I know alot of members here will start their scouting soon-- so I wanted to post this as it may have happened to you as well. OK- so, I was parked at a public area in New Jersey less then 1 week before last years Spring opener in New Jersey. I walked in around 200 yards or so and it was roughly 55 minutes before Sunrise. I knew, I would start to hear gobbling in about 10 more minutes or so. Less then 10 minutes later, I could see a very slow-moving form of another turkey scouter through the light fog. Now- before he walked up- I could see 3-toed tracks in the mud. The middle toe being a good 4'. Alot of tracks and some droppings that I could see with the Sun just starting to rise in the East. I was hoping that this scouter would walk on by me on that woodsroad with a hushed hi- but he stopped to talk and he talked in a normal voice. I quickly put my forefinger to my mouth and said -Schhhhh and pointed up a ridge where I was waiting to hear the first gobble. He kept talking though and said that there used to be more turkeys back here and he lives just a piece down the road and has taken many back here. Anyway- what can you do- I know his non-stop talking was on purpose. No gobbling anywhere of course that morning. I found later that day- another way to access this area. I was nice enough to him even though, I knew what he was doing . This ever happen to other Spring turkey scouters here??
Down here in the south , people get into fist fights over turkeys. Deer hunters get pissy but turkey hunters get enraged. Only thing I can say about your situation is it's public land and folks have as much right as the next to be there and do as they please as long as it's legal. Always were told by others that if you were unhappy about it , save your money and lease or buy your own property.
The Scouter probably wanted to start his Spring Season right close to where I was standing. I know all the woodroads and trails back here like he does. Just decided to park elsewhere next time. He was a veteran Spring hunter as well and said he always takes his 2 Tom's I. NJ and another 2 in NY. I guess I am used to this stuff as I only human public lands
I would ask him to lower his voice one time. If he didn't, I'd just walk away. That should get him to shut up, unless he just likes to talk to himself at full volume.
FC
If that's the game he wants to play, just go in there and scatter a 5 gallon bucket of shelled corn. If you can't hunt it, then neither will he...
Public is public, walk in an additional 500-600 yards to put some distance between you and others or as you did find another access point.
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At least you ran into another hunter who had a little bit of sense, even if he wasn't being very stealthy. That jack@$$ was obviously trying to get over on you.
Here in NC on some public land, I had a guy start hollering for his buddy because they'd gotten separated and the hollering man had gotten their vehicle stuck in the mud. Brilliant, huh? You can guess how many gobblers we heard that morning. He never knew I was there, but he also had no clue how many gobblers had been using the area before his yelling. *where is the facepalm emoji when you need it?*
Jim
It's public land. Treat others the way you would like to be treated and all you can hope for is that they will do the same. Oftentimes they won't but that's the way it goes. No use whining about it. Either work around it or move on. It seems to me you do a lot of complaining about all the people that you run into. I am not trying to be mean at all but you may want to look at things from another angle. I am sure I have unintentionally screwed things up. Heck I once called three hot toms off of other hunters and my friend I was guiding killed one. Now I called these birds 180 degreed from where these two fellows were set up but I never heard a peep from them. Only way I knew was we walked out that way and walked right into their setup. I felt bad but all the apologies in the world won't take it back. I return I have lost track of the amount of toms that have been shot by rifle hunters that sneak in and pick off a bird I am working in Wv. It's life you move on and try as hard as you can to be respectful of others. Work harder and smarter to cut down on the intrusions and that's all you can do. Once again I am not trying to be mean but just get you to think about it a bit.
Good luck this spring.
Quote from: Happy on February 14, 2018, 04:42:07 PM
It's public land. Treat others the way you would like to be treated and all you can hope for is that they will do the same. Oftentimes they won't but that's the way it goes. No use whining about it. Either work around it or move on. It seems to me you do a lot of complaining about all the people that you run into. I am not trying to be mean at all but you may want to look at things from another angle. I am sure I have unintentionally screwed things up. Heck I once called three hot toms off of other hunters and my friend I was guiding killed one. Now I called these birds 180 degreed from where these two fellows were set up but I never heard a peep from them. Only way I knew was we walked out that way and walked right into their setup. I felt bad but all the apologies in the world won't take it back. I return I have lost track of the amount of toms that have been shot by rifle hunters that sneak in and pick off a bird I am working in Wv. It's life you move on and try as hard as you can to be respectful of others. Work harder and smarter to cut down on the intrusions and that's all you can do. Once again I am not trying to be mean but just get you to think about it a bit.
Good luck this spring.
^^This is also some of why I hunt smaller farms and woodlots. Not only is it all I have access to, but the ratio of fools in the woods is lower...mostly. I do have joggers, nature hikers, and people walking their dogs screw me up sometimes, but I think the turkeys in those areas are more accustomed to the disruption and not as bothered by it as big woods birds who seldom see humans.
Jim
Jim
No it does not bother me Happy. Just wanted to see some replys to see how common this is. Very common from what I have read already. I will say that some Spring Turkey Hunters think they own a certain segment of Public Land . I think those are the Dudes who will try somehow to get you to move on and out.
I have been on both sides of this, I have been in a spot and had others walk up on me and I have walked up on others. In the latter portion of this I quietly move on, hunter ethics. I have had a few issues even on private land where others felt it was ok to hunt through the fence as long as they shot from their side, of course they crossed to get the dead bird... I have had an incident where another hunter purposely parked a truck right in front of my hunting spot, he had easement across the property but left the truck on the easement and not through to the other property... I handle these with a grain of salt and leave them with a discussion on about what they are doing...
Pic was opening day of youth season, dealt with it and moved on. 2nd pic is of our 2nd set of the day!
I think we all deal with this public & private in cases. I hold myself to a standard of ethics.
MK M GOBL
Good. Glad you aren't upset. But also remember that there aren't many guys fighting for the realky hard to access places and those that do typically aren't the type to screw up your day intentionally.
As soon as the encounter & conversation takes place... scouting is over. I would act as if I didn't know a bird was within 2 miles, and or find another path less traveled. Him shutting up while I'm listening would be the least of my concerns.
I would have shot his truck but then again I am from the south.
I have been 'checked' on also. Almost the same way. Another guy was checking on me, and said he'ld do the same thing on opening day. This was his spot on public land. And I was a game warden (Env Police) at the time, he didn't know it. I told him it was evident he wasn't raised properly and turned and left without another word. He followed me out and was parked so I couldn't leave. At the same time a state truck drove by and stopped cause he recognized my truck. The rude fellow then left. It is a reflection of the society we live in. But it won't change me. When I come on a truck parked where I hunt I drive on to the next spot. We live in a bad time, and I for one will not not hunt or associate with such people. If more people did this it might change things. If these people are like this with strangers imagine how they are like with their families. I feel sorry for them. I pray that the Lord will show them the errors of their ways. Life is too short to lose sleep over these things. But I won't let them change me to their low ways. I will walk the high road. Move on to the next 'tall timber Gabriel.'
I doubt if he would have ever had the opportunity to speak to me if I was there first.
I've seen a lot over the years hunting public land. I go out of my way to avoid other hunters. Sometimes on National forest land with so many roads you can't get far enough away from them. I've come to the desision if someone comes in on me by accident is one thing but if done on purpose we're going to have a problem right there. Feel free to role over an let people walk over you if you want I've got other plans.
Id have offered that guy to shut up once ....after that it's on him.
That type situation, among others, is why I pay to hunt private land. If you hunt public land, this type situation, unfortunately, "comes with the territory".
Well Phillipshunt-- I have a long fuse and being a Public Land Turkey Hunter-- I have seen alot of different people. This guy did not have a bad attitude at least and I moved on. Best to avoid any type of Confrontation if possible. More so in the still semi-dark woods. I used to teach the martial arts and avoiding any escalating situation is your best bet.
Quote from: saverx on February 14, 2018, 07:01:09 PM
I would have shot his truck but then again I am from the south.
South Detroit? He was scouting not hunting. Lol
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quavers59 the letting someone walk over you comment wasn't directed to you. I wish I had a longer fuse but I don't and if I know someone is intentionally trying to ruin my hunt I feel it is only right to ruin his day.
I don't have much to say to people on public land. But then against I don't see many people where I hunt. Big steep hills are your friend on public land and tend to insulate you from the other hunters.
I messed a guy up one time. He was hunting a bird right near the main road. But there was a washout and he drove 3 miles around and came back to the bird from south of it, so I had no way of knowing he was there. I had seen the bird's tracks scouting. I was late because I had been to a private spot but the owner's son had shown up so I left him to hunt it alone and moved to public. I chose this bird knowing if someone was hunting there, they would park their truck right by the main road. Figured I would mess no one else up being late. We stepped out and the bird gobbled so we moved in on him. After it was over (he liked my nephew's calling better, just did not offer a shot as he walked by him) the dude comes out (or across the creek really). I asked if he had been hunting there and he acted disgusted. I pointed out where he should have parked but still apologized to him several times. Then he started acting like a male appendage. I just told him "Life's tough, slick, get a helmet". My nephew walked up as we were escalating and told him it was public land, tough feces. He changed his tune. But I always start nice. Only really bad one I have had. Had birds I was working shot, but from the other side of the creek or swamp, certainly not their fault. Heck, I have probably done it to someone and did not know it.
Now duck hunting? I got a ton of stories.
I've walked up on another hunter or two. Had it done to me as well. It was never intentional and it happens. If I'm close to the hunter, I'll speak very softly to apologize and back out fast. If I'm not very close, I'll wave and beat feet the way I came from.
Quote from: quavers59 on February 14, 2018, 03:11:01 PM
I could see 3-toed tracks in the mud. The middle toe being a good 4'.
If I saw tracks in the mud with the middle toe 4' long, I wouldn't be worried about another hunter,...other than hoping I could outrun him. ;D :toothy12:
Plenty of good replys here. My Sister said it best-- everyone wants the big bird. I get up later when I scout. I am up by 3am when I hunted though and usually don't see another hunter until on the way out.
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 14, 2018, 09:18:44 PM
Quote from: quavers59 on February 14, 2018, 03:11:01 PM
I could see 3-toed tracks in the mud. The middle toe being a good 4'.
If I saw tracks in the mud with the middle toe 4' long, I wouldn't be worried about another hunter,...other than hoping I could outrun him. ;D :toothy12:
:TooFunny:
It's common, we leave early get in early. First to park at spot. Leave truck only vehicle at the gate. When we left after we killed a bird. 5 trucks decided to park right behind us. No courtesy no plan B literally all in the same block of woods.
I went to each vehicle and put a patch of chest feathers under the windshield wipers. Why? To show them one less bird was there for them to hunt.
I feel so fortunate not having to deal with these issues out here. I did have to deal with a trespasser last year and it got heated, but that's the first real issue I've had in years.
really nothing to do about it. I have had several incidents like this, some less, some more intense. One time this older gentleman showed up at my camp and began engaging in psychological warfare. I guess he thought he was trying to get into my mind. I played none the wiser, went and killed my turkeys, slipped back into camp each time without him even knowing I had done any good. Amazing what some folks will do.
Quote from: Deast1988 on February 15, 2018, 07:44:07 AM
It's common, we leave early get in early. First to park at spot. Leave truck only vehicle at the gate. When we left after we killed a bird. 5 trucks decided to park right behind us. No courtesy no plan B literally all in the same block of woods.
I went to each vehicle and put a patch of chest feathers under the windshield wipers. Why? To show them one less bird was there for them to hunt.
Now that to me is a Male Appendage move.. you think they didn't hear you shoot or something?? I guess there is always a chance you missed, but that will be pretty clear when he doesn't gobble any more the next few days ..
You are just bragging that you are a better hunter than them.. don't give me this "just wanted to let them know one less bird". Kill your bird be humble and don't shout it from the rooftops. They will figure out you are a good hunter soon enough.
No this is different if I happen to know the truck and friendly with them.. then I would give them Feces and put feathers all over the truck and rub blood on their windshield :)
Guess we handle public land respect or lack there of differently. :turkey2:
Personally, I would rather have this sort of situation happen on a scouting trip than when I am actually hunting, and especially in an instance where I am making decisions on where to focus my hunting efforts.
Yeah, the guy should have had the courtesy to let you enjoy your scouting session without interjecting himself into the middle of it. But since he didn't, you had a prime opportunity to discuss each other's plans for the actual hunt. I would have introduced myself, and then tried to find out what his plans were for hunting, and how we could coordinate such that we were not getting in each other's way.
His willingness to have a frank discussion about hunting that location would go a long way in determining whether I would plan on hunting that spot,...or looking for another. A pleasant conversation with a fellow turkey hunter that might be planning on hunting the same place you are can go a long way,...probably further than the value of hearing some gobbling in a place where you already know there are usually turkeys.
In summary, there was a potential silver-lining to that cloud,...sometimes we just have to look for it and react accordingly.
Quote from: fallhnt on February 14, 2018, 08:22:19 PM
Quote from: saverx on February 14, 2018, 07:01:09 PM
I would have shot his truck but then again I am from the south.
South Detroit? He was scouting not hunting. Lol
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in south we are armed at all times scouting or hunting. I know some southern guys have joked about it but there is some truth in it I know several areas he would have come out to hopefully just 4 shot tires or worse and for my 2 cents have at act like jack get treated like one
Public land-how I would handle it.
#1 Be safe.
#2 Don't talk about scouting if you do any.
#3 Wait and scout with a gun during turkey season.
#4 If you run up on another hunter be polite and go the other way.
Yeah GobbleNut- I did pick his brain also since he decided to talk in a normal tone. The other parking spot has just as many Toms over there and it is easier to drive into anyway.
Most times in the past though--- I have had warm turkey talk with other Scouters. Some can be quiet as well. I remember I was listening to Gobblers in a Swamp and caught movement behind me-- another scouter and like me all camo with a facemask. Just a thoughtful look to each other- then we both went in different directions.
Quote from: turkeyfoot on February 15, 2018, 10:12:18 AM
Quote from: fallhnt on February 14, 2018, 08:22:19 PM
Quote from: saverx on February 14, 2018, 07:01:09 PM
I would have shot his truck but then again I am from the south.
South Detroit? He was scouting not hunting. Lol
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in south we are armed at all times scouting or hunting. I know some southern guys have joked about it but there is some truth in it I know several areas he would have come out to hopefully just 4 shot tires or worse and for my 2 cents have at act like jack get treated like one
Or worse....(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180227/2217fb48a53e222a2fbaaac1c9198c50.jpg)
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An elderly gentleman I met in Missouri once had a bird roosted the night before a hunt. He got in there early, and of course, the bird started gobbling his head off. His vehicle was parked where all could see it. It wasn't long before he heard a truck stop, and doors slamming. Still, the bird gobbled. Soon, in the dim light Bob saw two hunters on their way in to where he was set up. You could say that Bob's normal mood was a bit cranky. It became apparent to Bob that these two yahoos were going to ruin his hunt. So Bob, in full Bobness, shouted, "Hey Bill, I'm going to the other spot!" Bill, of course, did not exist. And the turkey, of course, stopped gobbling.
It sucks but you've got inconsiderate folks hunting in all states and some of them just weren't taught any better. The best thing to do is just move on down the line and avoid any confrontation or conversation with them if they start acting a fool. A turkey isn't worth me not getting to see my family again.
I have found the earlier you get there and the further you walk from the truck the less things like this happen.
I just rarely encounter this when turkey hunting, but duck hunting happens all the time. I figure I am unlikely to teach someone something that their momma or daddy were too sorry or too dumb to teach, so i usually just try to move on. I have been caught on a bad day and said a thing or two, but it I try to just bite my tongue and shake my head and move on.
This happened to me a few years ago.
Only difference, it was during the season.
I was setup in one of my favorite spots well before dawn. I was setup, and about 20 min later, I saw lights and and a truck park on a dirt road. I then saw a flashlight beam walking to right where I was sitting!
Knowing my hunt was screwed up, I shined a light right back so they knew I was there.
They continued towards me, and setup about 50 yards to my left!
I was furious!!!
I went, got my stuff rather noisily, went to my truck, and honked the horn goodbye on my way out!
In all my years of turkey hunting on public land I luckily haven't had an issues like this .I normally hunt a good way off from any roads early in the morning but if I strike out at one of those spots ,i will bounce around to easier to access spots that I have previously scouted .when Im bouncing around most hunter have already gave up for the day.
Quote from: chatterbox on February 28, 2018, 06:08:13 AM
This happened to me a few years ago.
Only difference, it was during the season.
I was setup in one of my favorite spots well before dawn. I was setup, and about 20 min later, I saw lights and and a truck park on a dirt road. I then saw a flashlight beam walking to right where I was sitting!
Knowing my hunt was screwed up, I shined a light right back so they knew I was there.
They continued towards me, and setup about 50 yards to my left!
I was furious!!!
I went, got my stuff rather noisily, went to my truck, and honked the horn goodbye on my way out!
Been there. But I'm not leaving a gobbling bird to a moron if someone comes in on me and it's obvious he knew I was there and decided to keep hunting NOBODY is killing that gobbler even if I have to climb the tree he's in and shove him off the limb. After that we can argue fight or have a shoot out I don't really care. I've had several run ins with these Coon A$$ retards on public land in Louisiana after a while they stopped parking next to me , it's like training any dumb animal if you let them have there way they'll never act right.
Quote from: Phillipshunt on February 28, 2018, 11:20:07 AM
Quote from: chatterbox on February 28, 2018, 06:08:13 AM
This happened to me a few years ago.
Only difference, it was during the season.
I was setup in one of my favorite spots well before dawn. I was setup, and about 20 min later, I saw lights and and a truck park on a dirt road. I then saw a flashlight beam walking to right where I was sitting!
Knowing my hunt was screwed up, I shined a light right back so they knew I was there.
They continued towards me, and setup about 50 yards to my left!
I was furious!!!
I went, got my stuff rather noisily, went to my truck, and honked the horn goodbye on my way out!
Been there. But I'm not leaving a gobbling bird to a moron if someone comes in on me and it's obvious he knew I was there and decided to keep hunting NOBODY is killing that gobbler even if I have to climb the tree he's in and shove him off the limb. After that we can argue fight or have a shoot out I don't really care. I've had several run ins with these Coon A$$ retards on public land in Louisiana after a while they stopped parking next to me , it's like training any dumb animal if you let them have there way they'll never act right.
Don't know about the shoot out, but you are right, if that were me, the only thing I am sure would be no one was killing that bird that day.
what you should have done is hid behind something. waited till the guy got within 10 feet, then cut down on him with that whistle you have. guarantee the sob would never come back.