S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S
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A
s a native Tar Heel, I've always had a special spot
in my heart for North Carolina's diverse sporting
opportunities. Some of my life's most memorable
moments have been spent casting to trout in my Great
Smokies homeland. For all fly fishing has meant to me
over the course of my life, however, it yields pride of
place to a consuming passion for turkey hunting. His
Majesty, the wild turkey, long ago laid firm hold on a
corner of my soul.
Despite extensive turkey travels and travails, I've spent
surprisingly little time pursuing the big birds in the Old
North State. That's why, when the opportunity arose
to hunt at Willow Oaks Plantation near Eden, I eagerly
accepted the invitation.
I already had more than passing familiarity with the
region. I married a gracious lady who grew up just across
the state line in Southside Virginia. Also, this was the
home stomping ground of Wayne Bailey, a legendary
