https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/blog/best-turkey-hunting-states
HALF the states have since reduced opportunity in the forms of seasons, limits, public land restrictions.
And there's another state or two on the list that you can likely expect changes to in the future as the hunting quality rapidly degrades.
ALABAMA: "Best State for Turkey Population and Shooting Multiple Birds"
- Pushed statewide season opener back a couple days
- DRASTICALLY reduced public land hunting opportunity
-delayed season on WMAs
-1-bird first 10 days per zone on WMAs & National Forest
-2 bird limit on each WMA/NF
-1:00PM closure on all WMAS/National Forests
My favorite quote of the article:
The Hunting Public's Zach Ferenbaugh is a fan of Alabama. He says, "The cool part about hunting turkeys is that they can take you to some pretty cool places and teach you a lot about hunting in general. One state I feel has been a standout for opportunity has been Alabama. The southern turkeys are challenging, but the population typically is pretty good and there is plenty of public land to stretch your legs. With a long season and the ability to hunt all day, there is no shortage of time to be in the field."GEORGIA: "Best State for Longest Turkey Hunting Season"
A state that actually PAID YouTubers to come hunt there and promote the awesome turkey hunting
- Reduced bag limit from 3 to 2
- Delayed season opener
- DRASTICALLY reduced public land opportunity
-Lost up to two weeks on the front end of the season on public lands
-1 bird limit per WMA
- Several new draw hunts (which just so happened to be some WMAs YouTubers had hunted)
KANSAS: "Best State for Hunting Multiple Turkey Species"
- Proposed statewide 1 bird limit
- Proposed non-resident quota system
KENTUCKY: "Best State for Hunting Different Terrain"
- Commission has discussed non-resident limitations for spring turkey hunting
NEBRASKA: "Best State for Archery Hunting"
- Reduced limit from 3 to 2 birds
- Cap on non-resident permit sales
TENNESSEE: "Best State for 'Turkeys in Every Field'"
A state that actually PAID YouTubers to come hunt there and promote the awesome turkey hunting
- Reduced statewide limit from 3 to 2
- Dropped 2 weeks off front of season and added them to end of May
- Reduced public land opportunity
-1 bird limit on select WMAS the first 2 weeks of the season
So remember this before you hit that LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Supporting those that exploit our public land resources for profit DOES have consequences. And these "sensationalist" articles do nothing but harm our turkey hunting opportunity. As you can see, changes can happen FAST.
Since 2021, I have hunted all of these states and have seen the effect first hand.. Feared for my life or injury on multiple occasions.. The states are responding the only way they know how, to keep from wiping out the turkey populations or having people being injured/killed.. They need to fire whoever keeps paying these YTers..
Thanks for always pointing out the facts DH.. These guys need to be made aware of the damage they are doing..
I was originally part of the "YouTube guys are great"crowd. But after seeing what's happening out there and watching them refuse to accept any responsibility I am quickly changing my mind. They are clearly are letting there love of what they do on camera cloud their judgement. I don't know why they just don't stop listing states all together. How does knowing where you filmed the hunt add anything to the watching experience?
Don't get me wrong, I also see the good they do. Dave Owens does use his popularity for a lot of good as well, and I'm sure many do. However, that doesn't erase the negative.
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Do it all for the Gobble.
It's a trend guys. It will run its course and something else will become the cool thing to do. Don't let worrying about it give you the upset stomach. As mentioned in another post last week. Mississippi is looking at its best hatch in 25 years and the youtubers have been here and done the same as they have done in other states. Lots of states are just doing something so that they can say they've done something. Arkansas has tried everything and nobody is hunting there now because they know it sucks, but the turkeys ain't come back yet. Prove me wrong..........
I watch a couple tube channels, not going to stop. I hunt public in several states every year and still find a way to kill some gobblers!
Last year one particular state had more d bags in one week than the other 30 years combined that I have been turkey hunting! Went back later in the season, did not see anyone and killed a bird.
Just gotta role with it, the Covid effect should be wearing off the next couple years hopefully!
Turkey hunting isn't for everyone..don't tell that to the magazine publishers and social media butterflies ..they are very busy marketing thier abilities, and the more page views they get ..or splash adds the more they can keep afloat
it's not a sport ..it's a major lifestyle adjustment, total commitment , and you will need the understanding from your family to get going good
People that are so lazy , that they get their scouting information from a Facebook page ..are definitely not cut out for it , not even a long shot will they make it ..I can smell a lazy person two times farther that most of us can hear a gobble ...one whiff and I cut them off
I've actually seen people DEMAND spot particulars for Florida waterfowling and turkey hunting locations...online , it was both hilarious and sad at the same time ...it's best to save them the time and effort and end it right away ...the smooching for free info that is
You have to put forth the effort , if you look like you want to learn ..I'll do everything to help you
Quote from: Shiloh on October 28, 2022, 09:07:01 AM
It's a trend guys. It will run its course and something else will become the cool thing to do.
Unfortunately, the trend has caused permanent damage to public land hunting opportunity. And the odds are, we will never get that opportunity back! But those who caused it don't care, they get their notoriety and make a living from it at the same time. While public land turkey hunters everywhere get the shaft.
I think we need to make sure states don't jump to do something for the sake of throwing something against the wall. I like the way that MS has been more patient in their changes. I don't think the problem is as dire as we think sometimes. I'm cooking the crow and prepared to eat it if I have to.
Shiloh you know I have hunted that block of private land that you hunt, that was,is some of the best turkey hunting I have ever hunted. But there is a big block of public land maybe 30 minutes east of you that used to be really good, I haven't killed one in there in 10 years, pressure can ruin a place.
Hey Bailey,
I do have a wonderful place to hunt, but some of my favorite hunting is still on the public east of me. I was on it last year and I still think it's great hunting. I will admit there is some public in this state that sucks bad right now, but ironically it's not what has been exploited.
Good Lord another hater rant about YouTubers :TooFunny:
Turkey populations were going down and traveling were on the way up before travel hunting began to ramp up. YouTube hunting has only been relevant for maybe 5 years...the turkey population has been declining steadily in the SE for the better part of a decade.
Maybe we should spend our time discussing things that would actually help:
-Timber companies are raping the land of any previous existence of good habitat.
-Removing tree huger mentalities from habitat producing timber management on public property.
-Bounties on known predators.
-Stiffer penalties for violations...especially on Public property.
How about this, write a letter to YouTube and tell them where THP and Dave Owens hurt you. Maybe they'll get shadow banned. :goofball:
I was shocked how crowded one of my public spots was the year after the YTubers visited, I just quit going there as it was just nuts. The next year it calmed down a bit, not back to normal yet, but I guess a bunch of folks got disappointed pretty quickly.
Quote from: Spurs on October 31, 2022, 01:38:59 PM
Good Lord another hater rant about YouTubers :TooFunny:
Turkey populations were going down and traveling were on the way up before travel hunting began to ramp up. YouTube hunting has only been relevant for maybe 5 years...the turkey population has been declining steadily in the SE for the better part of a decade.
Maybe we should spend our time discussing things that would actually help:
-Timber companies are raping the land of any previous existence of good habitat.
-Removing tree huger mentalities from habitat producing timber management on public property.
-Bounties on known predators.
-Stiffer penalties for violations...especially on Public property.
How about this, write a letter to YouTube and tell them where THP and Dave Owens hurt you. Maybe they'll get shadow banned. :goofball:
Those other points (among several others) are discussed, as well as recognized as playing a role in declining populations... past, present, and probably future. However, that in no way negates any negatives that are presented by the exploitation of public property for personal gain, whether that be money, notoriety, etc. Not one person that I've ever seen has stated YouTube is "THE reason" for decline despite the popular play on words for any criticism shared their way. It could be argued it plays a role of some sort, and most especially can be argued it has been detrimental to hunter opportunity.....which is laughable since "hunter recruitment" has been the platform they shout the highest from.
Any and All negatives should be reviewed and criticized when warranted, if it's for the potential betterment of the resource. Can you argue that YouTube and Social Media practices have not created any negatives for localized turkey populations or hunter opportunity?
"Can you argue that YouTube and Social Media practices have not created any negatives for localized turkey populations or hunter opportunity?" No, I can't argue that. Neither can I make the same argument for the shotgun. The lid is off and will never go back on social media. I would say we need to figure out how to use these platforms to educate people on helping turkeys where and how they can from small efforts to major efforts. I will hopefully be able to take part in something like this soon. I'll make sure to let all of you know so that you can watch ;)
Quote from: Shiloh on November 02, 2022, 04:16:37 PM
"Can you argue that YouTube and Social Media practices have not created any negatives for localized turkey populations or hunter opportunity?" No, I can't argue that. Neither can I make the same argument for the shotgun. The lid is off and will never go back on social media. I would say we need to figure out how to use these platforms to educate people on helping turkeys where and how they can from small efforts to major efforts. I will hopefully be able to take part in something like this soon. I'll make sure to let all of you know so that you can watch ;)
Yes, this is a platform that we should be able to discuss negatives, even if it's concerning entertainment that makes the masses feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Even if it garners likes and shares that stroke the ego. But, it shouldn't be, "oh well, the cat's out of the bag. No turning back". Discussing and bringing to light what is detrimental could be educational to many that don't know any better or have never thought beyond the entertainment or social media side of it. Its ok to have some accountability. And a part of the discussion should be on the methods and tools in which are promoted to hunt turkeys with.
We agree on most. Just saying that I think it's easier to turn the train in a positive direction rather than discussing what's unlikely to change. Maybe discussing it will bring change. We'll see.
Shiloh you ever have your place on a hunting show, thinking Realtree, I Remember seeing it and thinking I know that sandy creek bottom.
No sir......nothing like realtree. The THP guys have hunted here and done a scouting show, but that's it. If you ever wanna ride out and see it give me a shout. We have done a ton of work. Planted several hundred acres in Longleaf pines that we will burn for the first time in February. Super excited about that.
I haven't hopped on this forum at all in the last few months, I really don't care to read about folks fall deer hunting festivities, or their summer garden. Thank you deerhunt for posting the only thought-provoking post in this forum since the last time I got online.
Just to address a few things.
First as if OnX and the other online mapping programs hadn't already done major damage just by existing (Most OnX users wouldn't do too well with a USGS topo map in their hands), they are now writing these hack articles on their subjective view of the "best turkey states" all of which being ones I have hunted and have been getting major social media and youtube hype over the last few years. Don't think for a second the OnX boys up in Missoula give a damn about public land turkey hunters. They are in it for the money and just see turkey like many other western hunting socialites AS AN ADDITIONAL REVENUE STREAM IN THE OFF SEASON... (looking at you Randy Newberg, Hushin, Eastman's etc. who've recently seen the soaring popularity and had to get their piece of the pie)
Second of all, Shiloh. Whether it be a trend or not the damage has been done. My new home state of Tennessee has cut the bag limit in half and drastically changed the season structure in a few short years. Mississippi, my previous state of residence has opted for a public land non-resident draw. If I wish to start my season a month earlier now as a TN resident, I'll have to enter a draw to start my season in MS. And not to mention, my childhood home of Florida has now moved several lands into draw hunt/special opportunity areas that were previously open to the general public. Maybe I agree with you, it may just be a trend or a fad. It sure will burn out when you have to spend 500+ dollars in application fees just for the chance to maybe travel out of state to hunt some gobblers on public dirt. Many folks will be priced out of the traveling turkey hunting arena as states raise NR license costs and limit availability for NR hunting opportunities.... poor man's big game hunt no more.
:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:
Time will surely tell, and I know for sure that social media has hurt some. LOTS of other factors contribute to what you detailed above though. Two of those states are the fastest growing in the country and one of them has THE most limited turkey resource of all. MS is now the earliest and easiest opener in a more and more crowded and popular southeast. If it hadn't been SM telling everyone some goober headed turkey guru would have written and article in Outdoor Life telling them.
Do all you can to help the situation, find the silver lining and have fun. Life's too short to be so sour about it;)
"Soylent Green is people."
Caution-Opinionated old man ruminations below.
Any time something is popularized it creates demand. Whether it is that toy people are fighting over for a Christmas gift, the new release of a bourbon everyone has got to have, homes during Covid, or the reintroduction of wild turkeys...people get passionate and competitive. In turkey hunting we have a base that does it simply because it is our lifestyle and part of the fiber of our being. And we have a helluva lotta spring warriors doing it for adrenaline rush and status.
The use of social media is a continuation of the popularization of turkey shooting (note I refrain from calling it turkey hunting, as it is the kill, and often the amps generated with it or brand behind it) that has existed since the reintroduction of the wild turkey.
When turkeys were first reintroduced, states gave out licenses sparingly. As turkey populations initially exceeded hunter pressures and other challenges in their local ecosystems, exploitation was inevitable. Turkey tags were the golden goose for years for state game agencies. Organizations that may have had good intentions turned them into a revenue stream...requiring more hunters. Brands exploded that catered to the turkey hunter, and all manner of media was required to sell products: records then audiotapes then CDs, VHS then TV shows then DVDs, all manner of print media. I belong to outdoor orgs, I like some of these brands, I very much enjoyed many of the media productions (and have them still)...and I have hunted all across the country.
I don't think anyone on this forum is blameless in the current state of the wild turkey. Just by being consumers of wild turkey hunting, we are part of that culture and exploitation. Many of us will be here when others are on to the next trend. But as individuals we do make choices that reflect our attitudes and influence others. I respect very much many of the entries on this topic-I can see you care as much as I do, and are trying to identify solvable problems. The original post was excellent, providing an example of how unchecked promotion is problematic. I didn't hunt fall turkeys for the first time in decades this year, and restricted my spring hunting to fewer states last spring, as well as only mentoring one youth (and have began focusing youth more on small game hunting...we still need hunters!).
I am not right or wrong, just an opinion like the rest of you. At least we care.
Quote from: GobbleGitr on November 13, 2022, 10:15:11 AM
Caution-Opinionated old man ruminations below.
Any time something is popularized it creates demand. Whether it is that toy people are fighting over for a Christmas gift, the new release of a bourbon everyone has got to have, homes during Covid, or the reintroduction of wild turkeys...people get passionate and competitive. In turkey hunting we have a base that does it simply because it is our lifestyle and part of the fiber of our being. And we have a helluva lotta spring warriors doing it for adrenaline rush and status.
The use of social media is a continuation of the popularization of turkey shooting (note I refrain from calling it turkey hunting, as it is the kill, and often the amps generated with it or brand behind it) that has existed since the reintroduction of the wild turkey.
When turkeys were first reintroduced, states gave out licenses sparingly. As turkey populations initially exceeded hunter pressures and other challenges in their local ecosystems, exploitation was inevitable. Turkey tags were the golden goose for years for state game agencies. Organizations that may have had good intentions turned them into a revenue stream...requiring more hunters. Brands exploded that catered to the turkey hunter, and all manner of media was required to sell products: records then audiotapes then CDs, VHS then TV shows then DVDs, all manner of print media. I belong to outdoor orgs, I like some of these brands, I very much enjoyed many of the media productions (and have them still)...and I have hunted all across the country.
I don't think anyone on this forum is blameless in the current state of the wild turkey. Just by being consumers of wild turkey hunting, we are part of that culture and exploitation. Many of us will be here when others are on to the next trend. But as individuals we do make choices that reflect our attitudes and influence others. I respect very much many of the entries on this topic-I can see you care as much as I do, and are trying to identify solvable problems. The original post was excellent, providing an example of how unchecked promotion is problematic. I didn't hunt fall turkeys for the first time in decades this year, and restricted my spring hunting to fewer states last spring, as well as only mentoring one youth (and have began focusing youth more on small game hunting...we still need hunters!).
I am not right or wrong, just an opinion like the rest of you. At least we care.
Great post! Well stated! :icon_thumright:
Well said GobbleGitr
How can we do our part when it comes to this issue?
Had a few thoughts on this one
Given the recent increase in popularity of turkey hunting as well as traveling to hunt turkeys I think it's important that everyone who cares about the wild turkey to examine their overall impact to the state of the turkey. It's vital that everyone who is passionate about turkey hunting give back to the bird more than they take right now.
What does that mean for ME? Trap more, manage predators, do everything in my power to encourage nesting/brooding habitat management, contact local DNR to propose change, don't support people and organizations that aren't looking out for the wild turkey, maybe not travel to hunt as much.
Simply put tend to the part of the garden that I can touch and do my part.
I enjoy traveling to hunt just as much as the next guy but it seems we have gotten to a point where people are doing it now just to "cross off" another state to complete a milestone. Maybe a more worthwhile milestone is making a change in the state i call home and managing more for turkey in the few acres I can
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I agree with you guys that GobbleGitr has it down pretty well. I am also in the camp that there are no quick, easy or permanent fixes. I firmly believe much of the decline is the natural establishment of a carrying capacity. We all had hoped for it to be sustainable at a higher rate, but saddly the habitat isn't there. We saw huge booms that drove very dense populations for a while. It's kind of like a chef fixing a huge luxury dinner that he envisions feeding hundreds, but what he doesn't know is people are taking the dishes and consuming them faster than he is fixing them. This is what happened to our habitat, it was being consumed and declining while we were experiencing record flocks. Well the day came there was not enough of that feast left to sustain the guest, so the host cut the guest list down to what they could feed. Our habitat, is being developed, harvested and invaded at a rate higher than restoration. You may point to thousands of acres of growing timber and say, look at all that woods regrowing and think it's habitat, but it's not. True turkey habitat in the east means a mix of mature trees, mixed grass fields and brushy escape/nesting habitat. Many of the forest have only one of these elements. Our state and federal agencies are cutting much of the public land down. The dollar bill rules in this world and conservation is taking a back seat to funding.
Now to hunter's impacts. I do not think harvest rates are a major problem across the board. They may be in isolated places, but the kill will folllow the availability. when populations drop and success rates fall, hunters hunt less or move to other areas. I think that just being in the woods and being disruptive is as much a factor as killing. This is compounded when less hunters are successful and just keep going. When they were filling tags fast the woods emptied fast. I think it's a stronger strategy to shorten seasons then to reduce bag limits. In these times habitat is capital. With more people land will be in demand for development and high tiimber prices will tempt landowner to turn trees into cash.
I am blessed to enjoy the fruits of well managed land. I hunt approximately 1500 acres of land that has had a management plan for at least 75 years and I can tell you I have not seen the same response of the turkey flock the nation has. Every year you can bet on about the same number of birds being there and it's a higher density then the properties surrounding it. Habitat mangement works!!
This is a complex problem and the social media guys are only a complication, like pneumonia in a cancer patient. Of course pneumonia will kill a weakened patient.
Eggshell.
Very well stated
Thanks Eggshell, good adds to the discussion and not a quick fix is right.
For what its worth I had 3 toms make it through the spring season. I disappeared in sept, and 1 in october. I am down to 1 lone gobbler on this drainage
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Quote from: nativeks on November 19, 2022, 12:00:28 PM
For what its worth I had 3 toms make it through the spring season. I disappeared in sept, and 1 in october. I am down to 1 lone gobbler on this drainage
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Dang. That's not good.