The Philosophy of Turkey Hunting With Michael Waddell | The Advantage

[@realtree]

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the new episodes of The Advantage. Thanks for watching The Advantage! Hopefully everyone can take something from these videos. Between now and February 28th, we will release a new video each night with Michael.

[@kevinburnett3862]

Wow. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a more heartfelt love toward not just the wild turkey but a way of life. Michale Waddell , Dave Owens , Phillip Culpepper are all carrying the torch of the wild turkey conservation just at those in the past Michael spoke of. I have had some of my best memories in the turkey blind with my kids growing up I will never forget. Thank you very much for this. 🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻🦃

[@lucasheintzelman4543]

My favorite part of turkey hunting is the daylight cracking on the horizon, long beards gobbling on the roost, and the woods coming alive! That special part of the day just does something to me I can't really explain!

[@mikesanders4012]

Quiet woods , creeks & fields are all worth the work it takes .... bless the Turkey's

[@joshuaknicely8172]

I've used turkey hunting to heal from a injury/surgery. To introduce hunting to my children. To spend time with my brother.Simply to sit back at 530 in the morning for self reflection,and self discussion of what decisions I need to make.All of the above.well done Mr waddell

[@molonlabe9785]

Wow. What more CAN be said? Waddy, you basically took our innermost emotions for turkey hunting and put it into words perfectly. Thank you for all you do and have done for us and the hunting industry to keep these passions and traditions alive!

[@drk8919]

Thank you! I wish more people understood that most hunters love animals every day of the year, not just those few days when we can pursue and harvest.

[@wesmckinney4915]

Turkey hunting does mean a lot to me. One of my most favorite pictures is of me and my grandpa coming back from hunting. He has a diaphragm call hanging out his mouth, his taped up Remington 870, and me probably 7 or so, riding on his back and granny snapped a picture of us. I’ll never forget those days with him. I hope to share those with my children as well

[@deweyknight9093]

Thank you for the great truth you spoke here, it's not the kill it's the experience of the hunt whether with friends, family or by yourself. Just being outdoors.

[@johnyhawgleg]

The things I love about hunting in general, not just turkey hunting. Is getting out there with my buddy and breathing the cool crisp morning air. Watching the fog lift and move across the fields. Hearing all the chatter from the critters, even that damn squirrel that’s yelling at me for being around their tree or cash of food. Watching them mommas teaching their babies how to do things and what to be watching and listening for. Gnawing on a hunk of jerky from the past harvest or the corner store with my buddy. I’m hoping that my daughter that I’m bringing out with me this year gets the same feelings from it and loves all the experiences and excitement involved with this fine sport of hunting. Thank you, Michael Waddell for everything you do for the sport and the new/next generation of sportsmen.

[@Hooiser2142]

You said it . I've never been able to explain why I live for this. And most people will never understand. I tell my daughter I hunt turkey because I love them. And taking an old tom is a spiritual event. I always take time to pay respect to this wonderful animal.

[@burthorton1867]

Michael, this is the best video I have ever watched on KZbin on turkey hunting. I grew up outdoors but only fished for bass until I was in my late 20's. I killed my first deer at 27 and didn't get my first Eastern turkey until I was 30. When I took the approach of not only blending in but actually taking on the mindset of a turkey, that was the game changer. Turkey hunting has definitely made me a better deer hunter and deer hunting has helped me become a better turkey hunter. Everything you said was 100 percent spot on.

[@shelbyesters5732]

Very well said. I've enjoyed watching you while I grew up. I'm 28 now. I have a hard time expressing what turkey hunting means to me to someone else. You summed it up pretty well in the closing segment. Some days I'm focused on getting one. Some days I just want to be alone in nature and what God's created to reset. Some days i need to grieve, pray, meditate. I've had some of the best conversations in my life in the woods. Sometimes with friends and sometimes with myself and the good lord. Then soon after hear a turkey hammer off. Something about it brings peace to my soul.

[@davidzellers3537]

Wow that was deep and awesome. Thank God for people like you Michael Waddell! The wild turkey is a precious bird and I wish everyone had your heart for these birds.

[@cwsspot]

This was my first year out in the turkey woods. At 41 I ran all over the SC WMAs lookin for any sign I could find at all. Only time I seen a turkey was in my truck on the way out. 😂 I still had the most fun I've had in years. And now I can't wait to get back in the woods whenever I get back home, won't be till after season ends but I hope to have a better understanding of the public lands I have near me before next turkey season or my first deer season. I am that 70hr a week guy you spoke of, might be gone for a month or longer at a time. But man, that time in the woods is all I'll think about till I get back in them.

[@martinvandoren1497]

Well said Michael! You have the ability to unite not divide. I like the I phone reference. Is having OnX on an I phone so you can walk 4 miles into an unknown place to hunt without a decoy, shoot a modern gun with a modern load and a high tech optic “the right way to kill a turkey”. As you say, if it’s legal then the individual gets to choose their way. Thanks for being a great spokesperson for our sport! I hope you have a great season.

[@brandondrane9710]

There are a lot of hunters out there who need to hear this and I mean sit down and watch the hole thing .. very well put waddy it's to bad more people don't look at hunting and life in general this way ... well put brother 🍻🍻🍻

[@mikejoyner3051]

Michael, thank you for laying out all there as you have. I learned a bit more about you, more than I ever had. I appreciate what you are trying to do for a different conversation we all need to have.

[@madisoncarver4619]

This is probably the best turkey hunting video I have ever watched. well done

[@stephenham6512]

Very well put! I tell my wife, friends, and kids this all the time and still noone understands why turkey hunting and turkeys in general is my absolute favorite. It's a passion like no other. I never measure the success of a day on a harvest or not. To me it's all about the memories and knowledge we gain as woodsman and sportsman. A harvest is an added bonus to a hard day's work.

[@StrutterOutdoors]

Waddell is one of my idols. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for this sport. I’m still young, but I have started finding great joy in sharing my passion with someone who is new to turkey hunting. Filling your own tags never gets old, but there is something so special about seeing someone get that rush for the first time. Turkey hunting for me has become my stress relief, and knowing, that for a month in the spring, I get to do it can get me through the lowest of lows

[@blakeroberts7092]

Very well put. For me it's about knowing we only get so many spring seasons to chase gobblers and pick morels with family and friends. I sure do miss the woods walks with my pap, but am very blessed to still hunt with my dad and other close friends. I look forward to passing down the traditions and old box calls to my children one day.

[@nancyhalbert9795]

I love hunting with my son. He has hunted with his mom since he was little. He has become one of the best and I am so proud.

[@bellyfullofbadberries502]

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:21

[@samuelberryhill2804]

Amen brother

[@kevinkerr2876]

SPOT ON

[@leemartin9579]

Absolutely

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I love being in the woods before daylight, it gives me a chance to see the day awaken.

[@troycartrayvick]

Some of the best moments in this Daddy's life has been in the turkey woods with my kids.

[@mikehobbs7421]

The title alone with you behind the mic, I already knew I agreed 100% and that I couldn’t have said it better myself! You are the gold standard of what an outdoorsmen should strive to be like. Thank you waddy, cheers from Canada eh 🍻🇨🇦🦃👍

[@proprecisepropertyinspecti5937]

I watch a ton of you tube videos. Rarely…do I care or feel the need to comment. Your words touched me. What an awesome perspective. Well put. God bless brother.

[@kennykraus6340]

To me turkey hunting is the ultimate game. Well said Michael. It's a continuous learning process. Learned so much from you and Phillip.

[@BarrelRacing3478]

Turkey hunting is my world, it’s what keeps me going. I love to deer hunt, but nothing can compare. Michael, you’re one the greatest. I aspire to be as good as you!

[@bkauffman0390]

This was much deeper than I expected it to be. That's all great perspective Michael. I'm happy to know you prioritize family and put your phone up after 5 p.m. That's a great idea and something I'm going to consider. Turkey hunting to me has changed over the years. I'm only 33 but from my late teens and early twenties of wanting to kill every bird I saw, I now limit myself to one bird / spring... in PA even though the limit is 2. I also have made it a point to mainly hunt the state forest for big woods mountain turkeys that are tough to kill. Taking the camper up north and having four days off the first week of the season to slip around trying to get a mountain bird is a blast,. I was successful last year but that's not common. For me it's about the sights and .sounds and smells of that spring woods, that the good Lord provided for us to enjoy. I can get pretty emotional about my turkey hunting.

[@richierich3053]

What a breath of fresh air listening to this it brought a tear to my eye listening to you speak with such passion about what drives alot of us to get out and enjoy mother nature. I couldn't agree more with you I got 1st period here in WI and cant wait to get out in those spring woods and hopefully get a bird but also just to get out of the city and breath that fresh air and just sit up against a tree and take it all in for a couple days. God bless you and your family Mike thankyou so much for your thoughts and inspiration on what makes us hunters tick.

[@misterwhymer4473]

Mr. Waddell.. you keep your fingers on the pulse of the hunting culture and know how to speak to all levels of understanding involved in the sport. This is good stuff

[@joeyheinrich4175]

Ol waddy I’ve been watching you since I was little. Thank you for what you have done for this industry. Turkey hunting sets such a spark in so many people it’s one of gods gifts! You’re awesome man thank you for the words of wisdom

[@kennethlangford5797]

That's what it's all about Waddy. I love the tube I don't think any TV network would air a podcast like this. You said it all man. I love turkey hunting cuz it just ain't right not to.

[@kevinhines2588]

Fantastic video! I’m 44 and this has been my first season turkey hunting. I’ve killed many deer, rabbits, squirrels, and all kinds of game. My first turkey gave me an adrenaline rush like no other! This video resonated with a beginner so I’m sure it did the same with seasoned guys. God bless and safe hunting bud!

[@craig10ize]

It was a pleasure to meet you at the Dixie Deer Classic. Great video I too enjoy turkey interaction. When I was young there were no turkeys around, great conservation story. Two weeks until season starts.

[@tjrudolph5508]

Turkey hunting means alot to me because growing up in CA my dad and I only hunted deer and pigs so turkeys were my first introduction to calling and I was hooked when I shot my first bird here in MT. I feel turkey hunting has made me a better and more patient elk hunter as well so I will always have the upmost respect for turkey hunting. So much fun and blessed to be able to chase them. Also when is waddy gonna come hunt some birds here in montana?!

[@miller2478]

Well said Michael!! One of the most well thought out videos I’ve heard in a long time. Thanks for being yourself. 🦃🦃

[@dustincathcart2089]

How does this not have a million likes? Well said sir. Learning the woods is far more of a hunt than any hunt I've ever been on.

[@johnanderson3405]

Absolutely the most heartfelt message I’ve seen on KZbin. The spring gobbler season is my favorite part of the year by far. Spending time in the spring woods is the most calming, relaxing time I have ever had. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful message with us. ❤

[@Hmongvaajok]

Great philosophy means a lot to me. I’ve been through alot in life and more struggles yet to come. Your hunting tips and stories have helped me through some tough days thanks.

[@WeberHerbisonUA]

Awesome stuff. I will share this video 1,000 times. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks Michael and Realtree for promoting unity among hunters and celebrating the sport we all love.

[@jeffroever6153]

Great video, thank you for continuing to promote our great outdoor lifestyle !!! Love me some, Michael Waddell !!!

[@reedmitchell6716]

Have watched you from the beginning grow into one of the Best Turkey ever. More importantly become a Good Father,Husband and a Man of God. May the Lord continue to Bless You.

[@JCTOutdoors]

I haven't developed what turkey hunting is for me yet but I can't say that this year I finally killed my first turkey after 7 years of trying i been deer hunting since I was 8 or 9 and I'm 23 now and my dad doesn't know how to teach me so I trying to figure it out by myself and I heard somewhere that ol long beard is the best teacher you can have so I learning as much as I can online and taking it to the woods and with good lords help help me get good at enough to be a good turkey hunter for I can teach my kids and even my dad how to Hunt turkeys for they can get them a bird and maybe help their kids or any one how to kill turkeys

[@buckohara]

Replace the word "hunt" with "live" and this becomes philosophy that would make the world a better place outside of the turkey world. Thanks Michael, I've learned a lot about turkey from you and appreciate your approach. This video should be rated E for everyone.

[@dillonscruggs9828]

Micheal your my role model for hunting love the way you serve god and the wildlife us as hunters love these animals more than any I’m 23 and this year me and my wife got some land and a home I’ve learned so much from you brotha

[@richardantonelli7746]

Mike you are a great inspiration to me. I have watched all your videos for many many years. All of you have brought many lessons to many people. Thank you all God bless.

[@marcusjennings7616]

Michael you are so genuine, I really appreciate that about you.

[@charliemcabee4123]

Have me chillbumps !!! Can't wait for March 25th here in Alabama. Bless you Michael for all you do and share

[@patrickdupree6742]

You NAILED it!!! Good job!

[@roberttownsend6067]

The thrill not the kill. I consider it a successful hunt if a Tom response to my call. Being there. Great video! ❤️🦃

[@jameszee7585]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Very educational and thought provoking. I too love to hunt turkeys. But will admit I have not taken the time to learn the aspects of it that you have. Greatly appreciated.

[@nelsonchandler1015]

awesome job !! i been turkey hunting since the early 1980s never gets old . mostly love the time spent in the woods by myself and some how most ever year tagged out . thank you for all you do !!

[@jakemcnutt7712]

Man I absolutely loved this!!! Me and my daughter are huge fans of ole Waddie and love turkey hunting!!! Thanks for this!!!🤙🏽😜🦃

[@joemiller8965]

Very well said Michael! Thanks for everything you do for the outdoor world.

[@kevingroom6173]

So spot on at the 1240 mark… I’m a landowner in Ohio and our numbers were down the last couple years. I chose not to take a bird the last 3 years on the farm because the numbers were not good. I love my turkeys more than anything, and will do anything to preserve the flock. I felt good about doing this in the end. 2023 the numbers look awesome, and I finally harvested a nice Tom.

[@Ryboneoutfitters]

This was deep! A lot of people needed to hear this Mr waddy!

[@TTT-du6oj]

Masterclass here fellas, Wow, Turkey hunting gets in our blood deep and can become a part of a lifelong lesson that goes far beyond the hunt to help us become better men and women 🤙

[@derrickhoward9156]

Well said Mr Waddell

[@nickolaspeden5879]

This is deep and I believe every true turkey hunter can relate to this video. Thanks for this!

[@brandonthalacker5316]

Thanks Michael. Love it 🦃

[@jeffchambers1383]

He definitely has a way with words!

[@cameronbragg3612]

Man waddy you nailed it !! 👏 what else can be said turkey hunting is my favorite!!

[@michaelgreen6788]

Your right I like watching your videos good luck hunting this year

[@mikesanders4012]

Exactly on the part I've experienced. I'm by no means an experienced caller but I do get lucky with light purrs. I hunt private land and can locate with owl calls across hundreds of acres. I recently got an e bike so my spotting & stalking has really been fun. You'd be welcome, here along the Suwannee river in north central Florida.

[@mikesanders4012]

We protect our creeks & food plots, resulting in having large flocks. We only hunt in season of course and love bringing youths out. We have predators and no neighbors nearby. Night vision is needed,, ha

[@michaelboyles9329]

Amen Brother! Amen. No one could or ever have said it any better! Thx! #WaddellPresident2024

[@bobvanecek2028]

Loved this thank you for everything you do for the outdoors world !

[@shawnsellers1717]

Absolutely nailed it Pal ...

[@billhuff131]

Amen brother, being in the greatest cathedral, God's great outdoors. We thank him for our many blessings, family & friends.

[@Bringyourquivertotheriver]

Waddell- making hunting great again.

[@thomashughes9415]

Explained perfectly!!!!!! Well done good luck

[@collin-zp4dp]

Man that was like… Awesome!! Made me think differently about the way I hunt for sure! Thanks man!! South Ga. Go Dawgs

[@jacobmarley8350]

My favorite part of turkey hunting are the memories, being 10 years old, finally able to carry a gun. Buying turkey hunting videos at Walmart with my grandfather , watching Michael Waddell , David Blanton , and Bill Jordan . I think of my great grandmother before she passed away , we used to drive her , me and my grandfather in a single cab F-150 to to Wilkes County Georgia where my family owned the most beautiful land you’ve ever seen , with longleaf pines tree as far as you can see, pine combs as big as your hand , I think of the tree me and my grandfather sat at each opening morning , we still do to this day . I think of me and my father hunting together on his beautiful land in jasper county , us not getting along and butting heads because we were both the alpha makes of the family , I was right and so was he but we always managed to work it out and get a big Turkey , in fact he got the 3rd biggest turkey in the state of Georgia with me in 1999 , we hunted the turkey for 7 days straight finally having to figure out its pattern and set up in front of it not even calling , busted him without a noise made , dang near 2 inch spurs !!! I think do taking my woman hunting with me , I think of how I am lucky enough to still sit with my grandfather on the same land we have owned since the Georgia land lottery , and how I pray that it’s not taken away from me some day by our corrupt government. I think if so many things when I think join Turkey hunting and that is why I love it .

[@jasonrankin9637]

You said it all waddy awesome speech thanks for all you do for the sport God Bless

[@kurtlanford1448]

Great video sir , our turkeys are on the decline also , land owners are not harvesting timber like they once were, when logging stopped turkey population started declining ! Upstate SC

[@paulb7943]

Well said my friend

[@terrycook3710]

I love the wild Turkey and just wish to have more days to chase him around. Even when I can’t seem to catch him that day

[@reallifehunters]

Its such a special thing! Thanks!

[@leeharrell9795]

Man, the “Vianna Sausage reset” brought up some great memories! Ty

[@colfaxmingo]

Thank you so much for this & the other priceless knowledge you generously put out there Mr. Waddell. It is much appreciated!

[@rodneyharouff5739]

good talk! i learned the basics from all the old guys you talk about, i'm old now too. still chasin' 'em, just not as hard or as far. 🤣 i love turkey stuff!! watched 2 buzards mate in my back yard. just like turkeys! 🤣 then the deer came & the stare downs begun! 🤣

[@kenvanhorn7253]

I think tht was well said for sure the appreciation for the wood is a truly wonderful thing to just get up in the morning before the sun comes up before the birds or even fish or biting the moment when everything is just perfectly calm in a crazy world and then hopefully scoring a nice bird or big trout or nice buck or even a doe is always just blessing for sure to be able to do wht we do rich poor to just be able to enjoy tht beauty is a blessing

[@trimcaneproductions]

Man you hit the nail in the head. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Well said, Michael!

[@FenwayRick]

Did i miss something. I don’t disagree with anything that you said. I just cant help but think I missed something that stemmed this video. For me personally I have a huge respect for outdoorsman’s that are willing to reach back and pull people up. To me that is what makes a true outdoorsman.

[@shaungriffith9764]

The great reaping debate was the fuel for this. It really ruffles the feathers of a lot of ol turkey hunters.

[@jacquepittman432]

Awesome discussion , I definitely will be a new member to the turkey hunting community, here in WV.

[@rickmiddlecamp4975]

I like your comments, for me it's the first hunt with my family!!

[@chrismatthews8690]

Appreciate all you do Waddy!

[@cornpop8033]

Very well said!

[@shawneiker9970]

I feel same way you feel

[@reginasahner-stiles9045]

Yeeaaa Waddy! Loved this one! Keep em coming!

[@OldBiologist]

Chasing southern gobblers has been important to me for a couple of decades, but in the last five years gettin after stubborn old long beards and friction calling have pulled me out of a dark place. As a professional wildlife biologist, some fights for conservation, in the last 15 years, had broken my spirit. Times chasing spring with my wife gave me perspective and may have saved my life.

[@TheTimeskipper]

Hey man my wife just recently bought me my 1st turkey call.. I am very excited to Watch your videos.. Do you think you can make videos about turkey land management? Furthermore how to increase the turkey Population.🎉 Thank you.😊

[@huntingandfishingwithlogan2367]

You said it best bud!!!!

[@rodneyharouff5739]

i'm to the point i walked away from a gobbler comin' last year on my buddy's place. i just love the connection. i sure have fun too!! mostly hunt the gov't.

[@jeremydsmith242002]

AMEN BROTHER!!👊

[@adkinsoutdooradventures9842]

What is not talked about in the hunting industry and by this guy is that there are not enough turkeys for every hunter to fill all their tags without making them go extinct. Reaping and gobbler decoys are just too effective and if you look at hunters having a 90% success rate its really undeniable.

[@TylerKnouff]

No hate here. Couldn’t agree more!