Fall mornings in the woods have a magic of their own – cool air, golden leaves and the promise of adventure. I, for one, enjoy fall turkey hunting. While it’s different from a more adrenaline-packed hunt with gobbling Toms, it’s a time to unplug, connect with family and spend some time outdoors doing what I love. This year, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to bring my eight-year-old nephew, Grady, on the hunt. I also brought my JP Enterprises JP-15, loaded with Fiocchi 69g Sierra Match King Hollow Points, ready to harvest a pre-Thanksgiving bird and enjoy all that the wild has to offer.
The Hunt
Grady and I ventured out early. The sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows over the meadows and open fields where the turkeys often roam. These quiet, open spaces are perfect feeding grounds for the local turkey population. I’d been seeing a flock grazing these meadows from time to time and knew they’d be nearby.
As we wandered through the dew-covered grass, Grady excitedly pointed out signs of recent turkey activity—scratches in the dirt and droppings on the ground, evidence that we were on the right trail. Sure enough, after some patient waiting and quiet stalking, we spotted a group of hens pecking and foraging in a wide meadow clearing.
With careful precision, I took aim and brought down one of the hens with a clean shot. The experience was a lesson for Grady – not just in the ethics of hunting, but also, in the patience and respect required when harvesting food from the wild. Hunting turkey with a rifle slightly differs from the shotgun commonly used in the spring. Each state’s regulations are different, but in Colorado, you can use muzzleloaders, centerfire or rimfire rifles, or handguns. Furthermore, bullets must be a minimum of 17 grains with a manufacturer’s energy rating of at least 110 foot-pounds at 100 yards from the muzzle. I used a .223, because it has the ability to reach out to distance accurately, I had just used it in the IPSC Rifle World Championships a few weeks prior so I had it dialed in and it wasn’t going to ruin a lot of meat, like a much higher caliber hunting round might. I also found that using a bipod helped me take an accurate shot at a distance.
Foraging Fun
Our morning’s adventure continued once we bagged the bird. Fall is a bountiful time for foraging, and as Grady and I found, mushrooms are abundant this year! While looking for turkeys, we kept their eyes peeled for wild mushrooms, knowing they’d complement a turkey dinner perfectly.
Mushroom foraging can be tricky, and it’s highly advisable to thoroughly know what you’re harvesting, as some mushroom varieties can be poisonous. However, years of foraging in these woods ensured we only collected the safe and delicious varieties. After a successful hunt, our backpacks were filled with a few puffballs – edible mushrooms that are abundant in the fall.
When I hunt elk in the higher elevations, I can find Chanterelles and Boletes, which are also a tasty addition to a great fall meal.
The Harvested Feast
That evening, back at home, I cooked up the day’s bounty. The turkey, roasted to perfection, was accompanied by the sautéed mushrooms, their earthy flavor enhancing the meal. Grady, proud of his contribution to the day’s adventure, eagerly devoured the dinner, learning firsthand how hunting and foraging create a deep connection between food, family and the land.
Fall Foraging: More Than Just Mushrooms
A Family Tradition
For Grady and me, the fall turkey hunt is more than just a chance to bring home a bird; it’s a time to connect with nature and with family. It’s a day filled with learning, laughter and the joy of discovering what the land has to offer, making memories that will last long after the fall leaves have dropped.
For your fall hunting ammo needs, be sure to check out the Fiocchi lineup.
Lanny Barnes is a three-time Olympian in Biathlon, as well as a National & World Champion in several shooting disciplines. She is currently teaching courses to military, law enforcement and competitive shooters on physiological and psychological aspects of shooting and is the director of Commercial Sales for HIVIZ Sights. Lanny and her twin sister spend much of their free time traveling around to schools, 4-H clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc., talking to them about following their dreams, setting goals, and leading a healthy active lifestyle. Taking wounded vets and terminally ill kids on hunts through Freedom Hunters and OE4A is also one of Lanny's passions. View all posts by Lanny Barnes
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