All the posts about people or buddies getting shot accidentally while turkey hunting got me thinking, what type of safety things do you do specially on public lands while turkey hunting to help you not to get accidentally shot by another hunter?
For me, I do a couple of things. I will put up orange flagging with the words "Caution Turkey Hunter Ahead" on a road or trail leading to the area of my blind. I remove the flagging when I'm walking out of the woods.
Secondly, I'm very careful of the placement of my Jake decoy. I don't want someone spotting it and shooting towards me.
Thirdly, while walking in the woods I fold my decoys up and cover them up under my arm. I might consider putting them in an orange mesh bag for next season.
Fourthly, I try to get away from people and not hunt in the crowd.
Any other ideas?
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Some very good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Good thoughts. I carry a Turkey wing in my vest that sticks out about 2 inches, just the tips. I painted them so you won't shoot at them. Public is public, you just have to hope everyone you encounter realizes gun handling responsibilities. We all know there are some that do not.....
Good luck, be careful...
I'm not a big decoy user period but No jake or gobbler decoy period.
I'm kinda a freak about No red, white, or blue on my clothing. No matter how small of a patch, logo or writing I'm taking a sharpie to it.
I always carry a blaze orange cap in my vest, when I shoot a bird I put it on my head
I just talk to myself very loudly the whole time I'm hunting. People hear me so I shouldn't get shot by mistaken identity however someone may shoot me on purpose. I like Hawaiian clothing for camo. People can see me way off. I still kill my limit. I think these things confuse the birds and they think it's no way this clown is trying to kill me.
If you shoot first you shouldn't have much to worry about.
I was set up on a bird two years ago and had two hunters come in on me. I started slapping the ground because I didn't want to bugger the bird. About got shot then and decided right quick I'll never move like that again. I'll speak to them loudly and hold still. Ain't a bird in the world worth it. Most times when someone gets shot it's with someone shooting at movement. Buddy that got shot this past week, he got shot when he moved. In his case he'd already yelled multiple times and the old man didn't hear him. When he shot, though, he shot at movement.
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I haven't entertained bringing a decoy on public land in a very long time.. the nail in that coffin was when my best friend had his hen decoy shot in South Carolina years ago.
I don't use decoys very often but very rarely on public. If I do it's later in the season or mid week when fewer people are out and only a hen, never a jake. I'll put on a blaze orange cap if packing a bird out. I don't turkey call if I see another hunter but will play the UK fight song on my crow call to let them know I'm in there. I'll also keep my back to a tree that'll cover my vitals while calling and always carry a tourniquet in my pack or vest. Last is my epi pen and/or Benadryl for stings because I'm just lucky to be allergic to yellow jackets and wasps
I guess I shouldn't be amazed about folks shooting at decoys and movement, but every time I read it, it still amazes me. I'm fortunate enough that I've never had to hunt public land, but hats off to you guys that are successful and alive to tell the tale.
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Quote from: Spitten and drummen on April 14, 2023, 06:47:59 PM
I just talk to myself very loudly the whole time I'm hunting. People hear me so I shouldn't get shot by mistaken identity however someone may shoot me on purpose. I like Hawaiian clothing for camp. People can see me way off. I still kill my limit. I think these things confuse the birds and they think it's no way this clown is trying to kill me.
I do all of this when I shop Walmart, so far so good
Some great ideas. Keep em coming.
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Most of the time on public ground I don't even go into the woods if people are parked even remotely close to where I want to hunt. It sucks but I just don't like taking the chance. Many mornings I drive around never leave the truck. Then go get breakfast and come back around 8:30-9:00 am. Most are gone by then and the birds are still there.
I never use decoys anymore but would never use them on public ground period these days. I had my b-mobile shot at one year at a popular military base. A guy came in behind me and though he was way out of range of the decoy he took a shot at it over my left shoulder. When I started hollering and carrying on he ran like hell. I also don't carry a wing. One year on a youth hunt my son and I were set up on a gobbler and a guy and kid came slipping up a gas line towards us about 30 yards away. I was able to get their attention and waved them off. Or so I thought. He waved at me then started back the way he came but then set up down the hill we were facing on the edge to our left!! With the kid! In easy shotgun maiming range between us and used every call he had trying to call the bird away from us. In my opinion it's one of the stupidest things I've ever witnessed while turkey hunting! You don't teach kids to do stuff like this.
Orange tape or flagging doesn't do much good where I hunt. It just gives them a trail to follow where I should be so they can come in and set up beside me. Like going to a deer stand in the morning. After all I have local plates so I'm supposed to know the lay of the land and know what the local birds do here. Sad but true.
I've mentioned before that I carry a cheap blaze orange slip on vest in the cargo pocket of my pants. If I see someone approaching, vest comes out before I do anything else.
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The number one thing I do is try to stay away from other hunters. If I see a vehicle nearby I go somewhere else.
Quote from: grayfox on April 15, 2023, 03:54:58 PM
The number one thing I do is try to stay away from other hunters. If I see a vehicle nearby I go somewhere else.
Good strategy. If even one-half the people who claim they do this actually did it, hunting on public would not only be safer, it would be much more enjoyable for all.
Like some have mentioned . I sharpie my logos out . I don't use decoys, very rare if I do . And hen only . When I see a person ... I don't move , I just let them go . To talk about safety ... I had a bird shot at directly in front me in another state this past weekend. The individual saw where I was parked . Pulled down , walked in parallel to me through the woods . He did setup in front of me and kill the bird ...I knew he was close , however I did not know he had actually gotten in front of me within 100 yards ..... he knew what he was doing and it isn't like I would have shot him.... But still .... This particular area is going to get someone killed. Luckily I got me a bird and don't ever have to visit there again. The property is setup with far too many access points to essentially the same spot. I see this on wmas often .......
Keep a Orange Hat in your Vest or Daypack.
Today was our opener, on my local public land at 12:45 there were 15 trucks at one pull off on about 800 acres. There were also 6 trucks on 200 acres and 4 trucks on 150 acres. I drove two counties over to some National forest land and there were 6 trucks there, drove another two counties over and there were trucks or cars at every pull off except one that was at a swamp with a bunch of blown down pines, I got back in there and ended up working a bird, I had him 100 yards strutting and I hear leaves to my left crunching, thinking another had slipped in, I looked over to see two men walking 50 yards from me straight towards the gobbler, I sat there and let them pass and then slipped out and went back to the truck. I drove back to the county I originally started in to a tract of public that I've only ever seen rabbit hunters on the 8 years I've hunted it. The 3 pull offs had 3 out of state trucks and as I was driving up the road leaving, a car from New York whipped in one of them. I left and got supper with my wife and kids. I ain't chancing getting shot with that many out of staters doing the slam for the gram or whatever they do. We'll try again tomorrow in the mountains
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been at this for a LONG time and have had 2 close encounters with what I like to refer to as 'idiots'. I've had two personal friends shot during the spring season, again 'idiots'. I do not "NEED" to kill a gobbler to show off my pecking order but I sure do love to hunt them. if only these again, 'idiots' could ever understand that you just can't sneak up on the sound of a hen turkey calling and walk away with a dead gobbler. and trying to short stand another hunter on purpose well, again 'idiots'.
y'all just be safe and have great season and remember....if you get him inside 30 yards you've already beat him on his home turf. you actually don't have to kill him to walk away the victor.
I remember a few years ago they had the blaze orange leaves that you could hand from a tree to let people know you were there, if I were still hunting public land I am sure I would have used those or a couple pieces of blaze orange trail tape around me but above.
Quote from: ScottTaulbee on April 15, 2023, 08:13:26 PM
Today was our opener, on my local public land at 12:45 there were 15 trucks at one pull off on about 800 acres. There were also 6 trucks on 200 acres and 4 trucks on 150 acres. I drove two counties over to some National forest land and there were 6 trucks there, drove another two counties over and there were trucks or cars at every pull off except one that was at a swamp with a bunch of blown down pines, I got back in there and ended up working a bird, I had him 100 yards strutting and I hear leaves to my left crunching, thinking another had slipped in, I looked over to see two men walking 50 yards from me straight towards the gobbler, I sat there and let them pass and then slipped out and went back to the truck. I drove back to the county I originally started in to a tract of public that I've only ever seen rabbit hunters on the 8 years I've hunted it. The 3 pull offs had 3 out of state trucks and as I was driving up the road leaving, a car from New York whipped in one of them. I left and got supper with my wife and kids. I ain't chancing getting shot with that many out of staters doing the slam for the gram or whatever they do. We'll try again tomorrow in the mountains
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Wow Scott. If I had to deal with that mess, I'd probably hang it up. Unreal how things changed in our sport. I'm glad I got to experience the good old days for sure. Be safe, good luck to ya......
I agree Tom, I'd just quit and go fishing. After 52 years of hunting gobblers I don't need to take any risk to kill another one. I might miss it but I'd still quit and go home. even working in the garden is more fun than dodging idiots. I know that may sound funny and you might question my passion for the sport, but Passion mixed with high risk only puts me in the foolish category....Life is better upright and healthy. A dad-blame bird ain't worth giving up either. I guess in my old age passion has given way to peace and wisdom. If someone would have told me, as a newbie teenager, how many wonderful experiences and how many gobblers I would kill in the next 50 years I would have thought they were delusional. I consider my turkey hunting career as an overwhelming success and blessing. So my strategy is stay the frick away from the crowds or go home....
Quote from: ScottTaulbee on April 15, 2023, 08:13:26 PM
Today was our opener, on my local public land at 12:45 there were 15 trucks at one pull off on about 800 acres. There were also 6 trucks on 200 acres and 4 trucks on 150 acres. I drove two counties over to some National forest land and there were 6 trucks there, drove another two counties over and there were trucks or cars at every pull off except one that was at a swamp with a bunch of blown down pines, I got back in there and ended up working a bird, I had him 100 yards strutting and I hear leaves to my left crunching, thinking another had slipped in, I looked over to see two men walking 50 yards from me straight towards the gobbler, I sat there and let them pass and then slipped out and went back to the truck. I drove back to the county I originally started in to a tract of public that I've only ever seen rabbit hunters on the 8 years I've hunted it. The 3 pull offs had 3 out of state trucks and as I was driving up the road leaving, a car from New York whipped in one of them. I left and got supper with my wife and kids. I ain't chancing getting shot with that many out of staters doing the slam for the gram or whatever they do. We'll try again tomorrow in the mountains
Wow Scott, I guess I just thought it was bad where I hunt. I feel for you man.
Lots of idiots and no etiquette. Hunted a draw hunt this weekend. Only 10 permits. Got in early Saturday morning and parked. I'm on a hill that has a river at the bottom about 900 yards. About 20 minutes till roost gobbling here comes a truck. I tap my brakes to let him know I was in there. He keeps coming. So I tap more then hold the brake, as he keeps coming I put my window down to talk to him, he just drives right by. Pissed me off and I was about to show my and make sure neither of us killed the bird I roosted the night before. Before I did something he would regret I calmed down and pulled out of my spot. I know where the bird was and had a perfect approach for him. But these dipshits were eithier gonna blow him off the roost or be shooting up hill towards me. I didnt want to be on Instagram n youtube so I let them have it. Didnt see them the rest of the weekend.
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Decoys are not a part of my arsenal,. I don't approach any turkey noise but so close; ie No Stalking. Try to hunt away from crowds. If you beat me there I'm moving on. Hunt public during the week when woods are quietest.
In the future block the road. Make them at least stop behind you. When you get ready to exit Then park it to the side. They can still come in later But that could happen anyway. Doesn't have to be a confrontation- I'm probably not going to throw hands with you, but you are durn sure going to look me in the eye while you screw up my hunt. First there counts to me even on public- I left a 400+ acre parcel just this week because another hunter beat me to it. If we continue to just allow this without any resistance the jerks win again. It's personal to me
Good Lord Scott! What state are you in?
Some of these stories "shooting people and decoys etc etc"
Makes me realize just how many hens must accidentally gets shot every year
The pressure people put on themselves to kill for an Instagram/Facebook hero shot causes this stupidity
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Quote from: ScottTaulbee on April 15, 2023, 08:13:26 PM
Today was our opener, on my local public land at 12:45 there were 15 trucks at one pull off on about 800 acres. There were also 6 trucks on 200 acres and 4 trucks on 150 acres. I drove two counties over to some National forest land and there were 6 trucks there, drove another two counties over and there were trucks or cars at every pull off except one that was at a swamp with a bunch of blown down pines, I got back in there and ended up working a bird, I had him 100 yards strutting and I hear leaves to my left crunching, thinking another had slipped in, I looked over to see two men walking 50 yards from me straight towards the gobbler, I sat there and let them pass and then slipped out and went back to the truck. I drove back to the county I originally started in to a tract of public that I've only ever seen rabbit hunters on the 8 years I've hunted it. The 3 pull offs had 3 out of state trucks and as I was driving up the road leaving, a car from New York whipped in one of them. I left and got supper with my wife and kids. I ain't chancing getting shot with that many out of staters doing the slam for the gram or whatever they do. We'll try again tomorrow in the mountains
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Sounds like Middle TN??
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Wear all white. ;D
Next year, if I can get the clothes, I might just actually try it. White is a color that occurs in nature, and have certainly seen birds around white pumps, or tanks, etc... My personal theory is that other hunters will see you better, and turkeys won't care...
Outside of wearing white while hunting public:
I am less apt to use any decoys, and would not even consider using a male turkey decoy.
I am far more careful to sit against trees that would protect me from being shot from behind.
More likely to hunt the high ground than the low ground (as it is a lot less likely for someone to sneak up from above me).
If another car is parked in the lot, I move to a different area.
I like neon flags or colors to put on if I harvest a bird (I feel like the orange looks to much like the color of a turkeys head for an "over-enthusiastic" idiot hunter).
If I feel like a hunter is making a sneak on my, I will get vocal... Maybe yelling something like "Yip Yip Yip," which potentially sounds enough like nature to keep hunting whatever bird I am on, but hopefully human enough to let the other hunter know I am "human." (Never killed a bird after doing this though)
I'm just glad I have had the privilege of hunting most of my life where the fear of getting shot in a mistaken-for-game accident is pretty much nonexistent for me. If I had that fear, I am not sure if I would even hunt. The reality is that getting shot hunting is far down the list of potential dangers involved in hunting trips.
Having said that, simply stated, the best thing to do in any case is to "hunt defensively" both on your own behalf and for the sake of others in the woods with you. There is no question, though, that the definition of defensive hunting can vary significantly depending on where you are at. :icon_thumright:
Quote from: sasquatch1 on April 17, 2023, 12:30:57 PM
Some of these stories "shooting people and decoys etc etc"
Makes me realize just how many hens must accidentally gets shot every year
The pressure people put on themselves to kill for an Instagram/Facebook hero shot causes this stupidity
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I was thinking the same. How can you shoot at movement while identifying a beard.....
Quote from: BDeal on April 17, 2023, 12:18:43 PM
Good Lord Scott! What state are you in?
Ky. I'm hunting the Central, Eastern, and North Eastern area of the state.
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Quote from: sasquatch1 on April 17, 2023, 12:30:57 PM
Some of these stories "shooting people and decoys etc etc"
Makes me realize just how many hens must accidentally gets shot every year
The pressure people put on themselves to kill for an Instagram/Facebook hero shot causes this stupidity
I am sure a lot of hens get shot... Not so certain it is accidental? Pretty sure a lot of "hunters" want to shoot a turkey irrelevant of the hows/whys/whats they are shooting.
Like I've said many times before and like many of you guys I will not crowd in and try to cut someone off if theyre already there before me. I do my best to stay away from everyone else and if people are parked in an area I'm going to I simply move on. Like Scott's experiences recently is exactly how it is every year where I hunt. It really bothers me sometimes that people can be so inconsiderate and stupid about things but it's an every day thing honestly. It reminds me of a hunt a few years ago that I actually did not heed my own advice and I was so pissed I really didn't care what kind of confrontation unfolded. It started with me getting to the parking spot a good 2 1/2 -3 hours before daylight. I was the only one there. Fifteen minutes later a truck comes along and pulls in. Sits a few minutes then backs out and pulls down the gravel road a couple hundred yards and parks. Thirty more minutes goes by and here comes another truck. Sure enough he pulls in and sees me then backs out and pulls down and parks between me and the second guy. I knew exactly what they were going to do and the more I thought about it the madder I got. Instead of leaving like I normally would have, I thought well I might not get the bird but neither will they. I knew exactly where he was roosted within a few yards and decided since I have some extra time before light I'll sneak in right under him and set up as quietly as possible and not make a call. If I blow him out or he sees me then oh well he'll be around another day. As I was coming up a big side hill about to the edge of the field corner a guy turns his flashlight on to my right and starts trying to flag me off like he was there first. Imagine that? He was there first? Any way the closer I got to him the more hurried his light flashing and waving got. He didn't seem to be a happy camper when I went by him at about 30yds and proceeded straight to and then under the roosted gobbler. I quietly setup and waited for first light. At the first hint of light I was jarred by the old longbeards first gobble of the day and I knew then he hadn't made me out. And yes he was right above me. The way it ended up I had one guy behind me around 100 yds and the other guy in front of me around 60-70 yards. They both started calling and I just sat stone still. I was surprised he flew down so early but it wasn't long and he hit the ground just over my right shoulder. Then he started gobbling here and there. Problem was there were several small blown down pines between us and he was only 25-30 yds away but I couldn't see him. I sat there listening to him spittin and drummin and occasionally scratching but he never would commit to either of the other guys calls. But in turn I couldn't shoot him because of the downed trees. It still ended up being an eventful morning but noone killed him that morning. I hung out for three hours before moving and after not hearing anything else out of him for a while I moved over and tried to catch up with him or another bird. I never did and when I finally worked my way back to my truck the other guys were gone. It never fails though year after year people do things like this.