You should get a locator call--crow, owl, or both.

You need camo clothes, from head to foot, plus a face mask.

Decoys run under $20, and you can get one to three, to begin. Visit Cabela' s, if you' re in Southern MN.

I' d also recommend a box call, like QuakerBoy' s Grand Old Master.

If you are willing and able, get a mouth diaphragm and an instructional tape, and practice, practice, practice, from now until next spring.

Check out your local public library for turkey instructional video tapes, watch the outdoor shows that feature turkey hunts, maybe even check out books on turkey hunting from the library, its all good.

Pattern your guns so you know you have a good, tight pattern, and so you know where your gun shoots.

You and your dad are about to enter into a world where passion begins. Turkey hunting is addictive, exciting, and great fun.

Don' t forget you have to put in for a lottery draw for 2004 spring turkey hunting in Minnesota yet this fall. Its marked on my calendar for November 1st. Pick an early season, depending on your schedule. There are obviously more turkeys to shoot at in the early season than later on, and, depending on the spring weather, usually the toms are more responsive in the first few weeks thant they are later on, of course, that is not always the case, but is generally a true rule. (Of course, it is also more difficult to get drawn for the earlier seasons, since everyone applies during those times.)

Take advantage of the Hunter Education programs that the state offers. You' ll learn a lot about turkey hunting from those classes, too.

Remember, too, to hunt safe and to be safe in the woods.