Pennsylvania Woodsman - May 6–13: A Game Plan for Week 2 Gobblers
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In this episode of *The Pennsylvania Woodsman*, host Mitchell Shirk and returning guest Jake Stanish dive into a strategic deep dive on week two of Pennsylvania's turkey hunting season. Shirk shares his personal opening day experience, highlighting both the joys of hunting with his father and the frustrations of limited turkey activity due to weather and terrain. Stanish offers insights on the psychological challenges of the second week, a period he identifies as particularly tough due to increased hunting pressure and turkeys going quiet. The conversation emphasizes adaptability, mental resilience, and the importance of realistic calling techniques. They discuss the value of scouting, roosting strategies, and the need to stay patient and observant, even when birds aren’t responding. Stanish stresses the importance of safety, especially with rising numbers of hunters and non-legal tactics like reaping. The episode concludes with practical advice on maintaining a positive mindset, embracing the process, and enjoying the outdoors beyond just harvesting a turkey.
The second week of turkey season is often the most mentally challenging due to increased pressure and quieter birds—adaptability is key.
Realistic calling with natural cadence, tone variation, and pauses mimics real turkey behavior and increases success rates.
When birds aren’t responding, shift tactics: roost them at night, change elevation, or cover new ground to find fresh pressure-free zones.
Always prioritize safety—verify your target, avoid red/white/blue clothing, and never shoot at movement or sound.
Use the season to connect with family, learn from nature, and enjoy the woods—not just to harvest a turkey.
Sponsor Intro & Season Kickoff
The episode opens with sponsor messages from Interstate Batteries and Radix Hunting, followed by Mitchell Shirk introducing the show's mission and setting the tone for the season. He shares his opening day experience, including hunting with his father and the humorous mishaps with a new fanny pack and candy bar.
Opening Day Reflections & Fatherhood
Shirk recounts his opening day hunt, emphasizing the emotional value of hunting with his dad despite physical limitations. He shares comical moments involving the fanny pack and a candy bar, illustrating how bonding moments enhance the hunting experience beyond harvest.
The Mental Challenge of Week Two
“It gets harder, but it's not impossible. I do well opening week and I also do well usually the third week and the fourth week of the season. For whatever reason, the second week of the season coming up is the one that typically gives me fits.”
Adapting Your Game Plan
“If I go in there and don't hear any gobbling after usually two hunts... and I walk around, and there's no sign of life at all... I'm going to leave. I'm going to go somewhere else.”
Calling Realism & Mental Toughness
“A lot of people call and they're monotone. They're really flat when they call. You've probably talked to similar people in your life where, when they talk, they talk like this, and it's like, oh, I went out yesterday and we heard a turkey and it was fun. But they don't put any inflection in it.”
“Make sure what you're shooting at and beyond is safe and it's a turkey and it's a legal turkey. It's a gobbler with a beard. There was, I just saw something online. I didn't get a chance to read the article yet that somebody was shot in Pennsylvania yesterday from a hunting accident.”
“A lot of people call and they're monotone. They're really flat when they call. You've probably talked to similar people in your life where, when they talk, they talk like this, and it's like, oh, I went out yesterday and we heard a turkey and it was fun. But they don't put any inflection in it.”
“Enjoy it, try to learn something from it. And I think you guys are going to have a great spring and be more successful keeping that kind of attitude in mind.”
Host
Guest
Jake Stanish
person
Mitchell Shirk
person
Pennsylvania
place
Long Branch Game Calls
brand
Interstate Batteries
brand
Radix Hunting
brand
Little Mountain Outfitters
brand
Vitalize Seed
brand
Nittany Minute Marts
other
NWTF
organization
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