Hunting couples are increasingly popular on outdoor TV because they are of interest to men and women. Like going dancing or a day at the big game, it’s just more fun for guys and gals to spend quality time together.

SD Turkey 2016 2 381

Emily, shown above, works for Hornady as a marketing associate. She attended our annual turkey camp in South Dakota with her boss, Neal. She had never killed a wild turkey and since Hornady offers a line of magnum turkey loads, was anxious to add the accomplishment to her resume. The first morning out, Emily and Neal teamed up with their host, Ken Byers, who fanned a mature gobbler to 25 yards. The hunt was as thrilling as she had imagined, and she offered to pose for several photos as well as suggest the one just above, which may well make Hornady’s catalog next year.

SD Turkey 2016 2 327

For all male hunters out there, turkey hunting is an ideal way to introduce your special lady to the outdoors, for a number of reasons.

• First, almost everyone eats turkey and there’s no Bambi stigma to deal with.
• Secondly, the weather is often much milder than deer season, and the emergence of spring is one of the most pleasing times of the year to be in the woods.
• Turkey populations are very strong across the nation and you can have a few giggles about how the males are now expendable, since their mating duties have been completed by opening day.
• Turkey hunting is interactive and involves specific strategies and calling techniques that are easy to use and learn.
• Shotgun loads and guns can be tailored to the physical size and requirements of your partner. A 20-gauge is plenty of power for a spring gobbler if you’re patient and allow the bird to approach.
• Finally, turkey hunting is fun. Get up before dawn and listen to birds gobble from the roost. If you have kids to put on the school bus, mid-morning and afternoon can be equally effective times to score. Turkeys appear to be ugly birds at a distance, yet once examined up close, they are truly beautiful. Now they can take their place in nature — right next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.