If the weather man is correct, youth turkey hunters and their mentors are in for another soaking this weekend, April 25-26. Once again, preparation and strategy will play a key role in staying warm, dry, and, ultimately, harvesting a bird.

As if kids that hunt around here haven't had it hard enough, the weather this year doesn't plan on cutting anyone a break. After such a harsh winter, it seems all the birds would have perished. To my surprise, there are more birds around than I have seen in many years. All we can hope is that numbers continue to climb, and populations return to what they had been 10 to 15 years back.

With a heavy population, you have a better chance tagging a bird, even under harsh conditions. As it stands, we will likely only have a slight chance of success, because the birds just don't work as well when cold and wet. A change of strategy from your warm- and dry-day hunts will definitely be needed this weekend.

If it's nasty out this weekend, it will be the third year in a row for youth turkey hunters. Bagging a bird is hard enough, then add to that cold and wet weather, and you are almost sure to struggle.