delicious meal.
Be sure to watch "Winchester Deadly Passion" on Sportsman Channel, Sundays at 11:30 am ET and anytime on MyOutdoorTV.
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