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.

There isn't anything you can do for the birds to make them more comfortable, but you can at least pamper yourself a bit. I don't know anyone that enjoys getting rained on and returning to the truck dripping wet. Lucky for us, there are a few solutions to this problem.

The first is rain gear. There are so many kinds on the market, it's hard to figure out what is best for you. The range in price is drastic, from a few bucks for a rubber slicker, to several hundred dollars for a high-end suit. They all work, but the more expensive stuff tends to last longer. In a pinch, you can also make your own suit at home.