2012 ACGP Spring Turkey Season Harvest Report

ACGP Turkey Committee – Turkey season is complete and several members scored birds.  This was a challenging season.  There were a total of 24 birds harvested with Frank Jankowski scoring two birds on the property.  The average was 19 pounds and 10” beard length and over 1” spur length.  Bennett M. Jr. scored the largest ACGP gobbler at 20# 7 oz..   Six other birds were harvested in NJ off the property with John Brudon leading the charge with three birds averaging 19#.  Lou Gambale took five birds including two in North Carolina, two Rio Grandes in Kansas and an Osceola in Florida.  “Jakes” taking birds were Bennett M., Jr., Dakota B., and Anthony H., Jr.  

The full report for the 2012 Tri-County LongBeard Challenge Results Headquartered at the Atlantic County Game Preserve is...

Hunter                   Weight      Spurs L/R      Beard     Score

Joe Tomasello     17lbs        7/8 & 7/8          9.5     53.

Nick Weiss          19 /14       1 in. & 15/16    8        55.25

Nick Weiss          19/14        11/4& 1 13/16  11      66.25

Jim Bottino          19             1 in. & 7/8        10.5   58.75

Mike Boney         19.5           7/8 & 7/8         10      57

Mike Boney         21.5           1 5/16/11/4      9.5/8   81.9375

Lou Gambale       17/12         15/16& 1 in.    9 ¼     55.625

Lou Gambale       22/3oz        1 1/8 & 11/4   10.5    66.94

Pete D’Adamo     18 ¼           1 & 1 in.         9.5      57.25

John Brudon        18              1 & 1 Inch      10       58.00

John Brudon        13/6oz       ½ & ½             4.5      32.38

John Brudon        21              1 & 1In.          9 ¾     60.50

Average: (Mature Birds) 19.39 lbs   1.05 (Spurs) 10.5' Beard.

Average (Jakes Harvested)  14.86         ½                  5' Beard                  

JAKES: (Youth Hunters)

Tyler B                        18/6oz        1 1/16 & 11/8           10in.            60.25

Hunter B                     19.5              11/4 & 11/4            10.5             65.50

Bennett   Jr.                 20/7oz        11/4 & 11/4              10in             65.44

Anthony H                   16lb              ½ & ½                     5in              36.00

Dakota B                     15 lb             ½ & ½                     5.5 in.         37.00

Tri County Challenge winners:

Mike Boney ( Non-Typical)  81.9375

Hunter B.        (Typical)        65.50

Facts:  A total of  17 Birds were harvested in NJ by our Chapter members additionally there were a few that also were harvested due to wide patterns 
bringing the total harvested in state to 20.

Of the 20 Birds our Youth hunters harvested 7 of the birds or 35%.

There were 3 1^st time Hunters that also harvested birds.

Congratulations to all the 1^st year Turkey hunters.

Anthony H Jr.

Bennett M Jr.

Pete D’Adamo

Also our Chapter hunters hunting out of State had a great year as well

Harvesting 12 birds in 4 States West Virginia ( Pete Bacon) North Carolina 

(Lou Gambale,Nick Weiss,Bob Fenton, Pete Bacon). Florida(Lou Gambale) &       Kansas ( Jim Bottino & Lou Gambale)

Some other highlights Jim Bottino took his 1^st bird with his Bow after many and I mean Many almosts. I got my 1^st with a crossbow on my 1^st hunt using it. Also I was able to complete my 2^nd Grand Slam of which I’m very thankful for.

So in total what might have shaped up to be a challenging year resulted in 32 birds harvested by our Chapter members and best of all a huge contribution from our Jakes and 1^st time hunters.

Can’t wait for next year!!!!  I mean Fall Turkey Season

Pass On The Tradition,  Longbeard Lou

P.S.  See you at the Tri-County Longbeard's 2012 Banquet and Auction to be held at the Weymouth Fire Hall on Saturday August 25th. 

More information, sponsorship and registration forms available at 

http://njnwtf.org/tcl.html

     

Fathers & Sons Turkey A Hunting Tradition

It all started over a year ago in May 2011, then one thing led to another.  Lou Gambale, Chairman of the ACGP Turkey Committee, and President of the newly formed NWTF National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter, the TLC Tri-County Longbeards,  invited his friend Bennett to the 1st Annual TCL Banquet Dinner Auction, held last September at the Weymouth Fire Hall in Mays Landing.  Bennett was so enthusiastic about turkey hunting, he came on board as a corporate sponsor with his business, www.Bennettcheverolet.com.  He attended the banquet where I first met him, and offered to show him around the Game Preserve, and talk turkey.  He was hooked! And joined just in time to participate in Youth Day for the Spring 2012 Turkey Season, on Saturday April 21.

It was shaping up to be a great day!  Lou had put together a Youth Day Challenge, based on NWTF scoring guidelines, where by they would be entitled to special recognition for harvesting a bird, and possibly be entered into the record books for qualifying scores.  We had over six dads and Granddads with their Youth Hunters that day; Lou S., Ron S,. Joe R., Pete D., John B., including Bennett.

I met he and his son, Bennett Jr. at about 5:00 AM at the Field Camp.  It was perfect weather, in the mid to upper 50's, clear and no wind.  It was looking to be a great day for the turkey hunters.  We set up on the edge of a chufa field, which had been planted for the past three or four years, next to another field of sorghum and clover.  The turkeys had been tearing up the chufa all winter and spring, and had been scouted around the area.  

Jr. was loaded and patiently looking for birds. Dad  made the first yelps at shooting time shortly past 6 AM.  I followed with a few yelps and other calls of my own.  We waited for a good half hour till sunrise to call again, by then the fields and forest had come alive with birds and animals; still no gobbles to be heard or  seen.  We waited patiently for another hour, before moving about 500 yards towards field 1, along the Peasley Wildlife Management Area, where we set up and called along the field, woods and back again.  Still no responses.  Patience! I said. A bird can show up anytime, anywhere unannounced.  You have to assume they will be coming in quiet, so beware. No sudden moves. By 9 AM we ended up almost where we started.  Breakfast was calling, but I insisted we give it one more try.  We sat down just inside the pines next to the field facing a swampy spung area and I made a few different yelps, cuts, and gobbles followed by some purrs.  NOTHING in response.  

After 20 minutes it was time for breakfast.  I stood up, and there were two big toms 20 yards to our left,  that had come up quietly from the swamp, not making a sound.  For a moment, it was a standoff!  Then I told Jr. to shoot!  The first shot winged him, but the second shot was a clean kill.  Dad and son quickly walked over to claim the prize; 20 lbs 7 ounces, 10 inch beard, 1 inch  spurs.  What an experience!  First time turkey hunting for two new hunters, on opening day of turkey season.  A memory that will last a lifetime!  

Dad and son in the field of clover just in front of the woods where the bids came up from.

  

It is a unique privilege to guide, and mentor new hunters!  A tradition that was passed down to me from my brother Fran, and an Atlantic County Game Preserve tradition that has been repeated for Sportsmen and Sportswomen for generations.  Remember-Practice Safe, Ethical Hunting.  Pass it on.

Turkey Season 2012

‎18 lbs. 10" beard 1"spur

Spring turkey season is in full swing at ACGP.  J. Sykes missed a nice gobbler and P. D'Adamo joined the ranks of the Tenth Legion. Only Turkey Hunters would understand this. Folks really enjoyed hearing about his adventure. We think he's hooked.

Let us know how you are making out this season.

Spring 2011 Turkey Report-Final Harvest!

It was a great season for those who bagged some birds.  Lou G., Chairman ACGP Turkey Committee ended up with three birds.  Here is one that was so big, he had to trailer it.

Frank J, Tom & Jeff  S. each got a nice bird on opening day.

 I was headed out early one morning during A-Week when Jim B. bagged this nice tom just after first light.

John B. was one of the lucky ones who had permits for every week and finally bagged one after a month? of hunting.

That brings the total to eight.  The heaviest bird was pushing 25 pounds.  Wow!  Several other members like myself hunted hard on the days we had permits, however between the rain, cool weather and hot hens; we got shut out.

Two Youth hunters, Emily and Bridget Z. had good hunts, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Dakota B. another Youth hunter also was in the game and had birds nearby, however the birds spotted some movement and made tracks.  Better luck in the Fall season.

Lou G. had his Bad Boy Buggy to carry him and his gear around on, making getting to birds an easy task, if they could found that is.

Setting up and calling.

Its time for planting now for the chuffa and putting away all our gear until October bow season comes back in.

NWTF At The Atlantic County Game Preserve

Members of the Atlantic County Game Preserve, organized by Lou Gambale, Chairman of the ACGP Turkey Committee held their first informational meeting on April 29th, 2011 with Patty Foster, Regional Director of the NWTF National Wild Turkey Federation. 

Patty and Lou at the ACGP Clubhouse

Prior to the meeting, Lou took Patty on a tour of the 2000 acres of ACGP hunting property.  They saw a multitude of deer and turkey feeding on chufa and field grasses on the afternoon drive through the property.  Patty was impressed with the extensive habitat management plan for planting on some of the 30 or so fields surrounded by hardwoods; perfect habitat for turkeys and hunting. 

The meeting took place at the ACGP Clubhouse, fourteen members attended. Patty explained the rules and guidelines required to establish a new chapter; hold an annual banquet etc...

after which all present voted to form a new chapter.  Lou volunteered to be President, Pete Bacon, Vice President, Bob Fenton, Treasurer and myself, Tony Zarych, Publicist.  

We have another meeting scheduled on May 12th at the Clubhouse prior to the May 19th meeting with Patty to finalize the chapter name and detail.  Stay tuned for more News and Updates.

2010 Turkey Season Has Begun!

Week A (one) has started off with a bang!; four birds were harvested on the Manor property and one honorable mention goes to a member who harvested a bird nearby.

Frank J 18 lbs, 10 in beard, 1 1/4 spurs

                                                                                        Jeff and Tom; birds 19 lbs, 7/8," 1" 10' beards

                                                                           Jim B. 24 lbs, 1 1/8 spurs, one 10" and 5" beard

Lou G.  2 yr old. 19lbs, 7/8 inch spurs and 10.5 beard

Week one was hot for those ACGP turkey hunters who bagged nice toms the first A week of hunting.  B-Week has not produced any birds, however the wind and rain could have quieted them down, except for one of guys who "missed" a bird at close range; beware of the gun that dropped and not sighted in again!

Stay tuned for more News and Updates at the ACGP.

St. Patty's Day Wobble Shoot & Dinner

The ACGP's St. Patty's Day Wobble Shoot & Dinner was held on Saturday, March 26.  About Twenty-Five Shooters were in the competition.

1st place was taken by Bubba, with 23 clay pigeons.  2nd place went to Swanee; Master Blaster! with 22 clay pigeons,   3rd place, Bubba with 21 pigeons.

Congratulations to all who dared compete.

Mr. President!  Let's Wobble!






















Shooters on the firing line.


(From left to right below)
Bob, Lou, Pete, Stan (Master Blaster), and Chuck.

 Jim, Rob, and Jim (A.C.G.P. President)

Resting up in between rounds.  Buzz the score keeper in the background.

Chucks dog took off after a clay pigeon during the competition, he had to retrieve him.

The New line of ACGP shirt designs.

Dinner back at the clubhouse after the shoot.   Happy Birthday to Frank J. and Sara.

Jim with the cake.  Thanks Leslie!

Thanks always and forever to the Clemensons Arnold, Melissa, Lura, and Chris.  The food was GREAT! 

Turkey & Deer Report March 2011

   Our aggressive Habitat Management Program continues to support healthy, sustainable wildlife populations even with the large harvests we have seen this past year. 

The abundance of chufa,  sorgum, winter wheat, rye and clover keep the animals healthy and centered on the property, as can be seen here.

Club Chukar Hunt

This weekend on Saturday March 5, The ACGP will be hosting it's first chukar hunt of the season.  Call Jim by Thursday night to reserve your spot and be at the Field Camp by 9:30 AM.

The birds have been fast fliers so be ready for some quick action.

See you there.

Remember-Safety First!

Fathers, Sons and Daughters-a Long Standing Tradition Continues at The ACGP

The  Atlantic County Game Preserve has a long standing tradition of family memberships including fathers and sons.  Membership has the privledge of permitting children to hunt along side parents until the age of  21, or they complete college, at which time children are eligable for membership.

We have many members young and old who have been initiated into the club by their fathers or grandfathers.  One father and son membership's tenure spans four generations, going back to the inception of the club 1905.  We sometimes joke that these members are "ACGP Royalty".   

The tradition of families enjoying the outdoors and shooting sports being carried forward generation after generation is not unique, however here at the ACGP we pride ourselves on promoting Youth Hunts and events for deer, turkey, pheasant, chukar, quail, duck or even fishing.  Did I forget anything? Oh yes, rabbit and sporting clays (held in the afternoon before just about every club dinner meeting).  Any opportunity to spend time with family outdoors is time well spent, and to be cherished.  Come out on any given day to the field camp and you will see the whole family enjoying the outdoors together.  Here are a few of the fathers, sons and daughters you might see out at the Field Camp on any given day.

A Great Sunday Hunting Quail at The Atlantic County Game Preserve

"Gunny" Cip and I have been friends for close to 50 years.  We grew up hunting and fishing together on the Delaware River.  Back then there were plenty of wild pheasants and quail out the back door. 

So when old friends like us can spend a great afternoon at The Atlantic County Game Preserve hunting quail, over a great bird dog, what else can you say? 

With over 20 tree lined fields of natural warm season grass's, and sorgum on 2000 acres to choose from,  the choice is yours, pheasant? chukar? or quail?  Today we chose quail.  But take your pick, there are only 7 days a week to decide on your game bird and hunt a different field each day.

BRING YOUR SWEETHEART TO CLUB PHEASANT HUNT

ACGP  CLUB PHEASANT HUNT 

(MEMBERS ONLY, & GUESTS BY INVITATION ONLY) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH

FEE $25.00  SIGN-UP 9:30 @ FIELD CAMP;  HUNT 10:00 

CALL JIM S. ASAP (BY THURSDAY NIGHT) FOR RESERVATIONS

                       

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP STOCK THE FIELDS.

WE WILL MEET AT 9:00 AT THE FIELD CAMP

BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR 

2011 LICENSE

NO BIRDSHOT HEAVIER THAN #6

200 SQUARE INCHES OF HUNTER ORANGE

SAFETY FIRST!

 

Atlantic County Federation Pheasant Hunt Winners-Hosted at ACGP!

Every year the Atlantic County Game Preserve Est. 1905 donates a pheasant hunt for four (4), to the Atlantic County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs Annual Venison Dinner. 

The event proceeds and pheasant hunt raffle proceeds are used in large part to support many activities for children throughout the Atlantic County area; Hooked on Sporting Clays, at Giberson's Redwing Sporting Clays, several Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs-HONOD fishing derbies, Friends of Forsythe youth activites and events at the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway Twp., the annual 4H Fair in Egg Harbor City etc...

The Atlantic County Game Preserve Est. 1905 has been a proud member of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs since 1938, and is active in supporting it's charitable ventures, creating multiple opportunities for youth from our county to experience various sporting activities.

Many thanks to all those who purchased raffle tickets last year, and congratulations to the winners below.  This could be you next year, but you can't win unless you attend the Federation's Annual Venison Dinner at Kerry-Brooke Caterers on Rt. 30 in Hammonton, NJ on Monday February 21, 6 PM.  Tickets $30.

Daisy-Storm Memorial Tower Shoot a Great Day to Remember

Daisy and Storm were faithful hunting dogs that are fondly remembered for their retrieving skills at ACGP Tower Shoots over the years and a few poor mannered encounters with dogs, cars and trucks.

Thank goodness that we had a few fresh dogs that picked up the slack where they left off retrieving those downed pheasants and runners.  All members and guests had a good time, safe shoot and great lunch.

See you at the next Club Hunt and Tower Shoot.  Check the calendar for dates, times and events, and on the ACGP blog for up News and Updates.  Safety First!