By Mark Drury

Long distance turkey trips, which could be defined as any excursion involving an overnight stay, shouldn't be spur of the moment. Success and enjoyment require considerable preparation. Some aspects are obvious: getting the best airline rates, making lodging arrangements, and checking on meals and similar matters. Comfort and cost are always worth consideration.
If you plan to hunt with an outfitter, several simple steps can save heartache.
Unfortunately, the outfitting world holds some fly by night scoundrels along with plenty of reputable, hard-working, operations. Make certain you book with one of the latter.

Here are some things to remember as you form your list:

Weather
You must know something about the climate and conditions you might encounter. A trip to southern Texas, for example, requires snake boots or chaps and includes the potential for hot weather. In the upper Midwest or New England, you might encounter snow or freezing temperatures, especially early in the season. Florida and the deep south in general, can involve hordes of mosquitoes and temperatures in the 80's.

Always pack rainwear, no matter your destination. Also, you'll want footwear that will stay dry even in the soggiest conditions. Pay close attention to the weather, and despite all the jokes about the unreliability of forecasts, meteorological technology can help hunters.

The Weather Channel and the Internet can give you a heads up on likely storms or fronts. By checking www.weather.com and typing in the zip code for the area where you're going, you get a seven-day forecast.

Licenses and tags
After you arrive at your destination, you want to hunt turkeys, not spend valuable time seeking a license. Most states have arrangements that let you, with a processing charge of a few dollars, call a toll-free number and charge your license to your credit card. You can obtain this information by calling state wildlife agencies. When you call, request that a copy of the hunting regulations be mailed to you.

Hunting equipment
If possible, take two guns. You can find many good gun cases that handle two shotguns. That way, if one gun malfunctions, you have a backup. Always check your gun after arrival, because a gun case can provide a tempting target, and it's obvious what it holds. Also, you want to shoot it before hunting, and this is especially important for anyone who uses a scope.

It's best to carry ammunition with you. Even if you prefer a common brand and type of shotshell, you don't know whether it will be available at your destination. It's best to tuck a box of 10 shells in your luggage.

Hunting accessories
A turkey vest is essential equipment, and it serves as a storage depot for an array of accessories, including call, binoculars, a flashlight, knife, rangefinder, pruning shears, locator calls, insect repellent, first-aid kit, decoys and stakes, spare headnets and gloves, a hunter orange bag or another turkey-toter and chalk, sandpaper or scratch pads for slates.

Always pay close attention to your calls. Make sure you have plenty of them and they're in good working order.

Clothing and footwear
You'll at least want a jacket, a change of camouflage clothing and casual attire for traveling or wearing in camp and don't forget your favorite hunting hat. If there's a chance of chilly weather, insulated underwear or a polar-fleece pullover might be wise. You'd much rather have too much clothing than be miserable.

You might want to pack an extra pair of boots with plenty of socks. Comfort while hunting starts with your feet. No one wants to ruin a hunt with blistered feet or by having to wear wet boots. Make sure to bring footwear that you know fits, because there's always the possibility of a lot of hard walking.

Hunting out of state can afford you many fond turkey hunting memories. A little preparation for common occurrences should ensure extra birds in the cooler and extra smiles at days and trips end. Mark Drury, Owner Mad Call Co. See Ya February 28th.