The state of Mississippi and its native turkey hunters welcomes all patrons from Arkansas. For those of you that have taken up residence on MS public land, don't forget to change your mailing address, get a new drivers license, and write to your friends and family.
P.s. please let us all know which state's turkey population you intend to kill off next.
See you at the gate.
United states of America.
I get it the pressure sucks but it is public land!
Good luck and be safe.
Build the wall!
That sounds like something an Arkansas duck hunter would say to OOSers coming to their state to hunt. That being said, you dont see any worse whining about OOS hunters than the KS crowd lol. :popcorn:
It's so bad duck hunting, if you are an OOS'er, they will slash your tires. Public land is Public. Meet people and be courteous, hunt where you want but be respectful... its hard for a lot to do!
I speak as a duck hunter, duck hunters are the biggest tools in the outdoors, hunted Arkansas public a bit and it is just a cluster ----.
I hunt public turkeys in many states, one with quite a bit of pressure, any contact I have had with others has always been pleasant.
Don't bring ducks into this, ducks are silly and this is a Tom thread.
If there was enough time In the day I'd stop and greet them all!!
Mississippi public land is worse than Kansas now. Might as well go to Disney world. Same amount of people
Quote from: Coldbeer on March 20, 2021, 04:08:52 PM
Mississippi public land is worse than Kansas now. Might as well go to Disney world. Same amount of people
Thank you cold beer. Anyone who said otherwise has lost their mind or is just trolling from their ground blind on cushy private land and has not stepped foot or popped gravel on public land in recent years
I'll be there in two weeks!
You'll be too late at that point. I'd go to Arkansas for their opener. All the Mississippi turkeys will be dead at this rate.
The amount of gravel popping on a given day in the North MS Tom woods is superfluous. I tend to agree with the OP, as well as with the sentiments of coldbeer and wcd4 #buildit
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Don't worry them ole Miss boys, will park next to you and setup beside you. Have fun, be safe.
Good luck.
Those southern neighbors are running wild also ,,, dang Cajuns
Quote from: ShootingABN! on March 20, 2021, 05:31:45 PM
Don't worry them ole Miss boys, will park next to you and setup beside you. Have fun, be safe.
Good luck.
Must be a MS state or razorbacks fan...
Out of all the dipshit that have parked on top of and walked in on me, not a one of them had a Mississippi license plate, or an ole miss student decal for that matter... mostly Arkansas with stupid duck license plate
Quote from: turkeydangler3 on March 20, 2021, 05:54:19 PM
Quote from: ShootingABN! on March 20, 2021, 05:31:45 PM
Don't worry them ole Miss boys, will park next to you and setup beside you. Have fun, be safe.
Good luck.
Must be a MS state or razorbacks fan...
Out of all the dipshit that have parked on top of and walked in on me, not a one of them had a Mississippi license plate, or an ole miss student decal for that matter... mostly Arkansas with stupid duck license plate
LOL I'm not a fan of sports.
I've seen some crazy stuff down here in the South East Region.
The people I've encountered in the woods have been fine, we both parked in different areas and ended up at the same location. No problems with that.
Good luck and be safe.
Quote from: turkeydangler3 on March 20, 2021, 05:54:19 PM
Quote from: ShootingABN! on March 20, 2021, 05:31:45 PM
Don't worry them ole Miss boys, will park next to you and setup beside you. Have fun, be safe.
Good luck.
Must be a MS state or razorbacks fan...
Out of all the dipshit that have parked on top of and walked in on me, not a one of them had a Mississippi license plate, or an ole miss student decal for that matter... mostly Arkansas with stupid duck license plate
You ain't been around enough then. I'm from Mississippi and we have some of the worst examples of sportsmanship that I've encountered in any state while hunting. I'll agree that the Arkansas crowd has some special characters, but I'll not ignore the fact that our state of Mississippi residents have raped and pillaged more outdoor activities in other states than any other states' residents in the entire Union.
As a matter of fact, the closest I've come to completely losing my mind on someone has been in Nebraska......twice.......and when I get a look at the vehicle tags, guess where they are from....Mississippi! My good ol home state.
Years of disregard for game limits, selfishness, and complete disrespect for property lines are a common practice locally in our state. Say what you want but it's a fact.
It's our our own state's fault that we get the pressure we get. I would actually propose that no license be sold to out of state hunters until opening day do that particular state's season if it is a neighboring state, or we move our season start date back to be closer in line with Alabama. If we do t make some changes, you can look for pressure and lease prices to be like you've never seen come 2022 and beyond.
My prediction:
No changes will occur. Follow the money=license sales revenue, lease revenue, travel revenue, etc....
Arkansas hunters aggravating - yes
Mississippi hunters just as bad in other states - probably worse than can be really measured.
Quote from: Jstocks on March 20, 2021, 08:59:38 PM
Quote from: turkeydangler3 on March 20, 2021, 05:54:19 PM
Quote from: ShootingABN! on March 20, 2021, 05:31:45 PM
Don't worry them ole Miss boys, will park next to you and setup beside you. Have fun, be safe.
Good luck.
Must be a MS state or razorbacks fan...
Out of all the dipshit that have parked on top of and walked in on me, not a one of them had a Mississippi license plate, or an ole miss student decal for that matter... mostly Arkansas with stupid duck license plate
You ain't been around enough then. I'm from Mississippi and we have some of the worst examples of sportsmanship that I've encountered in any state while hunting. I'll agree that the Arkansas crowd has some special characters, but I'll not ignore the fact that our state of Mississippi residents have raped and pillaged more outdoor activities in other states than any other states' residents in the entire Union.
As a matter of fact, the closest I've come to completely losing my mind on someone has been in Nebraska......twice.......and when I get a look at the vehicle tags, guess where they are from....Mississippi! My good ol home state.
Years of disregard for game limits, selfishness, and complete disrespect for property lines are a common practice locally in our state. Say what you want but it's a fact.
It's our our own state's fault that we get the pressure we get. I would actually propose that no license be sold to out of state hunters until opening day do that particular state's season if it is a neighboring state, or we move our season start date back to be closer in line with Alabama. If we do t make some changes, you can look for pressure and lease prices to be like you've never seen come 2022 and beyond.
My prediction:
No changes will occur. Follow the money=license sales revenue, lease revenue, travel revenue, etc....
Arkansas hunters aggravating - yes
Mississippi hunters just as bad in other states - probably worse than can be really measured.
Thanks for sharing you experience and thoughts. Good luck and stay safe.
In my 5 years of experience living on my property I have pressed charges on 2 truck loads of guys from AR, one father son combo from Mississippi, and narrowly missed catching some guys from GA. And that is just what I have seen while I was at home. Not going to lie last year was a welcome break from poachers. That said have fun and do it legally.
Historically for the last 20 years it's mostly ms / La /and ark tags in my region of ms on public , while this is still true ,seen several Georgia / bama / and a few northern states also since the " you tube " and face book craze
What are you guys complaining about? We need more turkey hunters!!! Thats what YouTubes says!!!
Quote from: deerhunt1988 on March 20, 2021, 10:05:14 PM
What are you guys complaining about? We need more turkey hunters!!! Thats what YouTubes says!!!
,,,
:fud:
:OGturkeyhead:
:turkey2:
From reading this Thread- it seems a Large Boatload of Arkansas Spring Turkey Hunters make a Beeline for the State of Mississippi every Spring.
I am from New York- so , I am wondering why that is??
Quote from: quavers59 on March 21, 2021, 04:20:07 AM
From reading this Thread- it seems a Large Boatload of Arkansas Spring Turkey Hunters make a Beeline for the State of Mississippi every Spring.
I am from New York- so , I am wondering why that is??
Main reason is because our state opens earlier than every other state except Flarida. I agree about the pressure put on our birds. Its insane. But to make lemonaide out of lemons , if you can kill birds consistantly on Mississippi public land , you can kill them anywhere in this country with regularity. I have said and continue to say that our states public land birds are the hardest in the country to kill. Just my opinion.
We've had issues over the years with whitetail poachers on our family land in Minnesota and it's hard to put into words how mad it makes a guy.
That said I accidentally got into private land hunting pronghorns last year and I still feel awful about it. I've hunted both private and public land for years, but I messed up last fall. The landowner confronted me, I put gun down, checked my map, started to profusely apologize and got out of there. I wouldn't have blamed him one iota if he would have pressed charges. It was completely my mistake.
Everyone hunting turkeys this year, please check your maps, maintain some situational awareness, be courteous, stay safe!!!
Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk
I ran into an old timer down south years ago, his statement about local hunters still makes me laugh, I asked him why I was not seeing any turkeys out in the fields, he said the local folks down here have two seasons, salt and pepper!
My cousin met some guys from Arkansas years ago turkey hunting Miss. Were friends with them a while but found out what little regard they had for any hunting laws and severed ties with them. Dude was killing birds prior to season and way over the limit.
I know a guy who hunted on the property I managed in Illinois, worked for the owner, he has exclusive rights to a huge chunk in Alabama, was complaining about low bird numbers after telling me how the most he had killed in a spring was 13 on that one property!
Quote from: Dtrkyman on March 21, 2021, 11:41:31 AM
I ran into an old timer down south years ago, his statement about local hunters still makes me laugh, I asked him why I was not seeing any turkeys out in the fields, he said the local folks down here have two seasons, salt and pepper!
My cousin met some guys from Arkansas years ago turkey hunting Miss. Were friends with them a while but found out what little regard they had for any hunting laws and severed ties with them. Dude was killing birds prior to season and way over the limit.
I know a guy who hunted on the property I managed in Illinois, worked for the owner, he has exclusive rights to a huge chunk in Alabama, was complaining about low bird numbers after telling me how the most he had killed in a spring was 13 on that one property!
And yet they wonder???
Mississippi is by far the worst for disrespect and absolute disregard for sportsmanship I've ever seen...and I too am an Arkansas public land duck hunter in some of the historically worst area.
As far as where those people we from, it was a coin toss with multiple sides. The worst one was a MS resident who had "been hunting there for a decade". I was in there 2 mornings in a row and he showed up right behind me on the 3rd. Dog cussed me and threatened to shoot out my tires. After that lil outburst, I informed him I was still going in and he pulled out. Bout gobble time (I was about 1.5 miles deep in) I heard a shot from my trucks direction. Initially, I was concerned, but my bird shock gobbled a few minutes earlier than usual. I decided that if my truck was shot, wasn't much I could do about it, so I took off after that bird. 2 hours later, I toted the bird outta there. (He's my avatar bird). No harm to my truck.
On the way out, wouldn't ya know it, there was that old mans truck. Left him a little breast feather for the memory and never went back to MS.
i always had a feeling that 'southern hospitality' was meant tongue-in-cheek
For real I've meet some great people here in the Sip.
Pressure doesn't bother me. I've hunted my entire life on National forest, never on private, and the majority of the turkeys I have taken have been on the weekends when every other soul is hunting as well. Biggest competition, in my younger days was Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. There were some groups from each state that were always here. Heck I think they slept out there with the turkeys because you couldn't beat them to the spots. One can't get mad because someone from another state hunts their turkeys. Their money pays as well as mine and really that's all it boils down too. If I see a truck I just go down the road and come back when they aren't there.
We're not bad folks , we are just misunderstood ????
The Arkanswayers do the same thing in Missouri where I hunt, every year. Some of the most disrespectable hunters I have ever met. Have had them drive 70 yds past my camp, park and get out and go hunting.
Quote from: Fullfan on March 22, 2021, 08:43:48 AM
The Arkanswayers do the same thing in Missouri where I hunt, every year. Some of the most disrespectable hunters I have ever met. Have had them drive 70 yds past my camp, park and get out and go hunting.
I'm not sure how to interpret your post here, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and make some assumptions that you are serious.
In your line of thought, because you set a tent or a camper up, that it is disrespectful for someone to park near you and hunt?
On a serious note:
If you are at said camp and someone drives by at daylight, and you are making coffee or standing there at your camp doing whatever, how is someone supposed to discern whether you are even a hunter?
There's been plenty folks in the Ozarks when I've hunted there that were just camping and riding horses, canoeing, or just whatever.
Have not hunted Mississippi in many years but it sure sounds like it has changed from what I remember. Plenty of good hunting else where in the country where perhaps the competition and bad manners have thined abit. Too bad.
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
That being said, I don't have a problem with out of state hunters but since MS opens weeks before surrounding states there is a mass influx of out of state hunters. I don't currently hunt public land and I consider myself lucky I don't have to deal with it. But if MS dept of wildlife doesn't do something we will end up with population problems like some surrounding states.
Not all hunters (including the locals) obey the bag limits or respect the land.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Playing devil's advocate, I'm curious how many hunters from states with early openers travel to extend their season after their seasons end.
Having said that, I would rather be the one with the last season open than the first to open. Not disputing any points made.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Quote from: wchadw on March 22, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
That being said, I don't have a problem with out of state hunters but since MS opens weeks before surrounding states there is a mass influx of out of state hunters. I don't currently hunt public land and I consider myself lucky I don't have to deal with it. But if MS dept of wildlife doesn't do something we will end up with population problems like some surrounding states.
Not all hunters (including the locals) obey the bag limits or respect the land.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Season and bag limit needs changing bigtime
Especially season dates
April 1st would be about rite
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 22, 2021, 08:30:51 PM
Quote from: wchadw on March 22, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
That being said, I don't have a problem with out of state hunters but since MS opens weeks before surrounding states there is a mass influx of out of state hunters. I don't currently hunt public land and I consider myself lucky I don't have to deal with it. But if MS dept of wildlife doesn't do something we will end up with population problems like some surrounding states.
Not all hunters (including the locals) obey the bag limits or respect the land.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Season and bag limit needs changing bigtime
Especially season dates
April 1st would be about rite
I agree. March 15 early and too cold. In central MS they are still mostly flocked up still. April 1 would be better
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: wchadw on March 22, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
That being said, I don't have a problem with out of state hunters but since MS opens weeks before surrounding states there is a mass influx of out of state hunters. I don't currently hunt public land and I consider myself lucky I don't have to deal with it. But if MS dept of wildlife doesn't do something we will end up with population problems like some surrounding states.
Not all hunters (including the locals) obey the bag limits or respect the land.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Agreed on all the above! April 1 through April 30th and a 2 gobbler limit is needed badly.
Quote from: Jstocks on March 22, 2021, 09:36:47 AM
Quote from: Fullfan on March 22, 2021, 08:43:48 AM
The Arkanswayers do the same thing in Missouri where I hunt, every year. Some of the most disrespectable hunters I have ever met. Have had them drive 70 yds past my camp, park and get out and go hunting.
I'm not sure how to interpret your post here, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and make some assumptions that you are serious.
In your line of thought, because you set a tent or a camper up, that it is disrespectful for someone to park near you and hunt?
On a serious note:
If you are at said camp and someone drives by at daylight, and you are making coffee or standing there at your camp doing whatever, how is someone supposed to discern whether you are even a hunter?
There's been plenty folks in the Ozarks when I've hunted there that were just camping and riding horses, canoeing, or just whatever.
It is well known that we are there to hunt, this will be my 29th year and my FIL's 40th in the same spot. It was 0430 4 of us were standing around the fire just getting ready to walk from camp to hunt. We had seen the same vehicle drive past camp the day prior. Just considered it very rude, the Missouri locals did not take it very well either. The guys could have went down the gravel road at least out of out sight.
Quote from: dublelung on March 23, 2021, 07:34:48 AM
Quote from: wchadw on March 22, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
That being said, I don't have a problem with out of state hunters but since MS opens weeks before surrounding states there is a mass influx of out of state hunters. I don't currently hunt public land and I consider myself lucky I don't have to deal with it. But if MS dept of wildlife doesn't do something we will end up with population problems like some surrounding states.
Not all hunters (including the locals) obey the bag limits or respect the land.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Agreed on all the above! April 1 through April 30th and a 2 gobbler limit is needed badly.
Agreed! I have hunted public and private land here for 30 years. I have met out state hunters and local hunters and have NEVER had a bad word spoke between us. One of my best friends is a game warden here. I know for a fact that most of the people breaking the law here are from Arkansas. Take from that what you will.
Quote from: Fullfan on March 23, 2021, 09:19:24 AM
Quote from: Jstocks on March 22, 2021, 09:36:47 AM
Quote from: Fullfan on March 22, 2021, 08:43:48 AM
The Arkanswayers do the same thing in Missouri where I hunt, every year. Some of the most disrespectable hunters I have ever met. Have had them drive 70 yds past my camp, park and get out and go hunting.
I'm not sure how to interpret your post here, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and make some assumptions that you are serious.
In your line of thought, because you set a tent or a camper up, that it is disrespectful for someone to park near you and hunt?
On a serious note:
If you are at said camp and someone drives by at daylight, and you are making coffee or standing there at your camp doing whatever, how is someone supposed to discern whether you are even a hunter?
There's been plenty folks in the Ozarks when I've hunted there that were just camping and riding horses, canoeing, or just whatever.
It is well known that we are there to hunt, this will be my 29th year and my FIL's 40th in the same spot. It was 0430 4 of us were standing around the fire just getting ready to walk from camp to hunt. We had seen the same vehicle drive past camp the day prior. Just considered it very rude, the Missouri locals did not take it very well either. The guys could have went down the gravel road at least out of out sight.
This scenario brings in one of those gray areas. I would never park near another man's camp and hunt. However, to think that because you set up camp there and think no one else is going to hunt that area because you are camped there and have camped there for years is flawed logic.
When and if I can get away for a different state hunt I only hunt max 4 days , family work etc gets me back home . I personally know several groups of out of state hunters that stay here for several weeks ! How does the town of eldarado function during turkey season ? All there men are in ms chasing turkeys !
That's right
And I think ,if the mdwfp gave a rat about the wildlife
As much as they say, instead of all the money they get from out of state hunters ,they would make the season later . It's all about the money.
You know, I read through all of these comments on hunting public land in MS and how crowded it is. Yet, just yesterday I watched a new video of a guy hunting a national forest (or so he claimed) just this year,...so the hunt must have taken place at the start of the season. He was on gobblers two days in a row that were gobbling their a$$es off for hours,...and yet nobody else showed up!
This is not the first video I have watched from MS with the exact same scenario. ...Makes me wonder what people think "crowded" hunting conditions are? Don't get me wrong,...I haven't hunted MS but one time, so I don't have a clue, personally. I just find it a bit curious that the rhetoric here and what I have seen on multiple videos just doesn't add up. My assumption is that there must be places a guy can go on public land in MS and find gobbling turkeys without crowds.
Again, don't nobody here need to get their snoods in a knot. ...Just making an observation from an outsider that doesn't have a dog in the hunt. :D
The rhetoric against out of state hunters is the same with fishing. I went to Sardis lake probably in 2012 and all I received as a welcome was "oh you Missouri @$$holes all come down here and catch all our fish." I didn't know the back story until later but that's beside the point. I paid my money and if anyone cares, I never took a crappie home. I did have fun and some folks were really cordial and friendly. A few bad apples ruins the barrel as they say.
I understand that everyone wants there own private spot. The problem is this is public and open to everyone. I hunt some public land and understand the crowded areas. I assume most areas are similar to mine and the weekends are bad. Most people work during the week. I have not seen many out of state people on the public I hunt in TN, but I am not in the high turkey area of the state. Like others I do not like being crowded, but what can you do.
Quote from: Remington700 on March 24, 2021, 09:04:59 AM
I understand that everyone wants there own private spot. The problem is this is public and open to everyone. I hunt some public land and understand the crowded areas. I assume most areas are similar to mine and the weekends are bad. Most people work during the week. I have not seen many out of state people on the public I hunt in TN, but I am not in the high turkey area of the state. Like others I do not like being crowded, but what can you do.
It's not really a matter of a private spot. It's there's hunters from 5 states all trying to hunt a limited amount of land and a limited amount of birds. MS opens 1-2 weeks before LA AR TN and AL so there is a large influx of hunters from these states. MS needs to change opening date to give the birds some time to breed without hunting pressure. On March 15 in my area the birds are just starting to break up and there is little to no gobbling until close to end of March.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It's the new normal everywhere. As guiding and private leasing become more prevalent, everyone else gets pushed to the little bit of public land that we have. Contrary to what everyone has been saying, hunter number have remained fairly steady over the last 60yrs ranging from 13-17 million. This number has stayed between 14.5-15.5 million the last 20 years. People just have more disposable income than they did 20yrs ago and clearly it's getting spent on guided hunts, leasing land, and even purchasing land. How many real estate/leasing companies catered to hunters 20-30 years ago? Now we have whitetail properties, midwest land group, mossy oak properties, hayden outdoors and basecamp leasing just to name a few. Add in all of the YouTube public land folks showing you can get it done of public, naming states they're hunting and it's just going to continue to get worse.
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 24, 2021, 06:49:53 AM
That's right
And I think ,if the mdwfp gave a rat about the wildlife
As much as they say, instead of all the money they get from out of state hunters ,they would make the season later . It's all about the money.
I agree. Most of the surrounding states have changed seasons and limits
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They should move the season to a later date, then when the non residents lay off they could recoup the money by raising resident prices, lets see how that goes with the locals!
I hunt public in multiple states each year as a non resident in all of them, none are in the south, however a couple get some ample pressure, I have had zero issues with others, sure they can alter plans and I have had to hunt different spots but the guys have been very easy to deal with.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 24, 2021, 08:39:31 AM
You know, I read through all of these comments on hunting public land in MS and how crowded it is. Yet, just yesterday I watched a new video of a guy hunting a national forest (or so he claimed) just this year,...so the hunt must have taken place at the start of the season. He was on gobblers two days in a row that were gobbling their a$$es off for hours,...and yet nobody else showed up!
This is not the first video I have watched from MS with the exact same scenario. ...Makes me wonder what people think "crowded" hunting conditions are? Don't get me wrong,...I haven't hunted MS but one time, so I don't have a clue, personally. I just find it a bit curious that the rhetoric here and what I have seen on multiple videos just doesn't add up. My assumption is that there must be places a guy can go on public land in MS and find gobbling turkeys without crowds.
Again, don't nobody here need to get their snoods in a knot. ...Just making an observation from an outsider that doesn't have a dog in the hunt. :D
Mississippi has a lot of draw hunts where they manage the hunting pressure really well. I was on a popular draw hunt this past weekend and only encountered 2 other trucks of hunters (both vehicles had 2 hunters). Very possible they were on a draw hunt.
But with 5 national forest holding birds spread across the state, when proper etiquette is shown, there are plenty of chances to get on gobbling turkey without being interrupted. Key being, respectful hunters! The main issue with early season is a lot of turkey aren't gobbling too well. So you know what happens when multiple people hear the same bird.
Quote from: wchadw on March 24, 2021, 09:59:55 AM
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 24, 2021, 06:49:53 AM
That's right
And I think ,if the mdwfp gave a rat about the wildlife
As much as they say, instead of all the money they get from out of state hunters ,they would make the season later . It's all about the money.
I agree. Most of the surrounding states have changed seasons and limits
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Y'all know on the Mississippi game and fish page the main turkey man is Adam Butler and his contact information is on there. Have you contacted him? I heard a radio show where Preston Pittman said the laws need to change down South, after Katrina in 2005 it messed up the habitat and it has never recovered.
I've long said that we shouldn't open until April 1. Or the Saturday closest til March 25th. Atleast north of 20 and especially for those of us north of 82. The birds are just rarely ready on the opener. But I'll be dang if we let a bird gobble and not have a couple different hunters "legally" able to close in on him.
The first week has been a zoo on the public around here. I found one that was willing and obliged on a lunch hour hunt yesterday, but other than that it has been rough.
Quote from: wchadw on March 24, 2021, 09:28:29 AM
Quote from: Remington700 on March 24, 2021, 09:04:59 AM
I understand that everyone wants there own private spot. The problem is this is public and open to everyone. I hunt some public land and understand the crowded areas. I assume most areas are similar to mine and the weekends are bad. Most people work during the week. I have not seen many out of state people on the public I hunt in TN, but I am not in the high turkey area of the state. Like others I do not like being crowded, but what can you do.
It's not really a matter of a private spot. It's there's hunters from 5 states all trying to hunt a limited amount of land and a limited amount of birds. MS opens 1-2 weeks before LA AR TN and AL so there is a large influx of hunters from these states. MS needs to change opening date to give the birds some time to breed without hunting pressure. On March 15 in my area the birds are just starting to break up and there is little to no gobbling until close to end of March.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I do not disagree with a change needs to take place. TN changed some of the regulations this year. I wish they would have been even more restrictive.
I live next to and hunt a popular NF in Mississippi and it is getting worse and worse. I understand it's public and I understand there will be times you run into other hunters. I have had birds shot out from under me that I had no idea the other hunter was there and after I cleaned the crap from my pants went and congratulated the hunter. I don't have patience for stupid people, which there seems to be more and more of.
This would never happen, but would love if you were required to take an easy course/test in the etiquette of hunting public land to get a permit to hunt these lands.
Obviously wouldn't hurt to significantly raise out of state licenses. They're coming anyways, charge the hell out of them and put the money back in the resource.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know a retired guy that hunts the same NF that I do and he has been every morning since the opener on the 15th. He said although there is a small army of Arkansas hunters harrassing the birds and taking all available parking spots, they have not done any shooting. The Arky boys dont know it but they come here early when the birds arent ready yet. If they would come the last 2 weeks of season instead of first 2 they would get more action, but their season is open by then. Even though it isnt far to drive I cant understand why they come to where I hunt, it just isnt that good.
Quote from: deadbuck on March 25, 2021, 12:06:26 PM
I know a retired guy that hunts the same NF that I do and he has been every morning since the opener on the 15th. He said although there is a small army of Arkansas hunters harrassing the birds and taking all available parking spots, they have not done any shooting. The Arky boys dont know it but they come here early when the birds arent ready yet. If they would come the last 2 weeks of season instead of first 2 they would get more action, but their season is open by then. Even though it isnt far to drive I cant understand why they come to where I hunt, it just isnt that good.
Well , now we do . See you the last two weeks ???????
Just spent the first 11 days of the season in Mississippi. Between the weather, pressure and just how early it felt in the season.. I struggled a ton. I heard 5 gobbles on day 2. 2 gobbles on day 7. And finally found a bird that wanted to talk a little more on day 10, he was with a boat load of hens that didn't like me so I didn't push the issue and was able to get between him and his hens yesterday morning and finally kill him.. and he didn't gobble at all yesterday. So in 11 days, I heard gobbling on 3 of them. That's pretty rough from this Yankee's perspective, and it wasn't that there weren't birds where I was hunting, they just didn't seem ready. I hunted 3 very different parts of the state hoping things would be different with a relocation, but the story seemed very similar everywhere and with everyone I talked to.
I agree the season just seems to start too early. In hindsight I wish I would have gone in April. But with the extra pressure from all us nonresidents pushing to get it done before the birds are ready, not to mention they had already been hunted the week before hand for youth season, it's no wonder Mississippi birds have a reputation of being tough. They're getting a hell of an education before they're even in the mood. The resident guys I talked to seemed to be more taking inventory and seeing where everyone was focused on hunting vs pushing them before it was time.
That said I was very impressed with the etiquette demonstrated by others around me. Not once did I have someone come in on me and everyone I met was extremely helpful and even made some friends I bet I'll keep contact with for sometime. Also got a really sweet box call given to me by a us forestry service guy that I thought was really cool.
Beautiful state and I enjoyed my time there despite the challenges. But I sure am glad to have checked the state off.
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/46f44326edcb224fa5a4b7d5ee2004f9.jpg)
Quote from: derek on March 26, 2021, 11:52:55 AM
Just spent the first 11 days of the season in Mississippi. Between the weather, pressure and just how early it felt in the season.. I struggled a ton. I heard 5 gobbles on day 2. 2 gobbles on day 7. And finally found a bird that wanted to talk a little more on day 10, he was with a boat load of hens that didn't like me so I didn't push the issue and was able to get between him and his hens yesterday morning and finally kill him.. and he didn't gobble at all yesterday. So in 11 days, I heard gobbling on 3 of them. That's pretty rough from this Yankee's perspective, and it wasn't that there weren't birds where I was hunting, they just didn't seem ready. I hunted 3 very different parts of the state hoping things would be different with a relocation, but the story seemed very similar everywhere and with everyone I talked to.
I agree the season just seems to start too early. In hindsight I wish I would have gone in April. But with the extra pressure from all us nonresidents pushing to get it done before the birds are ready, not to mention they had already been hunted the week before hand for youth season, it's no wonder Mississippi birds have a reputation of being tough. They're getting a hell of an education before they're even in the mood. The resident guys I talked to seemed to be more taking inventory and seeing where everyone was focused on hunting vs pushing them before it was time.
That said I was very impressed with the etiquette demonstrated by others around me. Not once did I have someone come in on me and everyone I met was extremely helpful and even made some friends I bet I'll keep contact with for sometime. Also got a really sweet box call given to me by a us forestry service guy that I thought was really cool.
Beautiful state and I enjoyed my time there despite the challenges. But I sure am glad to have checked the state off.
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210326/46f44326edcb224fa5a4b7d5ee2004f9.jpg)
That's cool! Congrats on the bird. Sounds like it was well deserved.
I finally got on the board this morning. My red dot died and had to shoot him without it. Luckily he was about 12 steps so I put it a little lower than normal to give myself some room for error.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
congrats on the bird and the box call, do you know who made the box and when was is made?
Quote from: 3bailey3 on March 28, 2021, 01:36:29 PM
congrats on the bird and the box call, do you know who made the box and when was is made?
Thank you. Unfortunately I don't have any more info on it than you can see on the lid and that the gentleman from the forestry service said "they give us these to hand out to people".. class act in my book.
Congrats to all that have been successful.
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
I sure hope they make some changes . I drive through a good portion of public on a regular basis. The hunter numbers are way up and the turkey population is way down . IMO the season needs to be backed up until atleast the 25 th or later . I'd be fine with a limit drop also . I see more yotes and coons cross roads then turkeys now .
I know some top notch hunters that are struggling just to find a gobbler to hunt ...
I have been following this Thread for awhile now. I thi k the best solution would be for the Top Wildlife Agency people from AR,MS,LA,AL,GA, + SC get together and work out a Spring Season Opening Day that is more days away or on the very same day as these 6 States above.
And each State should lower their Bag limit by 1 Bird. The States with 2 Bird limit should remain there.
Your assessment of the situation is spot on, but too many egos and politics involved for that to happen.
Feeling the growing pains of loose lips..... thank your YouTube/social media heros for pimping out traveling turkey hunting. The bell has been rung
A lot of people were jumping up and down 5 or so years ago, saying we need more hunters.
These you tubers all came along in about a 2 year time span, justifying creating a public land fad/traveling hunter as being good stewards of the sport.
Well guess what guys and gals- we are now looking down the barrel of more regulations, lower limits, more restrictive permit type hunts, less opportunities and time in the field.
There were a few of us that saw this coming and said something where we could. We were mostly called selfish. To all those people now, you can kiss my ***.
Youtubers know what they've done. Look at the precautions they are taking this year to avoid showing spots. They've seen these threads whether they reply or not. But the damage is done.
Are you tubers the only culprit? Absolutely not, but have been the biggest negative influence in the past few years. We don't need a hunter behind every tree on our public lands.
The pressure where I hunt is 3x normal, to the point you can't hardly move around mid day
Every gate is taken
I've found success but it's mostly from being familiar with the place. I've had the most gobble less days of any season
Our public birds can't handle this pressure long term
We need to acquire more public lands
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Quote from: silent tom on March 31, 2021, 05:58:48 AM
A lot of people were jumping up and down 5 or so years ago, saying we need more hunters.
These you tubers all came along in about a 2 year time span, justifying creating a public land fad/traveling hunter as being good stewards of the sport.
Well guess what guys and gals- we are now looking down the barrel of more regulations, lower limits, more restrictive permit type hunts, less opportunities and time in the field.
There were a few of us that saw this coming and said something where we could. We were mostly called selfish. To all those people now, you can kiss my ***.
Youtubers know what they've done. Look at the precautions they are taking this year to avoid showing spots. They've seen these threads whether they reply or not. But the damage is done.
Are you tubers the only culprit? Absolutely not, but have been the biggest negative influence in the past few years. We don't need a hunter behind every tree on our public lands.
100% spot on
To all my acquaintances that are YouTube fanboys, I simply tell 'em "Told ya so!"
Look guys this didnt start with utubers the sport channels on T.v. made it a business that's when hunting went south , to me. Everybody started trying to be like whoever
There hunting guru was on tv.
Yeah the public land you can blame on utubers.
And I myself like to watch utube tky. Hunting. But i was hunting public before the internet was invented.
Will i reckon i vented and got off track sorry about that
But i blame the tv and all the hunting channels that messed it all up.
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 31, 2021, 07:44:37 AM
Look guys this didnt start with utubers the sport channels on T.v. made it a business that's when hunting went south , to me. Everybody started trying to be like whoever
There hunting guru was on tv.
Yeah the public land you can blame on utubers.
And I myself like to watch utube tky. Hunting. But i was hunting public before the internet was invented.
Will i reckon i vented and got off track sorry about that
But i blame the tv and all the hunting channels that messed it all up.
People lack confidence to strike out blind and try something. The attitude is usually "ehh I'll just waste my time" so they never try
Kind of like how when you go kill something THEN all your friends wanna go with you. They never ask to go with you on a blind adventure.
That's what kept a lot of people from trying public land. The motto is it's "terrible hunting" anyway
The youtubers proved to the masses it is possible to have good hunts with video proof. Then went farther to let ppl know where they were at. This made them gain confidence to go to these places.
"Oh damn there's gobbling birds all over that place. We must go"
That is what separates the YouTube's from the old hunting tv shows. The tv shows were all on big private places so it was just to watch and dream about. There was nothing to chase behind after the hunting show vids. Everyone knew they couldn't hunt there so it was just tv entertainment.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Quote from: sasquatch1 on March 31, 2021, 11:37:07 AM
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 31, 2021, 07:44:37 AM
Look guys this didnt start with utubers the sport channels on T.v. made it a business that's when hunting went south , to me. Everybody started trying to be like whoever
There hunting guru was on tv.
Yeah the public land you can blame on utubers.
And I myself like to watch utube tky. Hunting. But i was hunting public before the internet was invented.
Will i reckon i vented and got off track sorry about that
But i blame the tv and all the hunting channels that messed it all up.
People lack confidence to strike out blind and try something. The attitude is usually "ehh I'll just waste my time" so they never try
Kind of like how when you go kill something THEN all your friends wanna go with you. They never ask to go with you on a blind adventure.
That's what kept a lot of people from trying public land. The motto is it's "terrible hunting" anyway
The youtubers proved to the masses it is possible to have good hunts with video proof. Then went farther to let ppl know where they were at. This made them gain confidence to go to these places.
"Oh damn there's gobbling birds all over that place. We must go"
That is what separates the YouTube's from the old hunting tv shows. The tv shows were all on big private places so it was just to watch and dream about. There was nothing to chase behind after the hunting show vids. Everyone knew they couldn't hunt there so it was just tv entertainment.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Hammer meet nail. The audience being reached via social media platforms is a whole different animal than Primos VHS tapes.
It did turn it into a business
And we lost a lot in that process
It went from sport to a money game including primos and all the others
Quote from: silent tom on March 31, 2021, 05:58:48 AM
A lot of people were jumping up and down 5 or so years ago, saying we need more hunters.
These you tubers all came along in about a 2 year time span, justifying creating a public land fad/traveling hunter as being good stewards of the sport.
Well guess what guys and gals- we are now looking down the barrel of more regulations, lower limits, more restrictive permit type hunts, less opportunities and time in the field.
There were a few of us that saw this coming and said something where we could. We were mostly called selfish. To all those people now, you can kiss my ***.
Youtubers know what they've done. Look at the precautions they are taking this year to avoid showing spots. They've seen these threads whether they reply or not. But the damage is done.
This is all very true.
Are you tubers the only culprit? Absolutely not, but have been the biggest negative influence in the past few years. We don't need a hunter behind every tree on our public lands.
Are they hunting a National Forest by any chance? Those belong to all of us.
It's the curse of hunting public I suppose. Hope you have a good, successful season in spite of the crowds!
We are here, we've been at countless gates, we've driven and walked countless miles. Forty miles driven this morning. For our efforts in three days we have heard four turkeys and it has not been for lack of effort. I'm talking there are no tracks, no scratching, no hens crossing the road, it's like a ghost town. I reckon the arkies killed them to the last Tom. :OGturkeyhead:
Not from Miss but staying with a buddy in Memphis so I've been making the drive down to here the past week (you can guess what National Forest I'm hunting). I can confirm that I've seen zero hens crossing the road, maybe a handful of tracks, 2 gobbling birds on the limb. It's been pretty brutal, granted I hunted here last season and chalked it up to bad weather/being here too early in the season.
Obviously I've seen more Arkansas plates than Mississippi plates, but I gotta say that I do feel bad for the Mississippi guys because this particular NF is basically a wasteland for wildlife
Stop by our camp, we can drown our sorrows together. We have probably passed each other on the road. We are sporting Michigan plates to be in total disguise.
If I were you I'd be hunting down at the WMAs around Jackson. I did well in South Alabama when I went to visit a buddy down there, but Holly Springs is completely dead from what I've seen. I don't mind saying the places name because it's pretty brutal
Man I have been following this Thread. Where are all the Mississippi Turkeys? I thought that State had a High Population
I'm not on any public land but private up in the delta and it's been dead quiet where I hunt. Finally with the consistent sunshine and temps warming up I'm starting to see some more tracks in the road and finally a little dusting and strutt marks in the road. It's crazy how little gobbling we've heard so far. Glad to hear it's the same report all over the state mostly and the mid south
Quote from: quavers59 on April 05, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
Man I have been following this Thread. Where are all the Mississippi Turkeys? I thought that State had a High Population
Mississippi Dept of Wildlife sent out a press release right before the opener stating we had 2 consecutive bad hatches in N Miss in 2019 and 2020 and not to expect to hear a lot of gobbling since 2 year old birds would be scarce. I will hand it to them, they got this one right. The problem here is that when you put tremendous pressure on them on the public they simply move to the nearest private where they dont get harrassed EVERY day. I have noticed that afternoon hunting is at unprecedented levels here also, where I used to have it all to myself in the evenings. I know a lot of hard core killers that have only killed 1 bird so far and they are good hunters and hunt very hard. I have played with 2 and killed 1 myself. Did not hear a gobble first 2 weeks and Havent struck the first bird running and gunning and I have about worn out a pair of rubber boots and the wood is getting thin on my box call lid. I tell myself I am doing it for the exercise. BTW, all of the Arkansas boys are gone in my neck of the woods.
Quote from: quavers59 on April 05, 2021, 08:40:56 PM
Man I have been following this Thread. Where are all the Mississippi Turkeys? I thought that State had a High Population
. It was a " huntable " population before the covid invasion. Last year was a bumper crop of 2 year olds , and they got hammered!
Hear one gobbling at 7:20. Go around the road, no truck, he gobbles, go to him, round the corner and stop. Wait ten minutes and he flies out of the tree. Watched us walk up. I reckon they stay on the limb until a hen gets to them here. This is crazy.
Starting to sound like Missouri. Bird numbers are down and have been for the past 8-10 years.
Mississippi is the poorest excuse for turkey hunting I have ever seen. The MDFWP should be ashamed to sell turkey tags. I just left there and had zero luck. I would have been ashamed of myself if I did kill a gobbler because I'm almost convinced it would have been the last one in Mississippi.
Quote from: ShootingABN! on March 24, 2021, 09:04:27 PM
Quote from: wchadw on March 24, 2021, 09:59:55 AM
Quote from: Prohunter3509 on March 24, 2021, 06:49:53 AM
That's right
And I think ,if the mdwfp gave a rat about the wildlife
As much as they say, instead of all the money they get from out of state hunters ,they would make the season later . It's all about the money.
I agree. Most of the surrounding states have changed seasons and limits
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Y'all know on the Mississippi game and fish page the main turkey man is Adam Butler and his contact information is on there. Have you contacted him? I heard a radio show where Preston Pittman said the laws need to change down South, after Katrina in 2005 it messed up the habitat and it has never recovered.
We were hit hard by Katrina but turkey hunting here was the best I've ever seen it for 5 yrs following that storm. For the past 5-6 several years though, entire flocks (hens included) have vanished and my old honey holes have been without turkeys. It is a sad state of affairs but Katrina was almost 16 yrs ago and the habitat has definitely recovered since then. It's past time to stop blaming Katrina.
After two years of us driving across the border TN, my buddy finally got it done this morning. Complete luck where a bird gobbled at 9am and just wanted to die. I'd say between the two of us this year, we really only know of 3,4 birds across different locations. Like I said, I'm not from Miss. but I'd be pretty certain that the overall population has to be really bad. Especially in the counties around Holly Springs
I gave up on Mississippi this year and I think I gave up on turkey hunting this morning. 73, a stroke and a low blood pressure incident have about convinced me. Reality is a bummer.
For Silvestris- hope your Health improves!
Quote from: silvestris on April 06, 2021, 10:14:09 PM
I gave up on Mississippi this year and I think I gave up on turkey hunting this morning. 73, a stroke and a low blood pressure incident have about convinced me. Reality is a bummer.
Don't give up just change tactics. I'll be 74 in a few days, got a bad knee, RA in my shoulders, can't walk to the barn without getting winded, and just lost my best hunting spot. But come hell or high water I'm still going, I'll be doing a lot less walking and more sitting but I'm gonna be in the woods!
Thanks for thumbs up. It is not that I can't, but I can't do it like I used to, and two other factors, we just don't have the turkeys we used to have and I don't appreciate the direction the sport has taken. As far as the turkey numbers have fallen, I have a theory that the appearance of the midges (biting gnats) in my area in great numbers (as well as hogs) are killing the poults as soon as they hatch. We didn't have those boogers ten or so years ago and now hey are atrocious. They have been known to kill baby chickens and I don't see how turkey poults would be different. Perhaps I will reconsider, but I am prepping myself to let it go after 45 years.
MS will be like Arkansas. Sadly most of the wildlife board have better than avg places to hunt so they could care less.
I haven't had a chance to go since the opener until yesterday. Found 13 trucks in a place that can't hardly support 3 hunters, much less 13. Went to spot # 2 and couldn't find an empty gate so went to spot 3. No truck but fresh boot tracks. Haven't cut a track in miles of riding/walking/scouting. Guess they're all dead? Places that once had a population to give chase now are barren. I ain't seen anything like it. I'm seeing flocks of hens but no males? Parked and walked a little ways in to have someone come walking down the road. I asked if he saw my truck and old guy shrugged and said it was public and went on about his way. 5 years ago I could find birds, last year I had to compete to get one, and this yr has been awful. Maybe tomorrow will bring that sound I wish to hear!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am figuring the Top Wildlife People in Arkansas,Mississippi, Alabama,Georgia, + Louisiana had better get a serious Summer meeting of the minds after reading this whole Thread and take steps to bring back Turkey populations.
They get paid good right?! Time for them to earn their money..
Quote from: wchadw on March 22, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I have lived in MS my entire life. I've hunted turkeys for 40+ years and I believe that MS needs to change their season dates, limits and charge a premium for out of state licenses.
Oh believe me, I paid a premium over what you guys pay down there. Still reasonable and about on par with other states price wise for a NR coming to like $183. Look at places like Wisconsin, NR's can hunt turkey for under $70 and keep adding $10 tags in any zone with OTC tags remaining in an unlimited number.
The amount of pressure I saw at pull offs while there was similar to that of Wisconsin, which with your guys numbers in comparison is a little alarming. There was definitely a lot of folks in them woods, but there were turkeys to kill too.
Well hopefully with the lack of birds and places to chase them , maybe alot of these wanna be turkey hunters will give it up and leave it to the die hards.
They ain't quitting which brings me back to the wise words spoken to the grand old man who took a shine to me and got me started 45 years ago. "Keep your mouth shut. There aren't enough turkeys or land for everybody."
I'm a NR and hunt MS every year for a long time now. Always bought the yearly license as I hunt it through the season until I get a limit. This year it happened all before April
However even as a NR I think they should maybe just do away with the 3/7 day licenses and make everyone have to buy the yearly. And also move season back a week or so to align with other places to lighten the load Ms takes.
I also think WMA permits should cost way more! Ppl pay thousands to hunt 1-2k acres. No reason the wma permit can't be raised a lot more for what you get and the money can be put back into these habitats.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
I can promise you the #s are way down in my region of ms . I drive , deer hunt , trap , squirrel hunt turkey hunt on a regular basis... the sightings and sign speak for them selves .
Met a guy from Arkansas this year. He kept apologizing for messing me up. I told him no worries. We talked for about 30 minutes and both went in opposite directions. Part of hunting public land.
Moved to MS summer of 2017. Heard a few birds in 2018. Heard more in 2019 which made me happy. One of the WMA's pushed the season back down here in the South. Another extended the draw only dates on one of the WMA's. 2020 I had two surgery's. late start but still heard a few gobbling.
2021 50 hours in the woods no gobbling and hardly any tracks or sign. 29 March Heard one gobbling at 1100 and he was dead by 1120. I've been since then and haven't heard a peep. This is all on public land.
Lots of rain also. I hope the hens on the nest make it.
Good luck everyone.
Well I'll put it like this. I'm fortunate enough to be a contract worker so I usually take all turkey season off. I take off from youth season till around the 7th-10th of May. I hunt all day and never miss a day. Mississippi is hurting. We have a good bumper crop of jakes this year and I pray pray pray some changes come our way before it's too late. I have 5 leases and I still hunt public land a lot. The number of hunters resident and non resident on a gobbling turkey is insane. I've had people park next to me. Walk in on me you name it. Take a few weeks off season and go to a telecheck system. Mandatory tagging before bird is moved and shoot for a April 1st- May 1st season. No one cares about trapping anymore so changes to the season dates and shortening up the season is all I can see that will help. Like I said. I'm in the spring woods EVERY SINGLE DAY of season. I see a lot. Mississippi is hurting. Change something before it's too late
tuff for me...
Can't wait to see how many Arkansas folks show up and disregard the new NR draw rules
Quote from: Coldbeer on February 02, 2022, 10:57:46 PM
Can't wait to see how many Arkansas folks show up and disregard the new NR draw rules
I would think there would decent enforcement for the 1st couple years. Might be an opportunity for a money grab. Pay some salary money from ark poaching fines. :drool:
We have minimal law enforcement as it is !
I predict a cluster ——-!!