Michael Wadell Makes Hunting (and Seminars) Fun

By Fred Lutger

I always enjoy the seminars at the NWTF Convention. This year I attended several. I went to two seminars on hunting Mexico, one on Saturday hosted by Norma Vazquez from the Mexico Dept of Tourism. Manuel Enriquez of EL Halcon Lodge and Outfitters, Chihuahua, Mexico aided Norma in her presentation. 

On Sunday I attended Brad Fulk’s seminar titled: Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico: What You Need to Know. 

Both seminars were very informative. They explained rules and regulations, paper work that must be completed and general guidelines required by both the US and Mexican governments. It is mandatory to hunt with a government-licensed outfitter in Mexico. They can generally help with all regulations and paperwork. If you are looking for an outfitter, get a list of references and use it. Everyone will say I know that, but both seminars stressed that point. Nuff said.

I also attended Scott Bashore’s Seminar: How to Build a Box Call. 
That’s a simple title but I wrote pages of notes on wood types, tools needed, sizes and dimensions, tuning and on and on. I wish I had more time to spend with Scott. One hour was not enough. I enjoyed Bashore’s talk but one audience member had the right ideal when he asked, “Have you made a video?” Unfortunately Scott hasn’t. I hope he will consider doing this. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and I would be first in line for his video.

Howard Harlan, the most respected man in turkey call collecting doesn’t have a video but he has written two books on turkey call collecting and turkey call makers. He is the author of Turkey Calls, An Enduring American Folk Art. I’m not sure of the title of his second book put I think it is just Part II. He is now in the process of writing Part III. Howard Harlan’s seminar was titled Antique and Collectible Turkey Calls. Howard went through a history of known calls and call makers. He even made predictions of future collectables you should add to your collection now. Harlan has 4000 calls in his collection.

And what can I say about Michael Waddell’s seminar: On the Road with Realtree Roadtrips.  
You have to be from another planet if you haven’t seen or heard about Outdoor Channels most popular hunting show of the same title. Michael’s show, hosted by Realtree Outdoor Products, has put fun into hunting. I think this one man can do as much for hunting as Fred Bear and Ted Nugent have done. And he does it by being himself. 

A packed, standing room only crowd greeted Wadell. Michael kept the crowd in stitches as he brought back childhood memories (that wasn’t that long ago for this young man). He talked about meeting Realtree’s president, Bill Jordan and his work relationship with Bill that lead to his starring role in On the Road with Realtree Roadtrips. 

After the seminar Wadell spent time in the Realtree booth. You would have thought free Illinois Whitetail deer hunts were being passed out. The booth and all surrounding isles were full of enthusiastic fans. I stood and watched as Michael greeted each one like a long lost brother. An in Michaels’s mind, that is just what each fan is, a member of his hunting family.

The convention is only three days long. Seminars run continually. I would like to see them all. This show offers as much turkey fun as a real turkey hunt. I’m off to see more.

Fred Lutger