Has anyone had any success using the Turkey Fan or other similar decoys (Thunder Chicken, Mojo, etc.)? The Turkey Fan costs around $120. Just curious if they are really worth the money.
couple dozen previous threads on this.
Consider your safety before using a setup like this.
Every year hunters are shot when they look nothing like a turkey...hide a foot behind something that looks exactly like a turkey and you greatly increase your risk.
That said, they can be a very effective tool if used in the right circumstance.
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Yes, it has been pretty well conclusively shown that using a visual representation of a strutting gobbler is an effective hunting tool.
Now, as long as you hunt within the laws of the area you are hunting, use reasonable safety precautions, and establish some ethical boundaries of conduct that are somewhere within the "norm" of the hunting community, I say hunt the way you want to hunt.
:z-twocents:
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 05, 2016, 11:01:44 PM
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Now that there is damn funny :TooFunny:
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 05, 2016, 11:01:44 PM
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Gave it a like
Quote from: Cutt on April 06, 2016, 12:17:06 AM
:z-twocents:Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 05, 2016, 11:01:44 PM
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Now that there is damn funny :TooFunny:
It's also a bit overboard and rude. As has been mentioned numerous times, not everyone is set on hunting in a particular way. Some people are into reaping, others aren't. There's no real difference between the umbrella and reaping in my opinion. But, because it doesn't fit someone else's idea of "ethical" or "sporting", we bash the guy that does it. If it's within the laws of your state, and you think you can pull it off without getting shot, have at it. It would certainly increase your odds of getting shot for sure so again, that's something to consider.
I had an inflatable decoy shot a few years back on private land. Set up in the dark on gobbling birds. Noticed the hunters as it was getting light. Birds started to fly down so I scooted around to put the tree between us. Good thing I did. I'd be nervous using one of the extremely lifelike in that fashion (hunkered down behind it).
I watched a Mojo video the other day. I noticed that many shots were just feet away and many if not most were misses or they were running shots. No thanks. Cool video though.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 05, 2016, 11:01:44 PM
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 06, 2016, 06:28:48 AM
Quote from: Cutt on April 06, 2016, 12:17:06 AM
:z-twocents:Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 05, 2016, 11:01:44 PM
If you are thinking about purchasing these items, please ask yourself the following questions:
Have I reached the pitiful point of needing one of the aforementioned devices to kill a turkey?
Has turkey hunting reached the point for me where I no longer care about the quality of the hunt and only want to fill tags?
Do I want to put myself in a situation where I could potentially have a hunter think I'm a gobbler while utilizing such contraptions?
Am I really considering buying one of these things?
Am I a moron?
If you answer yes to any one of the following questions, chances are you should just put all of your gear in the Old Gobbler classifieds and take your gun to a pawnshop.
Now that there is damn funny :TooFunny:
It's also a bit overboard and rude. As has been mentioned numerous times, not everyone is set on hunting in a particular way. Some people are into reaping, others aren't. There's no real difference between the umbrella and reaping in my opinion. But, because it doesn't fit someone else's idea of "ethical" or "sporting", we bash the guy that does it. If it's within the laws of your state, and you think you can pull it off without getting shot, have at it. It would certainly increase your odds of getting shot for sure so again, that's something to consider.
Yep, have to agree...pretty rude. Real nice way to welcome a new member. They ask a question and they are basically told they are a moron and should sell their hunting gear because they don't hunt the way someone else thinks they should.
I personally think it would be dangerous to use one of these umbrellas, so I wouldn't do it.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 06, 2016, 06:28:48 AM
It's also a bit overboard and rude. As has been mentioned numerous times, not everyone is set on hunting in a particular way.
Lighten up, do you really think VA was dead serious? I at least took it as more sarcasm than anything, which I thought was funny, Excuse me.
hunt the way you want as long as its legal. for me , I have no interest in one. I turkey hunt for the challenge and the sport. I will only kill a bird that I have called up and I will only truly enjoy the hunt if I beat the bird in what I think is a fair match. if im walking down a ridge or road and one is standing in it , I will not kill it. again that's just me. I guess im old school. I have been at a point in my turkey hunting career for the last 10 or so years where I don't feel pressure to pull the trigger. I plot , plan , move , set up , call and strategize constantly. to me that's the game. if I want to eat turkey badly , then I can run to the store and buy one. don't get me wrong , I still kill plenty of birds , but my biggest thing is not the killing , but how I kill him. speaking on the fan umbrella , already this year I have heard a 63 year old man put 26 pellets in his 69 year old buddies face . they have been lifelong hunting buddies and are very experienced turkey hunters from what I heard. people started commenting thank god it wasn't heavyshot or it would probly have killed him. its insane that the topic quickly changed from what actually caused the accident to we need to ban heavyshot for turkey hunters because it is potentially more dangerous than lead. peoples way of thinking today is sometimes beyond common sense. thankfully the man is going to make a full recovery.
Simply pointing out that others are chastised for hunting in different fashions. I've caught all kinds of flack for not using a shotgun as some see it as unsporting. Different strokes I suppose. Kinda like everyone jumping on guys that "reap" turkeys. Am I against it? Nope. Would I do it? Nope. Would I call someone out on it? Again, nope. Was he serious? Depends on how someone wants to interpret it. New members may have thin skin and when one hasn't been around others on the site for any period of time, it may send the wrong message. Just saying. Carry on.
For me personally I wouldn't use one, but if it is legal and that's what you want to do, go for it. Hunt the way you want, be safe, and don't worry about what everyone else thinks!!!! Good luck.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 06, 2016, 08:45:45 AM
Simply pointing out that others are chastised for hunting in different fashions. I've caught all kinds of flack for not using a shotgun as some see it as unsporting. Different strokes I suppose. Kinda like everyone jumping on guys that "reap" turkeys. Am I against it? Nope. Would I do it? Nope. Would I call someone out on it? Again, nope. Was he serious? Depends on how someone wants to interpret it. New members may have thin skin and when one hasn't been around others on the site for any period of time, it may send the wrong message. Just saying. Carry on.
You and I are clearly very different. To me, right is right and wrong is wrong. The whole "if it's legal, it's ok" argument is an ethical cop out as far as I'm concerned. The whole problem with turkey hunting these days is the new hunters you actually mention and organizations such as the NWTF promoting tactics like this that increase success, which promote recruitment, while betraying the grand bird they initially set out to protect all in exchange for the mighty dollar.
Let me illustrate my point:
In the state of Florida, the use of bait such as corn and other seeds is LEGAL. Hunters are just required to stay outside of 100 yards from those bait sites. Any turkey hunter worth his salt knows that bait will concentrate turkeys. It will also increase their pattern ability. All of these factors work against the bird's chance of survival and increase a hunters ability to kill them. Sure, the use of bait is legal in Florida but the larger question is why should bait be legal in Florida? Why do many Florida hunters believe bait is an integral aspect of success when it comes to turkey hunting?
This extrapolation doesn't require a PhD in Mathematics. It doesn't require a JD from Harvard. It's wrong and fundamentally violates the principal of fair chase yet it's legal and many people drink the Koolaide because theyre OK with it being easier.
ROOST SHOOTING is legal in many states (VA included). I dare anyone to explain to this forum when and why roost shooting is an acceptable tactic for the harvest of wild turkeys.
Now, let's get back to remote MoJo gobblers and fanning/reaping/ stalking turkeys with decoys. There are very few gobblers, with the exception of satellite toms who have become submissive, that will not attack a fan decoy presented in a reaping style. For anyone who has seen it done or tried it, it's almost a sure thing if you don't miss the bird with a dime-sized pattern at 3 yards. It is a lethal tactic that facilitates a level of success one could only achieve through a tactic such as...... Baiting.
Not only is it a lethal tactic but it's also dangerous. The use of increasingly more lifelike strutters images and decoys only increases the propensity for hunter induced shooting accidents. Anyone willing to put a mature gobblers face and profile mere inches from their own is self-nominating themselves for the Darwin Awards, imho. People in the Darwin Awards are commonly referred to as morons..... Just saying.
To conclude, turkey numbers are down to 6 million from 7 million in 5 years. Many areas in the country have populations that are down 30-50%. As hunters who have seen the sport rise in popularity, we have a responsibility to police ourselves and acknowledge when enough is enough.
So there we have it boys, fanning aligns itself with some of the most despicable "Legal" practices in our sport and while some of you tea-toters will take the platform of inclusion and tolerance, I refuse.
People i have already had a rude run in with VatuRKstOmPer .. myself , it's either his way or the highway..If he doesn't like the way people hunt he should stay off the forum. He is rude all the time to people.
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 06, 2016, 09:41:10 AM
People i have already had a rude run in with VatuRKstOmPer .. myself , it's either his way or the highway..If he doesn't like the way people hunt he should stay off the forum. He is rude all the time to people.
Ya think!? First time I've had any dealings with him personally. Don't care to have another but hey, as I said before, different strokes. Think I'm going home later and warm up my gobbler decoy for a good reaping adventure in a couple weeks. Good grief.
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
Wvmntntick check out my post , On The board in Tenn. started by me Greg Massey..you will see how rude he is..
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 09:31:42 AM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on April 06, 2016, 08:45:45 AM
Simply pointing out that others are chastised for hunting in different fashions. I've caught all kinds of flack for not using a shotgun as some see it as unsporting. Different strokes I suppose. Kinda like everyone jumping on guys that "reap" turkeys. Am I against it? Nope. Would I do it? Nope. Would I call someone out on it? Again, nope. Was he serious? Depends on how someone wants to interpret it. New members may have thin skin and when one hasn't been around others on the site for any period of time, it may send the wrong message. Just saying. Carry on.
You and I are clearly very different. To me, right is right and wrong is wrong. The whole "if it's legal, it's ok" argument is an ethical cop out as far as I'm concerned. The whole problem with turkey hunting these days is the new hunters you actually mention and organizations such as the NWTF promoting tactics like this that increase success, which promote recruitment, while betraying the grand bird they initially set out to protect all in exchange for the mighty dollar.
Let me illustrate my point:
In the state of Florida, the use of bait such as corn and other seeds is LEGAL. Hunters are just required to stay outside of 100 yards from those bait sites. Any turkey hunter worth his salt knows that bait will concentrate turkeys. It will also increase their pattern ability. All of these factors work against the bird's chance of survival and increase a hunters ability to kill them. Sure, the use of bait is legal in Florida but the larger question is why should bait be legal in Florida? Why do many Florida hunters believe bait is an integral aspect of success when it comes to turkey hunting?
This extrapolation doesn't require a PhD in Mathematics. It doesn't require a JD from Harvard. It's wrong and fundamentally violates the principal of fair chase yet it's legal and many people drink the Koolaide because theyre OK with it being easier.
ROOST SHOOTING is legal in many states (VA included). I dare anyone to explain to this forum when and why roost shooting is an acceptable tactic for the harvest of wild turkeys.
Now, let's get back to remote MoJo gobblers and fanning. There are very few gobbler with the exception of satellite toms who have become submissive that will not attack a fan decoy. For anyone who has seen it done or tried it, it's almost a sure thing if you don't miss the bird with a dime-sized pattern at 3 yards. It is a lethal tactic that facilitates a level of success one could only achieve through a tactic such as...... Baiting.
Not only is it a lethal tactic but it's also dangerous. The use of increasingly more lifelike strutters images and decoys only increases the propensity for hunter induced shooting accidents. Anyone willing to put a mature gobblers face and profile mere inches from their own is self-nominating themselves for the Darwin Awards, imho. People in the Darwin Awards are commonly referred to as morons..... Just saying.
To conclude, turkey numbers are down to 6 million from 7 million in 5 years. Many areas in the country have populations that are down 30-50%. As hunters who have seen the sport rise in popularity, we have a responsibility to police ourselves and acknowledge when enough is enough.
So there we have it boys, fanning aligns itself with some of the most despicable "Legal" practices in our sport and while some of you tea-toters will take the platform of inclusion and tolerance, I refuse.
:z-winnersmiley:
You, sir have summed up my sentiments exactly. I agree wholeheartedly with every single word and observation. You are a bona fide turkey hunter and you would be welcome in my camp any day.
Ethics are a personal thing. Legality doesn't always equate to ethics. In other words, being legal doesn't make something ethical, and the reverse is also true. That doesn't mean we should be rude to someone with whom we disagree because, as I said on opening, ethics are a personal thing.
I would love to see male turkey decoys outlawed in TN. Personally, I feel they cheapen the experience, and I say that having used them. I also believe, anecdotally, they are bad for the resource. However, they are perfectly legal, and I won't fault or belittle someone who uses them.
Today, I rarely even use a hen decoy and use it only when guiding. Now, that's not an ethical choice. It's simply the way I prefer to hunt. I also know for a fact, ditching the decoys will make you a better hunter, but it won't make you a better person.
I feel decoys are fine for hunting with in Tenn. A lot of older people can't run and gun anymore so as we get older and want to still turkey hunt we have to find new ways of hunting. I always hunt out of blind and no i don't hunt out of a pop up blind i don't even own one, but for time to time i do use decoys. All four of my turkey blinds that i hunt out of are homemade brush blinds with the help of some 2 X 4's and such. Two of these have plywood tops for those rain days.. I own my on land just over 700 ac. and i have a hunting cabin and a small lake for kids and church groups to fish out of. I have to younger friends i let hunt at no charge they just help and work the food plots on the place and they help keep the cabin up and stuff. I pay for almost everything we plant and the tractor and equipment we use. These guys are just like family..
Greg,
I should say West TN. Honestly, I'd also like to see no more than a three bird limit in this part of the state. Here we're just too prone to bad hatches for the increased pressure/kill. We don't have the birds we had ten years ago, and it's my impression, and that of more than one wildlife professional, the increased pressure makes it hard for the occasional "boom" hatch to even things out. Gobbler decoys are a part of that. Simply a new development that kills a lot of turkeys that wouldn't otherwise be killed. Brings into question if harvest is compensatory or additive. Not an argument; just food for thought.
My ethics are my own, and, while it would be nifty if everyone shared them, I don't judge others based on them.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
You're such a politician, man. I, like you, have traveled, guided and shot turkeys in more states than I have toes and fingers. I acknowledge that different places present unique sets of challenges that vary from habitat to terrain to bird density to season dates and stages of the breeding cycle when you get there. Anyone who travels to chase them is aware of those things.
Now please explain the following to me:
When is roost shooting ok, gobblenut? How is hunting over bait (like they do in Texas) or being allowed to hunt 100 yards away from it in Florida ethical? How is crawling towards a gobbler with a fan in front of you, knowing full well that most gobblers will see that as a confrontational act and charge the decoy ethical?
These are three tactics that virtually ensure success. I could careless about someone's sensitivity or offense to my perspective because I think it's a disgrace these practices are even considered acceptable amongst our ranks. We owe it to the birds to say enough is enough and it seems the very organization and people entrusted as stewards of the resource have lost sight of that in favor of inclusion and $$$$.
The wild turkey was a hell of a lot better off before all of this nonsense and turkey hunters then were more captivated with the art of killing turkeys than the bloodlust for filling tags.
Quote from: Bill Cooksey on April 06, 2016, 11:16:21 AM
Gobbler decoys are a part of that. Simply a new development that kills a lot of turkeys that wouldn't otherwise be killed. Brings into question if harvest is compensatory or additive. Not an argument; just food for thought.
I agree entirely with this assessment,...not from just TN, but as a phenomenon across the country. The fact is that the onslaught in the use of gobbler- imitation visual aids is getting a bunch of older-age-class birds killed that would not otherwise succumb to calling tactics. The verdict is still out on whether that will ultimately have an impact on turkey populations, in general, but there is little doubt that it is, or will soon be, impacting the number of mature gobblers that are in the woods each spring.
One question to ask is whether gobblers will eventually adapt to gobbler-imitation use and stop running helter-skelter to them,...like they did to a degree with the use of turkey calls. I certainly hope they will over time, but in the meanwhile, hunters are either going to have to accept the fact that there are going to be fewer mature gobblers running around each spring, and hunting quality is going to suffer,...or we are going to have to accept a decrease in opportunity to hunt in the form of lower bag limits and shorter seasons.
As I see it, as things stand now, there will be no other choice.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
You're such a politician, man. I, like you, have traveled, guided and shot turkeys in more states than I have toes and fingers. I acknowledge that different places present unique sets of challenges that vary from habitat to terrain to bird density to season dates and stages of the breeding cycle when you get there. Anyone who travels to chase them is aware of those things.
Now please explain the following to me:
When is roost shooting ok, gobblenut? How is hunting over bait (like they do in Texas) or being allowed to hunt 100 yards away from it in Florida ethical? How is crawling towards a gobbler with a fan in front of you, knowing full well that most gobblers will see that as a confrontational act and charge the decoy ethical?
These are three tactics that virtually ensure success. I could careless about someone's sensitivity or offense to my perspective because I think it's a disgrace these practices are even considered acceptable amongst our ranks. We owe it to the birds to say enough is enough and it seems the very organization and people entrusted as stewards of the resource how lost sight of that in favor or inclusion and $$$$.
The wild turkey was a hell of a lot better off before all of this nonsense and turkey hunters then were more captivated with the art of killing turkeys than the bloodlust for filling tags.
;D :TooFunny: Yeah, I suppose I am to a degree,...but I prefer to think of it as being objective. Regardless, I agree with some of your comments, as I suspect many of us do.
You lump roost shooting (unethical to most, if not all), baiting (unethical to a lot of us, but probably not a much as roost shooting), and gobbler visual aids,...decoys, fanning, etc. (verdict still out with an awful lot of us) all in the same category. Again, the point is that what is black and white to some is not quite so easy to categorize for others.
Just because I or others currently accept gobbler imitations as legitimate hunting tools if someone wishes to use them, does in no way mean that I/we accept roost shooting or baiting as acceptable. At the same time, some states still allow roost shooting (I wish they wouldn't), and in others (Texas) shooting over bait is a standard practice and a lot of folks seem to think it is fine.
This brings to mind an example of those "gray areas" I mentioned. Some of us frown whole-heartedly on shooting over artificially baited sites. Yet, there are lots of folks that plant food plots on their private lands for turkeys and have no issues with setting up on those food plots and shooting turkeys that come to them for lunch. Tell me what's the difference there?
Some of us are absolute "purists" in turkey hunting,...but most likely, the great majority of us are not. When we start condemning others because they are not "pure" enough, we are really beginning to slide down the proverbial "slippery slope".
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
You're such a politician, man. I, like you, have traveled, guided and shot turkeys in more states than I have toes and fingers. I acknowledge that different places present unique sets of challenges that vary from habitat to terrain to bird density to season dates and stages of the breeding cycle when you get there. Anyone who travels to chase them is aware of those things.
Now please explain the following to me:
When is roost shooting ok, gobblenut? How is hunting over bait (like they do in Texas) or being allowed to hunt 100 yards away from it in Florida ethical? How is crawling towards a gobbler with a fan in front of you, knowing full well that most gobblers will see that as a confrontational act and charge the decoy ethical?
These are three tactics that virtually ensure success. I could careless about someone's sensitivity or offense to my perspective because I think it's a disgrace these practices are even considered acceptable amongst our ranks. We owe it to the birds to say enough is enough and it seems the very organization and people entrusted as stewards of the resource how lost sight of that in favor or inclusion and $$$$.
The wild turkey was a hell of a lot better off before all of this nonsense and turkey hunters then were more captivated with the art of killing turkeys than the bloodlust for filling tags.
Gotta be rough living in a world of gray when you see only black and white - I'd guess your blood pressure is through the roof.
How do you feel about bow hunting for turkeys? Can't even begin to estimate how many pass through /run off to die elsewhere encounters there are a year nationally...I know a couple of outfitters pretty well - the number of bow-shot birds lost is substantial. Should it be banned?
I say hunt the way you want and live the way you want because in the end you will be judge by one person the good lord above...Guys don't waste your time on trying to over think turkey hunting. The day you think you have master turkey hunting it will bite you in the butt..turkeys are going to do what turkeys do regardless how we think...
anyone think roost shooting is easy??
Quote from: spaightlabs on April 06, 2016, 12:11:32 PM
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Gotta be rough living in a world of gray when you see only black and white - I'd guess your blood pressure is through the roof.
I'm going to guess this is not the time to bring up the new Savage 212 60 yard turkey slayer,that they just put out? :goofball:
Just remember all.... We're all on the same team.
B-Well
Johnny
Chill-Ax
I don't think killing a turkey is easy at all I've saw people miss with a shotgun...
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
Lolol! It's turkey season! Let's have some fun Boy's :blob10:
YeeeeeHawwwww! :happy0064: :newmascot: :turkey2:
Quote from: spaightlabs on April 06, 2016, 12:11:32 PM
How do you feel about bow hunting for turkeys? Can't even begin to estimate how many pass through /run off to die elsewhere encounters there are a year nationally...I know a couple of outfitters pretty well - the number of bow-shot birds lost is substantial. Should it be banned?
[/quote]
I can tell you how I feel about it, and keep in mind I have actually participated in the Kansas early archery season. My take on it is that the early seasons brings out a lot of folks who do not possess the experience or skills necessary to be able to do it ethically--even though many of them extoll the virtues of "the greater challenge of archery". I do not like the idea of giving archery hunters an early season. And, no one can tell me the number of birds shot and not retrieved is not considerably higher with archery than it is with shotguns as a general rule.
I guess my take on it is this: If one claims to archery hunt for the greater challenge, then why would there be a need for an early season before the birds have been pressured---making it inherently easier for you to get your tagged filled? Why not just go out there with the shotgun hunters and kill one with archery equipment when it actually would have a much greater degree of difficulty if that is truly your goal?
I believe archery hunting for turkeys should be reserved for the folks who truly are a cut above the average turkey hunter--not just those aspiring to be.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
I'm betting your right about that. :TooFunny:
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
No, I certainly didn't. I'm brand new to the forum and new to turkey hunting this year. I'm just anxious to soak up as much advice as I can get. Didn't intend to touch off a powderkeg.
Quote from: husker on April 06, 2016, 01:51:16 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
No, I certainly didn't. I'm brand new to the forum and new to turkey hunting this year. I'm just anxious to soak up as much advice as I can get. Didn't intend to touch off a powderkeg.
This time of year its easy to do. I wouldn't worry about it.....
No comment
Quote from: husker on April 06, 2016, 01:51:16 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
No, I certainly didn't. I'm brand new to the forum and new to turkey hunting this year. I'm just anxious to soak up as much advice as I can get. Didn't intend to touch off a powderkeg.
It's just the nature of forums. Happens on every hunting or fishing forum I'm been on.
Quote from: tomstopper on April 06, 2016, 01:59:40 PM
Quote from: husker on April 06, 2016, 01:51:16 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 12:46:41 PM
;D :TooFunny: :toothy12: :toothy9: I bet husker didn't see where this thread was headed when he brought up his original question....
No, I certainly didn't. I'm brand new to the forum and new to turkey hunting this year. I'm just anxious to soak up as much advice as I can get. Didn't intend to touch off a powderkeg.
This time of year its easy to do. I wouldn't worry about it.....
Some of us are just cranky because we are not hunting yet and we have all these guys on here rubbing it in by posting pictures of the birds they have already shot.
;D ;D :toothy12: :toothy9: :newmascot: :newmascot: :newmascot: :newmascot: :toothy9: :toothy12: ;D ;D
I guess that I am considered to be "old school" and have been told by several that I am pretty hard-core. I despise about 95% of the new products I see brought to market, and the attitudes those products bring with them. That being said, if the day ever comes that I have to hide behind a turkey fan to kill a gobbler, I will quit. Not gonna look down on anyone, not gonna preach about it...just aint gonna participate in it.
2015 Old Gobbler contest Champions
Partially my fault I suppose. Guess I should've taken the higher road when the crap started flowing downhill. Reverted back to my middle school days and jumped in with both feet and forgot to even bother putting my waders on first. Apologies for ruffling anyone's feathers. Just think new people's questions should maybe be answered without all the mud slinging.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
You're such a politician, man. I, like you, have traveled, guided and shot turkeys in more states than I have toes and fingers. I acknowledge that different places present unique sets of challenges that vary from habitat to terrain to bird density to season dates and stages of the breeding cycle when you get there. Anyone who travels to chase them is aware of those things.
Now please explain the following to me:
When is roost shooting ok, gobblenut? How is hunting over bait (like they do in Texas) or being allowed to hunt 100 yards away from it in Florida ethical? How is crawling towards a gobbler with a fan in front of you, knowing full well that most gobblers will see that as a confrontational act and charge the decoy ethical?
These are three tactics that virtually ensure success. I could careless about someone's sensitivity or offense to my perspective because I think it's a disgrace these practices are even considered acceptable amongst our ranks. We owe it to the birds to say enough is enough and it seems the very organization and people entrusted as stewards of the resource how lost sight of that in favor or inclusion and $$$$.
The wild turkey was a hell of a lot better off before all of this nonsense and turkey hunters then were more captivated with the art of killing turkeys than the bloodlust for filling tags.
Quote from: spaightlabs on April 06, 2016, 12:11:32 PM
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on April 06, 2016, 11:37:22 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 06, 2016, 10:04:50 AM
Okay,...we all need to take a deep breath and settle down.
Although I totally agree that there are some boundaries that we should all agree on in terms of how we conduct ourselves as hunters, there are also a number of things that are not so black and white. The things that are in the "gray area" vary a bit for each of us. All of us have our own conditions and circumstances under which we must hunt.
From my travels turkey hunting, I know for a fact there are folks in other parts of the country that hunt in ways that I personally prefer not to,...and they feel completely comfortable and justified in doing so. They hunt that way because, over time, they have come to the conclusion that using whatever tactics they do are needed to consistently, or even occasionally, be successful under the conditions in which they hunt.
Again, as long as those tactics are legal and can be applied safely where you hunt, hunt the way you want. If I don't hunt where you do and under the conditions that you face there, it is hard for me to justify taking a position against your hunting methods, regardless of if they conform to my own "standards" or not.
You're such a politician, man. I, like you, have traveled, guided and shot turkeys in more states than I have toes and fingers. I acknowledge that different places present unique sets of challenges that vary from habitat to terrain to bird density to season dates and stages of the breeding cycle when you get there. Anyone who travels to chase them is aware of those things.
Now please explain the following to me:
When is roost shooting ok, gobblenut? How is hunting over bait (like they do in Texas) or being allowed to hunt 100 yards away from it in Florida ethical? How is crawling towards a gobbler with a fan in front of you, knowing full well that most gobblers will see that as a confrontational act and charge the decoy ethical?
These are three tactics that virtually ensure success. I could careless about someone's sensitivity or offense to my perspective because I think it's a disgrace these practices are even considered acceptable amongst our ranks. We owe it to the birds to say enough is enough and it seems the very organization and people entrusted as stewards of the resource how lost sight of that in favor or inclusion and $$$$.
The wild turkey was a hell of a lot better off before all of this nonsense and turkey hunters then were more captivated with the art of killing turkeys than the bloodlust for filling tags.
Gotta be rough living in a world of gray when you see only black and white - I'd guess your blood pressure is through the roof.
How do you feel about bow hunting for turkeys? Can't even begin to estimate how many pass through /run off to die elsewhere encounters there are a year nationally...I know a couple of outfitters pretty well - the number of bow-shot birds lost is substantial. Should it be banned?
I agree that turkey reaping is one of the foulest parts of turkey hunting, if you even call it hunting. The only reason turkey reaping ever became a thing was for people to make a buck from producing hunting shows and getting sponsorships. Sure the native Americans originated the tactic but it was all but dead until the Amish guys started posting their videos on YouTube(which resulted in royalties and sponsorships).
I know plenty of "turkey hunters" that praise reaping for the near 100% success rate. That's not hunting. That's killing.
I would go so far as to say it's way harder to kill a turkey off the roost or over bait than reaping. Once the turkey locks in on the decoys, I've seen videos where the shooter stands up and the birds keeps coming or flogging the decoy. There's no sport in it.
Also I agree that body shooting turkeys with a bow is also the best route. I bow hunt turkeys from time to time and I use nothing but head lopping broadheads. Can't tell you how many people I know that say I got a pass through but never found the bird. But I've yet to meet anyone that hit a bird with a head lopper above the waddles and didn't kill.
What is reaping you speak of? I feel stupid asking, but don't really pay attention to decoys and techniques as it don't intrest me, but was curious? Is it the same as Fanning where a hunter sneaks behind a fan in on Toms and shoots them? Thanks
Quote from: Cutt on April 06, 2016, 07:14:01 PM
What is reaping you speak of? I feel stupid asking, but don't really pay attention to decoys and techniques as it don't intrest me, but was curious? Is it the same as Fanning where a hunter sneaks behind a fan in on Toms and shoots them? Thanks
Yes.
Google turkey reaping and you can see thousands of examples of it.
Quote from: drenalinld on April 06, 2016, 12:36:19 PM
anyone think roost shooting is easy??
Not sure if this is a serious question? If so, I think it would be fairly easy for those who would be dedicated enough to do it. But the real question? Easy or not, what gratification would one get from blasting one off the roost?
Amen ... Cutt...i will leave it up to that person to make that decision..who ask the question..
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b421/32SteelerFan/dren_zpspgsqbjam.jpg) (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/32SteelerFan/media/dren_zpspgsqbjam.jpg.html)
=
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b421/32SteelerFan/sarcasm_zpsgksjpahi.jpg) (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/32SteelerFan/media/sarcasm_zpsgksjpahi.jpg.html)
:gobble:
Quote from: SteelerFan on April 06, 2016, 08:29:26 PM
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b421/32SteelerFan/dren_zpspgsqbjam.jpg) (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/32SteelerFan/media/dren_zpspgsqbjam.jpg.html)
=
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b421/32SteelerFan/sarcasm_zpsgksjpahi.jpg) (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/32SteelerFan/media/sarcasm_zpsgksjpahi.jpg.html)
:gobble:
That's why I asked wasn't sure? Just didn't follow any other replies from him to make that connection though.
Quote from: Cutt on April 06, 2016, 08:33:25 PM
That's why I asked wasn't sure? Just didn't follow any other replies from him to make that connection though.
:icon_thumright:
IF it's NOT sarcasm... he's got A LOT of explaining to do concerning his call collections, especially those scratch boxes! :TooFunny:
VatuRKstOmPer may be rude, may be, but he is right.
I recently read through this entire discussion, and can say WOW! I joined this site awhile back because it had lots of great info and I enjoyed everyone's posts and that they were quick to provide accurate feedback about what works for them. I normally don't like to get involved in who is right and who is wrong discussions, because who am I to judge someone else. Obviously I'm not a purist like everyone else, or believe in the B.S that they type on here to build themselves up as purists. WOW! I'm done I decided that maybe this is not the place for me.
Reaping is like talking politics, everyone has an opinion and there's is the only correct one. I have been on 2 hunts that i reaped a bird for a friend, both required a lengthy stalk and lots of crawling, I was holding the fan and they were the shooter both times. Worked as well as advertised and we took 2 nice birds, is it my preferred method? No, but it was fun and I have no issue with anyone doing it, I am going to do it with the bow this year I think. As good as the real turkey fan worked i wouldn't buy the umbrella!
Quote from: beakbuster10 on April 06, 2016, 03:23:52 PM
....I know plenty of "turkey hunters" that praise reaping for the near 100% success rate. That's not hunting. That's killing.
I would go so far as to say it's way harder to kill a turkey off the roost or over bait than reaping.
Does it really work that well? I have a friend that told me he tried it on several different birds last year and they both ran the other way. I guess I assumed guys did it as a last ditch effort, or something you would do if you got to a field and there were already birds there?
I guess I don't know much about it...
I don't have any problem with the turkey umbrella. Why should I? Why do I care how soembody else's is turkey hunting. I try to mind my own business and I don't want other people trying to mind mine. I am a minimalist turkey hunter. Not because I am some sort of turkey hunting elitist--its just the way I am. I don't use decoys, blinds, heavy shot shells etc... However, if I had one of these things who's to say that I may try it out? All the squawking about the dangers of it rings hollow to me--especially since I have seen no evidenece of any mishaps. As for all the noise about "too much respect" for the bird to hunt like this--please--we ultimately shoot them in the face with a load of #5's--I would not want someone to respect me like that.
Quote from: cornfedkiller on April 07, 2016, 04:13:53 PM
Quote from: beakbuster10 on April 06, 2016, 03:23:52 PM
....I know plenty of "turkey hunters" that praise reaping for the near 100% success rate. That's not hunting. That's killing.
I would go so far as to say it's way harder to kill a turkey off the roost or over bait than reaping.
Does it really work that well? I have a friend that told me he tried it on several different birds last year and they both ran the other way. I guess I assumed guys did it as a last ditch effort, or something you would do if you got to a field and there were already birds there?
I guess I don't know much about it...
Yes. I'm sure there are a few instances where a subdominant tom is frightened or the turkeys see a hunter where it doesn't work, but I know 3 guys that tagged out in 3 days from reaping (in VA you're allowed one bird a day and 3 birds per year so you do the math).
I also read an article about it I saw posted on Facebook today written by Michael Waddell. He advocated it because of the 80-90% success rate (his own guess of success rate). His advocating didn't surprise me, as I earlier said the only reason turkey reaping became a thing was tv show hosts needing a kill or someone looking for a sponsorship; and then it trickled down to the "I watched duck dynasty so I'm a duck hunter" type, leading to them wanting to turkey reap too.
Quote from: drenalinld on April 06, 2016, 12:36:19 PM
anyone think roost shooting is easy??
Not as easy as I thought it would be that's for sure. Had to wake up even earlier, stepped in a ground hog hole, bumped into a bees nest, and blew him off the roost.
Going to take one of these motorized decoys next time with one of those pretty white mad decoys strapped to the back and park it under his tree. Wait for him to fly down and mount the thing then give him a ride right into gun range.
Quote from: Gobble! on April 07, 2016, 04:35:56 PM
Quote from: drenalinld on April 06, 2016, 12:36:19 PM
anyone think roost shooting is easy??
Not as easy as I thought it would be that's for sure. Had to wake up even earlier, stepped in a ground hog hole, bumped into a bees nest, and blew him off the roost.
Going to take one of these motorized decoys next time with one of those pretty white mad decoys strapped to the back and park it under his tree. Wait for him to fly down and mount the thing then give him a ride right into gun range.
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: Can I watch this go down?? :funnyturkey:
Quote from: BowBendr on April 06, 2016, 02:48:15 PM
I guess that I am considered to be "old school" and have been told by several that I am pretty hard-core. I despise about 95% of the new products I see brought to market, and the attitudes those products bring with them. That being said, if the day ever comes that I have to hide behind a turkey fan to kill a gobbler, I will quit. Not gonna look down on anyone, not gonna preach about it...just aint gonna participate in it.
2015 Old Gobbler contest Champions
I stand with Bow on this one. It may be legal means to kill a bird, but I have far too much fun trying to beat a wary bird at his game to participate.
I have killed a small amount of toms compared to most on here, but I will continue hunting the way I was taught. Reaping and umbrellas are just not for me.