This 2021 OnX article on "best turkey hunting states" sure didn't age well!

[deerhunt1988]

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.

[springtime_overland]

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..

[Terry]

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ShootingABN!]

Do it all for the Gobble.

[Shiloh]

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..........

[Dtrkyman]

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!

[Old Gobbler]

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

[deerhunt1988]

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.

[Shiloh]

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. 

[3bailey3]

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.

[Shiloh]

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. 

[Spurs]

Good Lord another hater rant about YouTubers 

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.

[GregGwaltney]

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.

[El Pavo Grande]

Good Lord another hater rant about YouTubers 

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.

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?

[Shiloh]

"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