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Find maps, boundary descriptions and the percent public land for the Indigo Unit.
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Find maps, boundary descriptions and the percent public land for the Santiam Unit.
![Elk in the Santiam Unit](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2213_spring_elk_robinson_odfw.jpg?itok=a-tPUlaB)
Wild turkeys can be eaten either fresh or aged. It all comes down to personal preference, and there are adherents on both sides. Why and how to age a turkey Aging is a process by which changes in muscle enzymes tenderize the meat, and concentrate the flavor. Many hunters prefer to age their meat – both big game and game birds. Others adhere to the motto “fresh birds are the best birds.” Aging is particularly helpful in tenderizing the meat of older toms. If you choose to age your bird, here are some tips: Wild turkey can be aged right
![image of a cook in the kitchen preparing turkey meat](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Caring%20for%20the%20meat_NWTF.jpg?itok=EoiaPWrc)
Find maps, boundary descriptions and the percent public lands for the Desolation Unit.
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![Wildflowers in bloom on Minam area uplands](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-11/Flower-Minam%20uplands%20-%20Dave%20Jensen.png?itok=ay5gqUz7)
Three Rivers Archery Park, Memorial Lane (located at the intersection of Coach road and Memorial
![Archery Workshop](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-05/April_EE_Wilson_Archery_Range_swingle_odfw_2.jpg?itok=-O0uCKIN)
ODFW EE Wilson Wildlife Area, 29555 Camp Adair Rd, Monmouth, OR, 97361
![Archery Workshop](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-05/April_EE_Wilson_Archery_Range_swingle_odfw_2.jpg?itok=-O0uCKIN)
![Two anglers ice fishing on Diamond Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-01/Ice%20fishing_Diamond%20Lake.jpg?itok=l9Gp2nO2)
The granite peaks of Oregon’s Blue and Wallowa Mountains form the backdrop for many of this zone’s glacier-carved lakes and crystalline streams. Bull trout thrive in this zone’s cold, clear rivers, which also sustain whitefish and rainbow trout, and welcome returning runs of hatchery-reared steelhead. Chinook salmon travel over 300 miles up the Columbia to spawn in rivers such as the Imnaha and Wallowa. Warmwater fisheries are few, but the John Day River offers world-class fishing for smallmouth bass.
![Mule deer does](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-03/6923_mule_does_on_alert_munsel.jpg?itok=Fjxla5Ua)
![Angler fighting a fish from the boat](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-07/B10FishOnBillMonroe.jpg?itok=LaQEw6YM)
For hunters, spring marks the beginning of the “turkey year” so let’s trace turkey activity through the year beginning in the spring. Spring nesting season The peak of the breeding season has already passed by the time the spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. Toms will breed with multiple hens throughout the spring and early summer. As the eggs develop, the hen will build a ground nest in a place with good cover and close to good brood habitat, which is normally an opening in the forest cover. Once she starts laying eggs, a hen will lay one egg
![image of a hen turkey surrounded by young turkey poults](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Hen%20turkey%20with%20poults-NWTF.jpg?itok=gP-Wcke2)
After the shot, don ’t take your eyes off the turkey. Quickly and safely get to the downed bird to make sure it’s dead, or to take a second shot if it’s not. Turkeys are high-strung birds that can move quickly. A lot can happen between when you take a shot and when your bullet or arrow hits the bird that can lead to a wounded bird. You’ll want to be ready to take a second before the bird can run or fly away. Follow up for shotgun hunters When turkey hunting with a shotgun, keep the gun in a
![image of turkey hunter taking aim at a turkey](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Timing-your-shot-NWTF.jpg?itok=xB-oaruG)
![using hemostats to remove hook from fish's mouth](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2021-07/unhookin%20fish.jpg?itok=4_oq1i45)