The Kansas spring turkey season (April 10 to May 19), isn’t far away, and hunters are already making plans.

Part of the preparation is getting in shape and checking all gear. Here’s a short list of how to get in top turkey hunting form before the season starts:

 Dig the camo clothing out of the closet and make sure it’s all there, including camo pants, a shirt, boots, gloves, mask, hat, and a jacket for cool mornings.

Dark socks are also a good idea for boots low enough that socks show when sitting. To keep completely concealed, all of these items are needed. Also, camo shouldn’t be faded. Faded camo is easier seen at a distance.

 Kansas law requires shotguns 20 gauge or larger using shot sizes 2 through 9. Visually inspect the gun for mild rust or dirt and clean it if any is found. Next, grab a box of turkey loads; try No. 4s, 5s and 6s and head to the range with a few turkey targets and a good gun rest. Find out which load offers the best pattern from the gun.

A good even pattern should cover the head and neck of the turkey at 40 yards. But pattern the gun at shorter distances of 20 and 30 yards to be aware of how it will perform at closer ranges. The pattern may be very tight at the shorter distances.

If using an autoloading shotgun, make sure it correctly cycles shells. If it’s a pump, make sure the slide operates smoothly for that second shot, if needed.

 Get calls out and make sure they are working properly. Play mouth calls to make sure they are still making turkey sounds. Old, improperly stored calls can dry out and become brittle, tearing or simply making poor sounds.

Box calls may need some adjusting to tune their sound; make sure the surface of slate, glass, and aluminum friction calls and strikers are all clean and roughed for optimum sound.

Above all, practice. Practice is the key to good calling.

 You don’t have to be a top athlete to get in the woods and turkey hunt, but the activity often requires a good deal of walking through rough, uneven terrain. If nothing else, get out as far before the season as possible and start walking, preferably in terrain resembling the area to be hunted when the season opens. Exercise and scouting may also be combined.

Keep the pace up to maximize heart rate and build endurance. To simulate the added weight of toting a shotgun and wearing a loaded-down turkey vest, fill a small backpack with bottled water or another weight and wear it while walking. Wear hunting boots to break them in, if necessary, and get used to the added weight. Check with a doctor before starting any new exercise regimen, even walking.