Larry Fields and Jack Jacobsen and the
Rio Grande Gobblers
by Cate Cook

Turkey hunting is a sport unto itself, a different world altogether from big game, but every bit as challenging. As Thermopolis hunter, Larry Fields points out, it is a whole lot easier to pack out the trophy!
Fields and hunting partner Jack Jacobsen of Worland hunt the southern Big Horn Basin; both have twice drawn turkey tags, with both hunts successful for both hunters. In the Spring of 2005, the pair was hunting the Hyattville area on opening day, enduring a nasty day of wind and blowing snow. Not surprising, turkeys were not very interested in answering their calls. After some time scouting, the team noted where the birds went to roost for the night, and made a plan for the following day. Early in the morning, Larry and Jack had decoys up and immediately called in some large Rio Grandes. And just after 7 am, there were a pair of nice Rio’s on the ground, not 5 feet apart. Jacobsen had his tail fan mounted by Wildlife Creations in Worland, a lasting reminder of their second successful hunt. And without a draw for last Spring, he hunted in the Moorcroft area for a Merriam turkey. Eventually, Jacobsen hopes to bag each of the North American turkeys.

Larry has an antelope tag this season, but has pretty much traded in his rifle for “stick and string,” finding after a lifetime of hunting across Wyoming and Alaska, that the trip is as rewarding as actually taking game. Both hunters are members of the Riverbottom Gobblers, the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

NWFT

The Rio Grande turkey was planted in the Big Horn Basin about a decade back, and today, after 5 years of hunting, 75 permits come up each year to take the wily big bird. Jack Jacobsen has been lucky enough to draw two tags, both times bringing home a dandy specimen. His experience only strengthens his commitment to the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and their efforts to increase turkey hunting opportunities and habitat in Wyoming. The Riverbottom Gobblers are one of 13 local chapters statewide, having been active in the southern Big Horn basin (Worland) for 3 years. Jacobsen proudly points out that in that time, the group has returned $8500 to local habitat and conservation projects; the NWTF is well known for spending such funds wisely and investing it locally.
A popular event recently took place in Worland that provided learning opportunities for young sportsmen and women through the organization’s “JAKES” program. The JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) gave 42 7-15 year olds the chance to try canoeing, trapping, fly-fishing, muzzleloader and trap shooting, and archery, with 28 instructors coming from as far as Cody to take part. The chapter now has 72 kids enrolled in the JAKES program, future hunters and sportsmen that are learning early how to enjoy and preserve our great outdoor heritage.

The groups fundraising banquet takes place each March, and the “Women in the Outdoors” (WITO) events are popular happenings that even many non-hunting wives look forward to. The annual affair includes Dutch oven cooking, dried flower collection and arranging, GPS, and countless other intriguing activities, and includes such hunting experiences as trapshooting and archery. As Jacobsen points out, this clearly is not just a group of old guys in camo!

One of the most rewarding efforts the Riverbottom Gobblers take part in is the “Turkey Hunters Care program,” a national fundraiser done each Thanksgiving, in which chapters buy turkeys through their local food stores and donate them to local food banks. Jacobsen states that the Riverbottom Gobblers donated 70 turkeys last year, the first year they took part, and have plans to increase that donation this year.
This is truly a group that takes a philosophy of game conservation and habitat preservation to everyone, putting dollars and a giving spirit on the ground in Wyoming.

If you are interested in joining the effort, there is a lot of information, including state and local chapter details, at http://www.nwtf.org

NEXT PAGE>