Harold Knight & Mark Drury - Turkey OG Series
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In this episode of the Turkey OG Series, hosts Kurt and Mark Drury welcome legendary turkey hunter and game call pioneer Harold Knight, celebrating his 64 years of passion and contribution to the sport. Knight shares vivid stories from the early days of turkey hunting in Kentucky, including his first kill in 1960 and the origins of Night and Hail Game Calls, which he co-founded with David Hale in 1972. He reflects on the evolution of turkey hunting—from the scarcity of turkeys and lack of gear to today’s high-tech tools and intense hunting pressure. Knight emphasizes the importance of habitat conservation, predator control, and patience in the field, while also highlighting the camaraderie and mentorship that have defined the industry. He shares personal anecdotes, including his deep connection to the National Wild Turkey Federation convention, his birthday-based tradition of giving $100 to those born on April 19th, and the profound respect he holds for fellow hunters like Jim Cassidy and Dave Harbour. The conversation underscores the enduring spirit of turkey hunting and the wisdom passed down through generations. Key takeaways include the importance of year-round education about turkey behavior, the need for habitat and predator management, the value of mentorship and humility in hunting, and the power of tradition and community. Knight’s philosophy—rooted in respect for the wild turkey, patience, and lifelong learning—resonates throughout the episode. The hosts express deep admiration for Knight’s legacy, and listeners are encouraged to honor the sport’s history while preparing for the next season with wisdom, humility, and heart.
Study turkeys year-round—understand their behavior, habitat, roosting, and feeding patterns to become a better hunter.
Predator control (coons, possums, coyotes) is critical for successful turkey nesting and hatch rates.
Patience and stealth are more important than loud calling—especially in pressured areas.
Mentorship and community are foundational to the turkey hunting culture; give back by helping new hunters.
Conservation is not optional—protect habitat, food plots, and nesting areas to ensure turkeys thrive for future generations.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
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Introducing Harold Knight: The OG of Turkey Hunting
“I can't even imagine that this would come to this. And I can tell you the first turkey I ever caught up, I missed him by 50 foot. I was scared to death.”
The Birth of Night and Hail Game Calls
Harold recounts how a magazine article and a chance encounter with Dave Harbour led to the creation of Night and Hail Game Calls in 1971, sparked by a single successful turkey kill.
From Scarcity to Success: The Early Days of Turkey Hunting
Knight shares how turkey populations were nearly extinct in Kentucky in the 1960s, and how the restoration program using Missouri goblins transformed the species across the region.
The Evolution of Turkey Hunting Pressure and Behavior
“I've always said, you call me up a Jake and miss him, he's going to act like a three- or four-year-old the next time you fool with him.”
“Harold and David helped me in tad, and so did Preston Pittman. Those two literally sent this list of vendors, told us how to do this.”
“If that baby's born on April 19th, I'm going to give that baby $100. And I said, man, from day one, you were a turkey man if you were born April the 19th.”
“I don't have all the answers. I got just a few of them, but man alive, there's so many verbal out there in turkey hunting.”
Hosts
Guest
Harold Knight
person
Mark Drury
person
Kentucky
place
Night and Hail Game Calls
brand
David Hale
person
Missouri
place
National Wild Turkey Federation
organization
Dave Harbour
person
Alabama
place
Jim Cassidy
person
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