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Former Roane County resident Mike Price poses with the prize gobbler he bagged in South Carolina.
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Columnist - Spring gobbler season is over in West Virginia, at least until sometime in April 2009. So it is in many other states. Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in many states, particularly in the South, where often the seasons are long and the limits are liberal. One of these is South Carolina, and, a good ol’ Roane County boy recently submitted a photograph evidencing a successful hunt taking place in the Palmetto State.
By the way, the term “Roane County boy” is how Mike Price referred to himself. As the old saying goes, with a twist, you may take the boy out of Roane County, but you cannot take Roane County out of the boy. The same goes with men, women and girls, too. Home always remains home.
Anyway, as the accompanying photograph shows, Mike bagged a fine gobbler in South Carolina. Mike did not give any specifics about the bird, but if he is still describing the fish caught and game harvested in South Carolina the way he did while living in Roane County, the guess is he would describe the tom at about 40 pounds with 4-inch spurs! The gobbler was harvested April 28, coincidentally, the first day of the West Virginia spring season.
Mike reports he has lived in Myrtle Beach for the last 10 years and says there is a lot more to the Myrtle Beach area than golf, sand and the actual beach. Most tourists do not travel to Myrtle Beach for the turkey hunting, but, perhaps, the local Chamber of Commerce should tout that activity. It is frequently mentioned that Myrtle Beach is “West Virginia South” and it is also true that there are many turkey hunters in West Virginia, so, there does appear to be the possibility of a match that would be mutually advantageous.
As the photo also shows, Mike has not changed in physical appearance in the last 10 years. Beach living must suit you, Mike! It is great you do get off the beach at times to do what you really enjoy. With your level of success, and turkey hunting know-how, maybe you could start a guide service in South Carolina! There should be no lack of West Virginia customers that would hire on for a chance to bag a southern gobbler.
Of course, turkey hunting in certain areas in the South presents challenges we do not often see in West Virginia. Alligators and water moccasins, to name only two. Thanks for the report, Mike, and happy hunting.
