By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
April, 2011

The tornado warnings and horrific thunderstorms I drove through on my way to Holly Springs, Mississippi, last week should have been a predictor of things to come, but "hey" I'm a positive turkey hunter who is always looking for sunny skies and big gobblers!

My good friend and many-time world champion turkey caller, Walter Parrott, invited me to one of his southern haunts, Fitch Farms aka Galena Plantation.

Fitch Farms consists of 15,000 historic acres that is in a habitat restoration program under the direction of Mr. Bill Fitch and his forestry and environmental advisors.  Fitch Farms is primarily about upland bird hunting, field trials, and breeding the best sporting dogs. There is also a sizeable herd of beef and longhorn cattle as well as a large stable of good-blooded horses for keeping up with the dogs.  Mr. Bill Fitch is a walking Civil War historian who continues the lifestyle and traditions of the Old South. In fact, the main residence at Fitch Farms is the former home of General Nathan Bedford Forest. I was graciously offered a tour of this 200-year-old log home.

Even after a devastating tornado ripped all around us the exterior of the General Forest home is still lovely.

Between bouts of lightening and the roar of tornadoes overhead, Walter, our two Bass Pro videographers and I tried to turkey hunt. We sure spent a lot of time checking the radar on cell phones for those rare few minutes of clear skies.

We never wanted for turkeys, however, we were looking for those with longer beards!  I became the Jake Magnet!

My partners, Brian Combs (video dude), Walter Parrott (Co-Host of 100% REAL Hunting) and Jarrod Letterman (Field Producer) sit anxiously on the porch of the lodge watching the lightning show.

The inside of the lodge is designed for fun, food, and fellowship. The memorabilia reflects the history of the area and the passions of the owner. Check out the mint Wurlitzer jukebox in the corner. 

After a day of dashing in and out of the rain chasing turkeys, Walter and I felt a little old-time rock & roll would lift our spirits.

Brian Combs, aka Caveman, is one of the best freelance video dudes I've worked with.  Soon after the last selection stopped spinning the power went out for several hours so we were glad we had a few minutes enjoy the fun of this old jukebox -- plus, it played for FREE! 

When the lights go out in Mississippi.

No power means no coffee and I take my coffee seriously! These jakes just didn't know how cantankerous I can get without my morning caffeine kick-start. Maybe it's a good thing I slugged 2 Strut-n-Rut Energy shots that morning.

Okay, we know when we are whipped! With so much weather devastation both at home and in our immediate area, both Walter and I felt it was time to fold our umbrellas, load the trucks and try again later for a couple of the Fitch Farm's longbeards. This place is a well-kept secret that would be perfect  for a weekend get-away, family reunion, hunting trip, or history experience. Check it out online at Fitchfarms.com.

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes