Among the hordes of hunting DVDs overwhelming the marketplace, only a few stand out from the crowd. “Bringin’ It Home With Hazel Creek” is one of them.

     In “Bringin’ It Home,” Team Hazel Creek (HC), led by Hazel Creek Inc. owner and taxidermist Cally Morris, covers a wide swath of North America in pursuit of wild turkey, whitetail and mule deer, elk, mountain goats, and Stone’s sheep—all while sharing the experience through the camera’s lens. Along the way, viewers see 29 game animals taken with archery tackle, muzzleloaders, and centerfire rifles and shotguns; the invariable misses that accompany hunting; and behind-the-scenes preparation for the hunts.

     At the conclusion of each hunt, and while the hunter recounts the scenario in his or her own words, a split-screen view allows the audience to relive the “moment of truth.” Shortly thereafter, and signaling the end of the segment, is a poignant still image of the hunter(s) with the animal(s).

     By using proper setup and technique, in most cases Morris and crew get very close to their quarry, capturing footage that is nothing short of spectacular. Of the species hunted, though, the wild turkey segments are particularly noteworthy. The turkey hunting imagery afforded through the use of the company’s rugged, taxidermy-prepared decoys, the bread-and-butter of Hazel Creek Inc., is simply unparalleled. Viewers witness how wild turkeys—both hens and gobblers—respond to, and interact with, other turkeys, including HC decoys.

     Particularly helpful with regard to turkey hunting is a stand-alone segment about decoys. In it, Morris explains the differences—besides the obvious—between one-, two- and three-decoy spreads, hen and jake decoys, and how a gobbler, or multiple gobblers, will typically respond. He also details the optimal distance between decoys and correct positioning for ideal shot angles. Footage from earlier hunts illustrates key concepts. 

     While the techniques Morris teaches in “Decoy Setup 101” correlate nicely with decoys of other types, the value of HC taxidermy-prepared turkey decoys is readily apparent, particularly for archery hunting. In several of the hunts, the “real” decoy affords the hunter an additional shot or two, as well as body movement without sending the bird running. The difference between these decoys and others is unbelievable.

     Separating the hunts are short segments entitled “Taxidermy 101” and “The Grind.” The former, provided through Morris’ experience as a decorated taxidermist, provides invaluable information about properly caping, measuring and freezing of big-game animals for shoulder mounts, mannequin selection and field-prepping wild turkeys for the taxidermist, among other tips. “The Grind” follows Morris and team from start to finish as they prepare world-class-quality mounts of whitetail deer, full body and shoulder, wild turkeys, a red stag and a desert bighorn sheep. Following “The Grind” segment are multiple static images illustrating the completed mount from various angles and heights.

     There is also a wealth of extras, which are available by selecting “Special Features” on the main menu. “On The Road With Big Red” illustrates behind-the-scenes preparation for the annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show, and “Bonus Hunts” features an additional moose hunt in British Columbia, several Hawaiian turkey hunts and deep-sea fishing, also in “The Aloha State.” Then there are “Bloopers/Ugly Misses,” “Slam Dunks,” which are a collection of the DVD’s kill shots and “Bringin’ It Home,” which presents numerous trophy images, along with those of mounts of many of the animals previously illustrated. Rounding out the “Special Features” options are “Tips” and “Taxidermy,” both of which focus on these segments scattered throughout the DVD.

     A welcome feature in “Bringin’ It Home With Hazel Creek” is the inclusion of hunters other than “experts.” Morris hunts alongside his wife, Annetta, cameraman Caleb Stewart, and a host of hunters with a genuine passion for the outdoors, as well as the quarry they chase—and it shows in their enthusiasm. With this, there’s a nice blend of novices and veterans, children and adults, and males and females.

     From the imagery and editing to the personalities and tips, both hunting and taxidermy, this DVD has much to offer. Not only does it provide hours of entertainment, but invaluable information from which all big-game hunters will benefit. See for yourself the difference. “Bringin’ It Home With Hazel Creek” has a runtime of 210 minutes and costs $14.95. Contact: Hazel Creek Inc. (Dept. AH), 21338 Chasewood Trail, Green Castle, MO 63544; (660) 488-5688; www.hazelcreekinc.com.