The calendar hanging above my desk, the one with the lush meadowland where struts an unbelievably handsome tom turkey, plainly is the work of the devil.
I know this because colorful blossoms spill from lush green trees that frame a babbling brook. I cannot precisely identify this place except to say it is not Colorado.
The banner on the calendar declares the month to be April, which causes me to further exclude my home state: No snow. No ice.
The date on which I make this observation is April 6, exactly five days before the opening of Colorado’s spring turkey-hunting season, an event seemingly destined for weather considerably less serene.
Forget for a moment the storm that a short few days ago blanketed Colorado’s turkey country, snow that will linger through the weekend and beyond.
Think instead about the rain and cold predicted to begin Saturday and last through Monday in the southern foothills, centerpiece for most of the state’s public hunting for the Merriam’s subspecies that attract most attention and, alas, frustration.
Hunters who have permits, and permission, for the Rio Grande birds that inhabit the prairie streams and canyon country of the eastern part of the state will enjoy a more reliable opening weekend.
The majority who push up onto the ridge lines and ponderosa country that provide most of the public access face more difficult prospects. Many simply will wait things out.
“I’m personally not a turkey hunter on snowshoes,” declared Jim Bulger, hunter outreach coordinator for the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
In addition to the fact that opening weekend conflicts directly with the celebration of Easter, Bulger must pinpoint the best opportunity for his educational outings with youth groups for whom he wishes the best beginning.
“I usually don’t hunt Merriam’s until we start getting close to May,” Bulger said.
Happily, the Colorado season lasts until May 24 in most zones that offer unlimited license, allowing ample time for hunters to play the weather and mating game. Consider this: from the lowest elevation where water courses depart the state to the upper reaches of the mountain birds measures more than a vertical mile. When one calculates all the potential variations, it’s little wonder turkey enthusiasts spend lots of time pondering weather reports.
C.J. Kausel, like Bulger a teacher and guide with his Hunt Smart Production, devotes as much energy to scouting as actual hunting. What he finds in the turkey-rich region around the Spanish Peaks southwest of Walsenburg are signs that birds finally are beginning to dissipate from their winter flocks, a sure sign mating instincts are taking hold.
“The toms are starting to beat on each other and are beginning to strut. Look for signs where the toms are making marks on the ground or in the snow with their wings.”
Whatever the weather, Kausel plans to be in the woods opening weekend.
“You never know what’s going to happen. When the weather starts to warm up, things can turn on immediately.”
Charlie Meyers: 303-954-1609 or cmeyers@denverpost.com
