I am trying to gather some basic info about Kansas Rio hunting. I live in Southern Illinois. I would like to do a 2017 spring hunt for Rio's either semi guided or prefer nonguided. Is there any public land available for a decent hunt. I would also pay trespass fees for private. I need a suggestion for a starting point. Any suggestions that will get me started would be appreciated
http://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
The information on this website is extensive, including maps for the walk in hunting areas. Contact them and they'll send you a hard copy of their maps and regulations. Good luck!
My advice is to try to find private. The word is out on Kansas public lands and the hunting pressure shows it.
Go west of Salina for Rio's. Plenty of Public Hunting areas and great access on private lands w/ door knocking and the right attitude. Read your maps/ look at Google Earth and look for creeks and bottoms w/ hardwood roosting areas. Be advised that if you encounter spring rains the roads are extremely "greasy" w/ no gravel, only dirt/mud and even 4-wheel drive is dicey. In small owns go to local breakfasts eateries and hardware/farm supply stores and announce your intentions since a lot of farmers regard turkeys as a nuisance. I've met a lot of farmers in Kansas that are amused that people hunt turkeys.