Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Another member made a comment about chasing 49 in the Missouri thread. Figured I'd start a new thread instead of hijacking the Missouri thread.

But where do you think it will go? Continue being extremely popular,  hunters losing interest in it?

I can see more people losing interest in it over the next few years or so. Is there really a difference in shooting a meriams in new mexico compared to Colorado? Or an eastern in arkansas, Missouri or Tennessee? I don't think there is. I think most people chasing the 49 will realize that pretty soon, it's alot of money just to stoke your ego that your some great turkey hunter, not to mention the time commitment.

I get chasing the slams, but that's 6 birds and much more realistic.

Were do you see the 49 going?

No idea, I had considered it but I like the way I hunt now, travel to an area where I can visit family and hunt a few states within not too crazy distance from there.

I think I have 8 or 9 states and will definitely add to that but not interested in all of them at this point.

A friend of mine and his friend were after it pretty hard for the past few years but they were talking last season about it taking the fun out of it, they have 20 plus states.

I love hunting new places but I can do that in a more convenient way for sure!

Hell I haven't even went for an Osceola and might not ever at this point!

I have a friend who's done it.  He's poised to do it again.  His work and dedication in the pursuit are second to none.  I admire the heck outta him.

I couldn't do it.  Just not in yhe cards for several reasons.

But, with more and more states squeezing down on nonresidents...and some of the outright bullcrap some states put a guy through already.... I see the US Super Slam becoming a less popular goal as time goes on.

I suspect there will always be a number of hunters that see the 49-state deal as a goal in turkey hunting. If that is their priority, have at it. My goal a few decades ago was to kill each of the five subspecies (the Ocellated turkey is an entirely different species), which I did several times and it took some time, effort, and dollars. I have no interest in doing it again, however.

I see the "chasing 49" as something along the same line. If that is what someone wants to do as a turkey hunter, I have no problem with it. It has never been on my personal radar because, quite honestly, it would take more time, effort, and dollars than I care to spend on that pursuit, and more importantly to me, it would misdirect my focus away from commitments, relationships, and other interests in my live that I feel are more important, deserve my attention, and which I am not willing to sacrifice.

Is it a worthy goal for a dedicated turkey hunter?  That is up to each of us to decide for ourselves. Does it lend a level of credibility to the guy that chooses to do it over another guy that chooses not to for whatever reason? Personally, I think not...but others can decide that for themselves, as well.

The question to me is what is the next step in the process of separating one turkey hunter's accomplishments from the next?  Killing a gobbler in all of the Canadian provinces, as well as New Zealand...or any other place they might now exist?  Or how about killing each of the different subspecies that exist in each state?  The dividing lines between one turkey hunter's accomplishments and the next can become endless...as well as serve no purpose of distinction among them.

To me, at some point, the goals become artificial. Each of us decides for ourselves where that point is...   

I personally think there are a lot that are going to quite chasing it. That being said there may continue to be just as many new people chasing it each year as there are that quit.
I'm pretty sure a lot of folks are going to these "easy" states and finding it not so easy because now there are 4 trucks parked at every gate. I had a friend in a way out Midwest state last year and they didn't talk to a single hunter that had been successful and they weren't successful either. I know it doesn't take too many of those for it not to be fun anymore.

Myself and my buddy started it accidentally. We went to do a grand slam and while riding out west just decided to mostly go to new states every year instead of repeating states. That lead into having quite a few states before actually making it a goal and going at it pretty hard. I'm very close to completing it or I would have quit a couple years ago. I slowed way down and just made going fun again. I'll finish it whenever I do and I've killed 2x the number of states I have left in one season. I've got a few friends that are chasing it and if you asked I think every one would say "I'm. just ready to be done with it".

As long as there are people willing to support someone else running around doing it, then it will continue. To be honest, though,I still haven't figured out why any man would follow another man around online like an obsessed schoolgirl. It's just weird to me. The fact that people can make a living doing nothing but running around with a camera is sad. Looks worse for the people actually supporting it than the people smart enough to take advantage of it in my opinion.

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I'm chasing turkeys, but hunting memories at this point in my life. I probably wont even get to half the states but will get 100% of the memories of every hunt I do go on. To each his own, and I am definitely goal driven, its just my goals are different than anyone elses. I wish all of the 49ers good luck and I admire the effort and commitment, just not for me. Z

This will be my 2nd year into it. I have to say the 1st year was a blast. I suppose folks do it for different reasons, but for me its all about seeing places I've never seen and meeting all the interesting characters that come with those places. I don't have the resources(vacation time) that many seem to have but I think I can finish in 5 more years depending on success in drawing tags.

It was my goal as a young hunter, something unattainable that not many had the gumption or drive to do. Now that I'm older, it's the popular thing to do, and I see the pressure they all are putting on public lands and the turkeys, I have no intention of doing it anymore. I'll get my grand slam and call it good.


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The only chase I am concerned with is the chase I look forward to every season. Some people are obsessed with numbers and recognition. I thank God everyday for all the bounties he has given me in my life. I'll reverse the chasing 49 to 94, I hope that I will be blessed to still be chasing these beautiful creatures on my 94th birthday. Amen...

Quote from: Tom007 on March 10, 2025, 07:17:11 AMThe only chase I am concerned with is the chase I look forward to every season. Some people are obsessed with numbers and recognition. I thank God everyday for all the bounties he has given me in my life. I'll reverse the chasing 49 to 94, I hope that I will be blessed to still be chasing these beautiful creatures on my 94th birthday. Amen...

Couldn't have said it better myself. I used to be numbers driven and because my head was swollen because I was the "turkey guy" in my county and surrounding counties, I was tagging out the first two days of season and then taking half a dozen more people to tag out a season as well. That started at age 12. Then one day, when I was about 25 or so, it hit me that no one cares how many turkeys I kill, or how good at it I am, other than me. Since then, I feel like a huge weight is off me and I just enjoy the hunt and the memories. I'd rather hunt 20 days and not kill one now than hunt 2 days and kill 2. I have no interest in even trying for the grand slam until I can take the boys with me, I want to see them see new places and kill turkeys more than I do myself. I feel like I've been there and done that at this point.


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This will be my 4th season turkey hunting. I really got obsessed with turkey hunting during my 2nd season, so my whole introduction and learning about turkey hunting has been nothing but the chasing 49, instagram and youtube hunters. As a newish hunter the idea sounded cool as heck and something to brag about and you see everyone online doing it. I'll admit that I use to support and watch all of those fellas but the hunt quietly podcast has really made alot of sense to me and this year I won't be watching or supporting any of that. Won't be posting any pictures online either. This will be my first year doing alot of traveling and it's not really influenced by a goal, but instead just trying to make my season as long as possible. They shortened our season in sc so I just want to hunt somewhere a week before and couple weeks after ours close. Heck last year I had a draw hunt in Tennessee, but I hadn't killed a bird at home yet so I couldn't make myself leave home without a tag filled to go to some other state and try to kill. Home comes first for me and if I can hunt a bird here I ain't going no where. I haven't had alot of time in the space but it just makes sense that as more and more states clamp down on regs for out of staters, getting more expensive I see alot of people that are chasing 49 just to be able to post and get likes those people will fall off. But with the nwtf recruiting 1.5 million new hunters in the past decade I agree with what was said above. The ones that have been chasing 49 and quit, will be replaced by new hunters chasing 49.

The motivation for 90% of 49ers is recognition and attention.  Social media has given them a platform and they need to be celebrated. I've been asked no less than 20 times if I'm chasing the states while on the road. When I say no they look at me confused. They are always trying to swap pins/spots in other states (which I dont participate in).
I hunt and travel because I love to hunt turkeys and specifically eastern turkeys in the woods. That's my motivation. I just want to hunt

Has this forum not beat this dead horse enough? 


 :deadhorse:

I like hunting turkeys and when I travel it's to extend my opportunities and has nothing to do with any special quest. I can think of several places I would like to hunt, but because they are interesting places to be as much as hunting turkeys. If it was just about killing turkeys, I would stay as close to home as possible. For example, I have never hunted MIchigan which is a neighboring state, but have traveled as far as Montana, South Dakota and Oklahoma. Those western destinations were just more appealing to me, I have seen most of MIchigan multiple times and I understand they have decent turkey hunting, but I like traveling to new places. Perhaps I will try MI. some day, but I'll probably be as interested in morel mushrooms as turkeys. Just how many turkeys does a hunter need to kill before it's just another dead turkey? I think I passed that number a few years back and now I enjoy the hunt, once I pick up a dead gobbler it's over. Kudos to those on the quest, but it's a young man's game for the most part, and I am just an old Goat (pun intended). My photo album is full, now I'm filling my soul.

KY....We're even better at beating dead horses then we are at killing turkeys, isn't this fun?

I don't understand why we find the need to make it more than what it is and that's hunting turkeys.  I wait all winter long for the snow to go and I can get back into the woods to scout and then hunt my favorite game bird. More day's hunting is always a plus and I get to enjoy that now that I'm retired. I find no need to pressure myself into thinking that I need to hopscotch around the country to hunt as many states as I can in a season. To each their own but I enjoy keeping it simple and respectful of the bird I love so much. It's not about the numbers but the thrill of the hunt and enjoyment of the time in the spring woods.

Quote from: callmakerman on March 10, 2025, 08:56:33 AMI don't understand why we find the need to make it more than what it is and that's hunting turkeys.  I wait all winter long for the snow to go and I can get back into the woods to scout and then hunt my favorite game bird. More day's hunting is always a plus and I get to enjoy that now that I'm retired. I find no need to pressure myself into thinking that I need to hopscotch around the country to hunt as many states as I can in a season. To each their own but I enjoy keeping it simple and respectful of the bird I love so much. It's not about the numbers but the thrill of the hunt and enjoyment of the time in the spring woods.

Amen brother, well said!

This topic will be relevant as long as we are losing our hunting opportunities. Missouri sent a email this morning asking about non resident pressure etc. appears they will be the next domino to fall.

Started it before 99% of hunters even knew it was even a thing. Finished it last year and couldn't be more relieved. I had just been pecking away at a couple new states a year, but saw the writing on the wall in 2020 and knew I better speed up if I wanted to finish. It is ridiculous what its turned into and not good for the sport at all. I have several buds that are finished or about to finish and we all share the same mindset. We don't talk about 49 except with each other. Its easy to spot the newly influenced 49ers on the road because they will tell you within a couple of minutes of talking they are a Super Slammer. It went from residents in other states asking "YOU TRAVELED ALL THE WAY OUT HERE FOR A TURKEY?!?!?" To "Oh, you must be another one of those trying to kill in all the states.".

It really is a bit embarrassing at this point. When the cops in Hawaii or lady farmer in Connecticut know about the Super Slam, things have gone a bit too far.

It wouldn't be so bad if everyone would behave, but that is not the case. I've witnessed and know of plenty of others who've witnessed ridiculous, desperate actions in order to "check" that state off. Roost shooting (where illegal), driving back and forth "herding turkeys" to keep someone else from maybe killing them, throwing ethics and etiquette out the window, you name it.

I said a few years ago that Nevada would eventually outprice Osceolas as the most expensive turkey in the nation. What I never dreamed is how quickly that would happen. Theres an outfitter now selling hunts for $4500 and is sold out for at least two years.

Which brings me to another point, buying your slam rather than earning it. Me and my buds are the type who want to EARN IT. Not spending thousands on hunts flying from state to state in a private jet (yes, that is really happening). There is one "guide" in the northeast charging a few hundred bucks for OnX pins and hunters are hopping all over it to avoid doing the legwork themselves. We were in Rhode Island last year and met a dude who paid for one of those pins and ended up poaching a bird off posted private land. Like what the heck dude?!?! You saw the posted sign and still went because the "guide" said it was OK to?!

And then, the imminent non-resident restrictions. This is more of a function of states reducing opportunity, but the Slam Craze does not help at all.

By the way, one of the original founders of the "Chasing 49" brand has actually left the brand due to the damage and ridiculousness of it all now.

Yes, I believe folks will quit it. But another poster above was correct in saying that we are recruiting so many young turkey hunters that there will be someone in line to take their place.

Personally, I'm not quite done yet. I'm over halfway through my 2nd slam and only need a couple states to have my entire 49 on public. One of those states may take another decade to draw a public tag, and thats cool with me. I'm pumped to go back to some of my favorite states this year with no pressure on myself at all. Just me, the turkey, and bunch of new non-resident restrictions which will hopefully improve the hunting quality!

I wish those who are chasing 49 would just keep it to themselves for the most part. Post a pic or 2 with no location and be done with it. Was in S. Florida this year and ran into quite a few people and was asked more than once, very early in the conversation, if me and my buddy were chasing 49.

I've by working on it for a few years.  I don't try to "tag out"  but rather most of the time just take one bird per state.  I've come to enjoy the experience of the local people culture, the different terrain, wildlife and the local food and so on.

I agree. Easterns are tough anywhere particularly in their native areas where they've been hunted longer.

Osceola,  same thing. 

When you get down to Rios it drops off considerably.

Merriams are another step down.

I agree about stroking their ego. All about the kill and numbers to them

This is what I think of when I think of people who are "Chasing 49"... It probably wasn't bad for the ones who got started early.

Time to bring back the Confederate Slam

Quote from: Pelican on March 10, 2025, 11:46:55 AMDon't care anything about traveling, or those who do. Would not bat an eye if all non residents were band from hunting 1rst week of every state season. Hope it comes to that. They are a clown show, and get no respect from me.

Idk how they're going to sleep at night in the back of their tacomas without the respect of the old swamper


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We're in the stage of this thing now for those that don't indulge think those that do indulge are all just gluttons for glory. Social media has tarnished something that should be admired  but at the same time must be understood that while it's attainable, it's not for everyone.

Those doing it for the wrong reasons will be weeded out or drop out. It's less about killing turkeys than it is about the people and the places. Anyone that's in the process or thinking about taking up the process, re-read the previous sentence and think long and hard about why you want to accomplish the goal.

Chasing the 49 has zero appeal to me...

I enjoy traveling to hunt and fish, but not everywhere... 

But, for someone who enjoys the traveling aspect, this might be very appealing...  Especially with a spouse that likes to travel, but not hunt.

Quote from: HookedonHooks on March 10, 2025, 04:30:24 PMWe're in the stage of this thing now for those that don't indulge think those that do indulge are all just gluttons for glory. Social media has tarnished something that should be admired  but at the same time must be understood that while it's attainable, it's not for everyone.

Those doing it for the wrong reasons will be weeded out or drop out. It's less about killing turkeys than it is about the people and the places. Anyone that's in the process or thinking about taking up the process, re-read the previous sentence and think long and hard about why you want to accomplish the goal.

I want to see what is over the next hill. Whether that is turkey hunting or on a hike on vacation. That is my main driver. I love seeing new country and meeting new people. My favorite memory in 40+ states of hunting was sitting in an old guys yard 1500 miles from home and him telling me about all his hunting memories. I went several hours out of my way a few years later just to go see him again.
 I post very little to social. The only reason I do any posting is because of the folks that can't go and do like I still can. Many have thanked me many times for sharing the memories.

We all share the woods with hunters that share our passion for the Wild Turkey. Most of us on this great forum are in this for the thrill of the chase, and to wake-up in the the spring woods to a gobbling turkey. I personally have no animosity for others that share this passion for different reasons, ie; numbers, social media fame, self recognition. Is this platform affecting our sport, of course. I have had very, very few encounters with competing hunters in the turkey woods, so my experiences I am sure differ from those who hunt large tracts of public. The moral of our story is we all have to get along for one common goal IMO, the preservation of this great resource we all have come to love....Be safe, I wish you all the best of luck!

Well said,Tom. I agree with you on many points. And I am sure some are doing it for the experiences and seeing new places.. However, social media has ruined many aspects of life, and we, as a society, have helped feed it. I am pretty simple. I just want to hunt turkeys, no counting, no Instagram, no Facebook, no YouTube.  A few friends here and there make it a perfect spring. When I am dead, no one is gonna care about how many I killed anyways.

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Quote from: Happy on March 10, 2025, 06:19:05 PMWell said,Tom. I agree with you on many points. And I am sure some are doing it for the experiences and seeing new places.. However, social media has ruined many aspects of life, and we, as a society, have helped feed it. I am pretty simple. I just want to hunt turkeys, no counting, no Instagram, no Facebook, no YouTube.  A few friends here and there make it a perfect spring. When I am dead, no one is gonna care about how many I killed anyways.

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Amen my brother! Good luck and enjoy!

To the OP: I expect many guys will drop out of the 49. I also expect some new recruits to take their place. Financially, I feel many will drop out. BUT they will continue to hunt locally of course.

Yup, covering ground quickly is done by jet. Should we walk, hike, drive, what's the rules.... Seems more economical to me to fly than drive 20+hours.



Go, hunt, enjoy yourself. Buy your tags, prepare, scout and hunt. I really don't get it. We have guys crying about it that are actively taking part in it, X2.

I agree with a lot of the people typing here. We enjoy hunting, hearing the turkey, scouting and being level with a turkey. We enjoy the end as well. The end only comes by one means, that is death.
You can practice catch and release, have done many, many times. But, it has no end.

So, what is wrong with a fair chase, legal hunter traveling the country to Kill, End a hunt in ever state? I don't get it?

To be perfectly honest I am not chasing 49 states. My age is restrictive and before the age thing was financial. It's not cheap hopping states, even if it doesn't matter it adds up.

I do enjoy going to new ground and hunting. I enjoy going to new states to hunt. I enjoy going to new regions to hunt.

Maybe everyone bashing it should take the high road and stay resident this spring. Don't travel at all. That would send a great message. And maybe save a turkey.

But at the end of the day, we just aren't willing to do that are we? LOL

I pondered chasing it because I love to turkey hunt and I love to travel. I go at it alone 90% of the time. I just enjoy it more doing it myself. I can hunt where I want, stop on the road only when I want, eat what I want and no one to bother me.

I work hard. Very hard. Stressful job. So I take the spring to travel and hunt. I've killed in 13 states. And I enjoy going back to states that are worth going back to.

I don't want to chase the 49. Some states don't even appeal to me. Mostly the southern ones. I don't like heat, alligators, snakes and all that good stuff. I got Florida and I'm one and done there. Same as Texas. No desire to even go back to either one to Turkey hunt. I do hunt and will continue to travel to states I want to see that I haven't hunted yet. But chasing the 49...nope. Takes the fun out of it I would think. But to each their own.

I hunted in South Carolina only for years. Then it was Florida, then Texas,Wyoming, Mexico etc. Now I can't imagine a spring not going to chase thunder somewhere different. Will I finish 49? Maybe. Will I be upset if I don't? No. But I would be very upset if I just hunted around here knowing how much fun it is to hunt in different regions and states. Not to mention extending a season.

One negative is the spot burning from people chasing the goal. Some guy comes in and kills a bird then sends a bunch of pins to someone else he barely knows who is trying to do the same thing. That fires me up. I do like the idea of killing in all 49 states and it would be an amazing way to see the country. I also like the coming together at the end with friends and celebrating but I don't see how I could ever pull it off. It's not super easy to kill a turkey and I have a hard enough time on home turf. I'm amazed people can have so much success on new states so consistently. Part of it is likely all the info sharing though.


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I didn't even know people were doing this. It's a big thing? 
Who cares, go for it if you have nothing better to do with your time and money.
It's not my dream and I certainly wouldn't want to hear insufferable, incessant stories of someone's 49 successful trips. Talk about verbal torture. Good way to clear out the cocktail party.

Its always been something ive wanted to do...but never with the intention of having to be in a rush to do it. The sad part is.....regs are gonna catch up and potentially make it near impossible to do if you drag youre feet. The first couple of years i did travel to a few places was pretty fun, had good success, but....the last few times it has turned into more of a nightmare if anything...its just too many people. With that said i have no intention of quitting...it will just be at my pace or not at all. Might take me the rest of my life....

I think it'll slow down and become less popular as the allure of trying to be like ones influencer idol dies off.

Me personally, never remotely cared about it. I like hunting Easterns in the woods/swamps and that wont change. Once I killed all subspecies the love for Easterns was very obvious.

I won't sacrifice what I like/love to "#chase [emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]]]]" which I think is the only reason at least [emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]+% of the ones after it are looking for.


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^^^^ WHY IS THAT ALWAYS HAPPENING TO MY POST??

Quote from: sasquatch1 on March 12, 2025, 12:44:38 PM^^^^ WHY IS THAT ALWAYS HAPPENING TO MY POST??

I don't know but congrats! You now officially have the longest post in old gobbler history.

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You must be using Tapatalk to lol


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Ive seen alit of outfits this year still trying to fill hunts.

Not sure if that's bc people are lossing interest or the economy and inflation are taking a hit on people's expendable cash.

Probably a mixture of both.

Talked to an "influencer" snow goose hunting this year who had completed their slam the previous. 


Sounds fun, not really my cup of tea, if I am going to Hawaii, I am diving and fishing.

I don't really want to sleep in sketchy areas.  I don't want to spend the thousands on tags.

Wouldn't mind hitting up some of the highlights though.


I really don't understand how someone can participate and denigrate others who heard about it and also thought it was fun or something to do.  That's some high levels of cognitive dissonance.

Overall, when things get harder, people stop doing them.  After all, most of those bitching about it are travelling hunters themselves who don't like the competition.

Traveling hunters that are having to put in for special non resident draws to hunt National Forest , quotas, delayed public land seasons for non residents . Really nothing to speak of. Just like it was before but different

Ironically....the fan boys are quite easy to spot. They will stick up for their hero influencers no matter how much hunting opportunity we lose.

QuoteOverall, when things get harder, people stop doing them.  After all, most of those bitching about it are travelling hunters themselves who don't like the competition.

I confess, I am 100% in this category. I don't begrudge people opportunity to enjoy, but I miss the old days when I could hunt lots of ground and lots of birds. I have just quit going as much. Now I stick to private ground that is controlled. I have access in three states if I want. That and my retirement funding doesn't support a lot of travel. I probably will never see the days of traveling thousands of miles in a season again. Go get em boys, this old man already got his gravy years ago. I hope this attitude doesn't put me on the OG poop list...well I am on the team that has been called "Grumpies". I will wear the label.

Quote from: 2flyfish4 on March 12, 2025, 09:43:29 PMIve seen alit of outfits this year still trying to fill hunts.

Not sure if that's bc people are lossing interest or the economy and inflation are taking a hit on people's expendable cash.

Probably a mixture of both.

As much as the word gets out when hunting is good on social media, word also gets out when it is NOT good.

While I enjoy hunting, and enjoy being a "personal guide" for less experienced, I would HATE being a professional guide.  Turkey hunting would be the worst.

You are hunting a limited resource that varies (sometimes greatly) season to season, with a need for a minimum number of clients to make money. (Often with property not having the bird populations to support this type of hunting)

Over-hunt it, you make current clients angry while also diminishing your future resources.  Don't have enough interest, you cannot make a living...

How many ranches have such high turkey populations that can support enough hunting to make enough money to warrant outfitting?

As to state regulations...  I believe the state has a right, and obligation to their residents to prioritize the HUNTING QUALITY to residents first.  As stated, it is not as much about the turkey populations, as it is providing access to quality hunting opportunities, and with more people trying to get on less ground, we will see increased restrictions and regulations...

As to dwindling turkey populations...  Improving and increasing habitat is of primary concern.  Method of take (such as strutter decoys and shells that shoot 80 yards) have a negative effect, and social media certainly plays some role as well...

Apps such as OnX have increased pressure in previously little known areas, so hunters that previously did the leg-work, are now seeing multiple hunters where previously there were none.  During COVID, I was going to stop and hunt a small little 30 acre area of public ground, that I always at least got to hear a bird in...  I pulled up and counted 12 cars for this 30 acre area where I had previously NEVER SEEN A HUNTER.

OnX also makes it more difficult to get private access, as land owners get inundated with requests to hunt.

I believe that in order to maintain a future for game populations that continue to support hunting, that hunters are going to have to pay more and more to continue the resource...  Farming practices have improved, and farmers will need increased financial incentive to leave fallow areas for game (of all kinds) to thrive.

If you have the desire and means ...do what makes you happy

With that said , this kinda sounds very time consuming,  I'm all for hunting new places and experiences but I wouldn't want to mentally locking myself into some quest that in My mind I have to figure out is this for "me" or a goal to impress "others "

Numbers is another thing , when I was young I kept track , eventually after time ...the numbers didn't seem to matter , the simple act of having a successful and enjoyable hunt was the reward ...notice I didn't mention "kill" I honestly have no clue how many turkeys I've ever killed ..one in a while I write down and take notes .. I find myself being more sentimental ...slowing down , and enjoying the moment -the world needs more Dwain Bland's

Its the experience and good times that matter ...but to answer the og post ..if hunting all 49 is a enjoyable experience..more power to you

To respond to the comments about out of state hunters

Hot air ballon ...we are loosing altitude...2.6 million turkey hunters on the Ballon...all of them want to throw everyone else off BUT THEMSELVES

Be cautious with excluding out of state hunters ...cause the surrounding  states will all reciprocate IVE SEEN IT BEFORE



I would like to thank each and every whiner and complainer who managed to get out of state hunters kicked out certain Florida management areas , and likely the whole state soon ...you have done some SERIOUS HEAVY LIFTING FOR THE ANTI HUNTERS .. by depriving hunters access to hunting

For the ones that want to stop out of state hunters all over the country PETA and the ANTI's needs to send you a stipend for your hard work ..you deserve a lifetime achievement award from PETA

I too have a friend who has completed the 49 as well as the Super Slam or World Slam or whatever it's called. Super nice guy and one hell of a turkey hunter. My guess is he's killed more gobblers than anyone on this forum, but you won't read about him in a magazine or see his name listed anywhere as far as I know. He hunts because he loves to do so and has been fortunate to have the means to spend weeks every Spring chasing gobblers. I envy him for that, but not for his multiple slams and success in 49 states.

I am not a collector. I like guns, for example, but I have a meager collection of utilitarian firearms, and little desire for anything more. Our son-in-law spent years and a lot of money and vacation time to complete his goal of attending a baseball game in every major league stadium in the US and Canada. If he was a turkey hunter, he would be chasing the 49.



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