The forest starts to come alive just as you settle on the ground with your back against a tree just before dawn’s first light.

You work the diaphragm in your mouth as you give the first yelps, in return you hear the “gobble“ of a tom.

Soon, you see a black speck cross the field and draw up your gun as it gets closer.

Your heart beats faster as you see the long beard of the tom. You get him in your scope as he looks for a mate.

“Pow.“

You hit your target and run to capture the fatally-injured bird.

You gleam as you know this one will rival any at the local check station.

To have your shot at getting a prize turkey, S.C. Department of Natural Resources is holding five turkey draw hunts at its newly-purchased property on the Newberry/Laurens county line.

Beginning April 1, five draw hunts will be held on the Belfast Wildlife Management Area at the Historic Belfast Plantation on Highway 56 at the end of Belfast Road.

The three adult hunts are scheduled on Wednesdays, April 1, 15 and 29. Two Saturday youth hunts will be held on April 11 and 25.

Belfast Plantation was purchased by DNR and The Conservation Fund in October, contains 4,664 acres of land, and will be a part of the draw hunt system for the upcoming spring turkey season.

“The Belfast Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is an exciting opportunity for turkey hunters who are looking to enjoy the outdoors in the Piedmont area of the state,“ said Buddy Baker, DNR regional wildlife biologist. “Draw hunts provide a quality hunting experience for novice and seasoned hunters alike, both youth and adult.“

The property was historically managed by Champion Paper Company and later International Paper as a demonstration forest and recreational area. In 2004, the land was sold to a private limited liability corporation as part of International Paper’s sell off of forest property.

The tract includes various type habitat ranging from hardwood drains to upland loblolly pine forests. The historic Belfast house, settled in 1785 by Colonel John Simpson from Belfast, Ireland, is also on the property.

DNR plans to use the area for educational and interpretive opportunities on natural resource issues and as a key area for promoting outdoor activities for youth.

Applications for the hunts can be obtained by writing SCDNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202 or by calling 803-734-3886. Applications can also be found online at www.dnr.sc.gov