Champion turkey caller stops in Selma

Published 6:33 pm Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Eddie Salter is known by many names, and Eddie probably isn’t the first name that comes to the mind of turkey hunters the world over.

The world champion turkey hunter better known as Turkey Man was in Selma Tuesday evening, speaking to area turkey enthusiasts about techniques, calls and strategies he has picked up over five decades on the hunt.

“I like to think of it as a workshop,” Salter said. “I always try to start with the basic how-to’s, and then we get in to some advanced forms of calling. It can be for the guy that never hunted, or that guy that’s been hunting for years and years.”

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Salter’s speech took place at the Central Alabama Farmer’s Co-Op, and Co-Op general manager Tim Wood said the event lived up to his expectations.

“When deer season came in, it meant we were that much closer to turkey season,” Wood said. “This was a great opportunity for young folks and old folks like me to learn something. This cat is good. His name is synonymous with turkey calling.”

Salter said the goal of his presentation was to share his lifelong love for turkey hunting.

“I started turkey hunting when I was probably 7 or 8 years old,” Salter said. “And I love it, and during events like this I am honestly doing a witness to and loyalty to turkey hunting.”

During Tuesday’s event, Salter picked several members of the crowd to come to the front and try their hand at a few different types of turkey calls, something he tries to do at each presentation.

“I love doing that because it’s amazing when you pick a kid out of the audience, hand them a call, and have them realize they can do themselves,” Salter said.

Salter, who was born in Evergreen, AL., recently started working as a spokesman for Flextone turkey calls, and said his new job there also allows him time to work behind the scenes on current and future products.

“I enjoy doing product development,” Salter said. “And I love being able to tinker with things and being able to see what I can come up with.

Mark Brenner, who works for Outfitters Depot, was on hand Tuesday to help Salter prepare for his presentation and said he is one of the best people to learn from because he only wants to make other hunters better on the hunting paths.

“He likes to take these occasions to tell everyone about the tricks and tactics he has learned over the years,” Salter said. “Anything to help these guys get the upper hand over birds.”