Alabama Rainout

by
posted on March 17, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Despite being in the south, Alabama in March is in step with much of the rest of the country's extended winter. Of course, NRA’s Jim Porter, guide Albert "Chubby" Parnell and NRA Publications’ photographer Forrest MacCormack weren’t about to let the cold temps and rain keep them from giving it a try and were at it again well before sunrise.

As the group set up and hunkered down in the rain, it seemed the turkeys had the same idea: to sit on the roost and not make a peep! Despite situating themselves on several key spots on the property and tempting birds with a variety of of turkey calls, the gobblers stuck to a “silence is golden” routine.

So with breakfast—and a roaring fire—calling, the trio headed back to the house—for now. Of course, a good challenge never stops an avid turkey hunter for long.

“This sort of hunting is hunting in its purest form,” said Porter. “Turkeys—especially Eastern turkeys in spring—are very challenging to hunt. You have to rely on your hunting knowledge, be a good woodsman and be patient."

The rain should clear in a few hours so Porter and crew will give it a shot (hopefully literally) this afternoon! Once the birds start talking, the game is on, and Porter just happens to have a Remington High Velocity No. 4 magnum shell with a big, juicy Eastern’s name on it. If he gets his bird, you'll read it here first.

Latest

W H2026 04 Knowhow Tom@Jakehendecshunter19.30
W H2026 04 Knowhow Tom@Jakehendecshunter19.30

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.