I'll be doing most of my hunting on public land in TN and was curious as to what to expect since this will be my first season doing so. Fortunately I still have access to a couple pieces of property in MS so I will be able to hopefully fool with a few birds before TN season opens. My question is what are some of the unspoken rules for hunting turkeys on public land other than avoiding areas where other people are parked, etc.
Really depends on who you are dealing with. Some folks honor someone already on a bird...others just barge in...the true answer is...you just really never know. The only hunting etiquette that you can truly depend on is your own.
I hunt a good bit of public land. My advise is have multiple spots selected to hunt. You will have people to deal with,especially early on the season. Be willing to get up extra early, walk further and hunt harder than anyone else. Hunt to as long as legally allowed and don't expect it to be easy. Be respectful of others and treat them how you would like to be treated. That's all you can control. It takes a different breed in my opinion to be able to take public land turkeys consistently. Most of it is mental toughness and a willingness to work. Birds are often not as plentiful and you can have hunts screwed up by others. In my opinion there is a sense of satisfaction in killing a tom on public land that can't be matched on a private plot that you have sole access to. Good luck
I've already scouted several spots and plan on doing a lot of listening in the next month. Just looking forward to spending some time in new woods and the challenges of public land hunting while trying to be courteous to fellow hunters.
Do your best to give others space if they are working a bird and do your best to avoid areas you know people are hunting. That's all you can do. Above all be safe. It's public land and open to anyone so sometimes you will run into people and vice versa. Nothing to get to worked up over.
I hunt public land exclusively in 3 to 4 states every year. Find a big chunk of public land, that will get you away from most of the crowd,especially if there is no road access to a big part of it..Also, hunt till legel quitting time. Most people quit after the first couple hours. This has served me well over the years. Personally, I would rather hunt public land over private. To me it's more satisfying
If you've scouted spots continuously only to find someone has beaten you to your spot on opening morning move on. Don't get upset...that's why it pays to have multiple areas in mind. I've arrived two hours early sometimes just to make sure I was the first one. You may lose sleep but the really early bird gets the worm!
One of the best birds I've taken on public came on a morning the spot I had planned to hunt had a pickup already parked there. I went another direction, parked at another location, walked in half mile, had stopped to look things over, and without any warning, had a group of about 15 birds literally walk right up to me. Point being, you never know where they are going to turn up. If I see a pickup, or other evidence of someone already in a spot, I just move on, and wish everyone else would do the same. Oh, and don't get too ticked off when they see you, and come set up 60 yards from you. To hunt public land you will have to have thick skin, otherwise, I'd just hunt private. If you get where you can kill longbeards on public land with any consistancy, hunting on private land with little to no hunting pressure may feel unfair to you.
Some really good advice already here but I would say like most versatility always pays off on public for me personally. Twice on the same piece of public I have tried to either hunt somewhere else or got in for a mid morning hunt and killed a bird in that exact area. The catch being if you go there first thing in the morning you wont hear any roost gobbles because they are roosted deep on private. The area I killed them in is simply where they want to be. Try to find overlooked areas that may not be appealing to the eye but as long as the turkeys show up that's all that matters. It gets you away from people and avoids most conflict. I found that spot because someone else was hunting where I originally wanted to go. Also sticking put in a spot has paid off big time for me. Even if I heard someone else calling as long as they leave I'll stick it out if I know a bird is nearby. I'm only 27 but have learned the hard way to stay put an extra 30 mins or hr on public and I've been really successful. I would slap my younger self if I could for screwing up a bunch of opportunities due to impatience!! Honestly all you can do is treat others like you would want to be and hope they do the same for you.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Also, realize that just because you get to the gate first doesnt mean someone else won't park right beside you...had that happen more times than I can count.
I hunt only public land in Louisiana and 3-4 other states a year. I've seen just about anything you could imagine on public land. The main two things don't park next to anyone and if you walk a long ways into an area you may not know someone else is working the bird you heard gobble. If after closing the distance you hear someone calling to the gobbler walk away and find another.
Not everyone follows these guidelines and is the reason public land gets a bad rap.
If you have the time and want to see what not to do in action come to Louisiana, we have the absolute worst Turkey hunters in North America. I doubt 1 in 50 ever kill a turkey and they have 0 ethics's or care about any rules unspoken or otherwise.
Stay away from other people. The birds are no problem ...its the people
Find remote spots and you will lead a happier hunting life
Don't know if you use decoys or not. But first time I hunted public land in Florida second day out a guy shot my Jake decoy. I will never use a Jake decoy on Public land again. So if use decoys be careful on your set up. And if that tom is gobbleing because you keep calling to him, remember someone else might here him and come running also.
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. No decoys on public land for me. Only time I use decoys is when dealing with hard headed field birds on private. Pretty sure I would've been in need for drawer changing after that experience dd :o
Quote from: tha bugman on February 21, 2019, 11:07:50 AM
Also, realize that just because you get to the gate first doesnt mean someone else won't park right beside you...had that happen more times than I can count.
For me, this is the hardest one to stomach but it's spot on. I will park at the same pace as someone else IF, and only if, I have an opportunity to talk to them before we leave the vehicles and can determine which way they are going so we don't hunt over each other. Other people rarely take that approach.
Quote from: CALLM2U on February 21, 2019, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: tha bugman on February 21, 2019, 11:07:50 AM
Also, realize that just because you get to the gate first doesnt mean someone else won't park right beside you...had that happen more times than I can count.
For me, this is the hardest one to stomach but it's spot on. I will park at the same pace as someone else IF, and only if, I have an opportunity to talk to them before we leave the vehicles and can determine which way they are going so we don't hunt over each other. Other people rarely take that approach.
So true, my son and I were parked at a gate last year. We were the first one's there and it was pitch dark. A truck pulls up behind us. He proceeds to get out and start walking in. I stopped him just to let him know that we were just listening and not planning on hunting....otherwise he would have been under the assumption that I was in the same location. His light did not get out of sight and another truck pulled up and did the same thing....and what is scary is that it was not some mass expansive block of woods....folks just don't think
Quote from: MS Turkey Chaser on February 21, 2019, 12:00:34 PM
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. No decoys on public land for me. Only time I use decoys is when dealing with hard headed field birds on private. Pretty sure I would've been in need for drawer changing after that experience dd :o
[/quote
The first day had someone shoot a bird few hundred yards from me and that was loud. So when this blast went it was louder, but I could see my decoy rocking. I yelled and stood up, the guy said i didn't just shoot your decoy, what you think. It was raining out and was crappy weather, but I was laughing. The guy came over and felt so bad he wouldn't take down his face mask. So I have no Idea who did it to this day anymore. But I should have asked to take his picture because he was the biggerst turkey I ever fooled with my decoy set up. Beside It was my brothers decoy, he back out of the trip at the last minute, so I had a doubble laugh.
Quote from: tha bugman on February 21, 2019, 12:16:41 PM
So true, my son and I were parked at a gate last year. We were the first one's there and it was pitch dark. A truck pulls up behind us. He proceeds to get out and start walking in. I stopped him just to let him know that we were just listening and not planning on hunting....otherwise he would have been under the assumption that I was in the same location. His light did not get out of sight and another truck pulled up and did the same thing....and what is scary is that it was not some mass expansive block of woods....folks just don't think
I hunt public ground exclusively, so similar experience - several years ago, opening day shortly after 4am, I passed a gate I intended to hunt and seeing another truck I continued on to the next gate a half mile away. No one there I pulled in. Putting on my camo and vest, a small compact car pulls in. The driver literally jumps out, sprints to the back of the car opening the hatch grabbing his vest and gun, and as fast as he could he runs past me and up the trail never saying a word.
Within a minute, a second vehicle does the slow drive by seeing our two vehicles there. He turns and pulls in too. Gets out, grabs his vest and gun and walks up past me - I said - hey there's another guy up there, and obviously I'm going myself, to which he responded 'plenty of room.' Up the trail he goes.
I start putting my stuff away and thinking of all the other areas I can go and a third truck pulls in and two guys get out. I tell them 'hey - there are two other guys already up the trail...' and the one guy says exactly the same thing, 'plenty of room,' and away they go, making four hunters behind the same gate.
This corner chunk of public ground is small, on a steep side ridge surrounded by private land with just one way in and out. I left.
Morale of the story: Don't be like them. Be the courteous one, and hunt defensively. It will happen to you so don't let it ruin your day. Scout and listen preseason, and have plan B and C and D in your hip pocket.
Quote from: tha bugman on February 21, 2019, 12:16:41 PM
Quote from: CALLM2U on February 21, 2019, 12:10:02 PM
Quote from: tha bugman on February 21, 2019, 11:07:50 AM
Also, realize that just because you get to the gate first doesnt mean someone else won't park right beside you...had that happen more times than I can count.
For me, this is the hardest one to stomach but it's spot on. I will park at the same pace as someone else IF, and only if, I have an opportunity to talk to them before we leave the vehicles and can determine which way they are going so we don't hunt over each other. Other people rarely take that approach.
So true, my son and I were parked at a gate last year. We were the first one's there and it was pitch dark. A truck pulls up behind us. He proceeds to get out and start walking in. I stopped him just to let him know that we were just listening and not planning on hunting....otherwise he would have been under the assumption that I was in the same location. His light did not get out of sight and another truck pulled up and did the same thing....and what is scary is that it was not some mass expansive block of woods....folks just don't think
I wonder what if anything people are thinking when they park right next to someone and try to hunt 100 yards from them. 99.999% of the time IF a Gobbler is located and two or three people are trying to call to him no one ends up killing. Makes no sense. At least the NF in most states have gates, #1 tactic here is to drive up and down every trail a truck will fit down and call from the truck lol, gets the Gobblers good and stirred up in about two days. Makes for some quiet mornings.
1. Don't park next to someone...have plan A-Z.15
2. Pick your battles. If you think someone may already be on a bird...follow your gut.
3. Know your plan. If someone come in behind you before daylight, be the first one to say what you are planning to do. Don't give them a chance to "pick" your spot if you were there first.
4. If you have a parking spot where there are several trail heads, park with the front of your truck pointing towards the direction you are going. Seems to work well for deterring people and gives them an idea of which way you went.
5. You don't need a Q-Beam to walk.
All in all, I'd almost rather hunt public for the feeling of accomplishment.
Just so you know it's not only public land... I hunt more private than public (public ground now is only my Run & Gun hunts), The only hunters ethics you can count on are your own. I have had numerous run-ins with "hunters" on private ground that they have no access to but still trespass...
This one still gets to me, opening of WI Youth Weekend, I am the only one with permission to be here, and granted the violator did have an easement across the property I hunt. We get in an hour early of hunt time and walk the mile back in only to find a truck parked right in front of our set, he had to walk right past the blind to get where he was going. Well I have a father and son out for a first ever turkey hunt for the both of them and this is what we walk in to. We decided to stay, see where we heard birds and go from there. Well a couple of hours in and here he comes walking out... I could hear him coming and was out of the blind to greet him, I explained a few things to him. And not to say I have bumped into other hunters and I will make the choice to go to a different spot (lucky to have that option) and go from there, I always have another plan!
In the end we did have success on a Run & Gun and father and son had a great hunt and time!
MK M GOBL
Another time I had a gobbler roosted...I had walked in well before daylight and sat down waiting on him to gobble....as soon as he does this guy comes up from behind me. I whistle at him and he stops. He comes over to me and asks "How did you get in here?" I told him "I walked". He kinda stood there a minute and then kept on walking past me toward the turkey....I finally figured out he was a weekend warrior, so I just hunted in that particular area during the week instead....
One time on a piece of easy access public I had a group of 4 jakes come up on me and decided to play with then for awhile in hopes I'd hear another bird in the distance. 10 minutes into it and who knows how many gobbles later I had dudes closing in from two different angles. I got out of there fast. I always get nervous when I setup on a super hot bird on the limb too.
But to the original question, I will park beside someone if its a large piece of public that gives you opportunities to go multiple ways. Now if i walk up on someone or hear what is clearly someone else on a call I will go the other way. If they are just standing around and I've not heard a bird I'll talk to them to see what they are planning and go from their.
If I know/think someone is working a bird I stay out.
If I know where someone is or going I keep more then fair distance away.
If I am first on the scene I ease back in as far as possible.
If there are a a few trucks in the lot ahead of me I go elsewhere.
To minimize hassles:
I don't hunt public land on weekends.
I usually hunt the afternoons. Most of the crazies have left.
I always leave other hunters alone when on public property. They don't return the favor. Someone parked beside me one morning and heard the bird I was working. They just came on in and started calling. Never heard the bird again. I got up and headed to another spot I had heard a bird earlier in the week. Someone was parked there standing with gun in hand. I walked up quietly and ask if he had heard anything. He said no that he had been there since daylight. I put my call in my mouth and cackled loudly. Bahahahaha off in the distance. I said there you go wished him luck and left.
Slipped in on a bird I thought I knew where he was roosted. When he gobbled he was in a tree about 30 yds. Nothing I could do but listen to him gobble his head off. After a few minutes someone started calling up the ridge. He had walked in from another direction and had no idea I was there. The bird flew down in the other direction then walked up the ridge about 20 yds from me. Probably the most I've ever heard a bird gobble. I let him walk by to the other hunter and he shot it. He was amazed that I was there the whole time and didn't shoot it. He was a really nice guy and that was one of my favorite hunts. There must be something wrong with me. LOL
lots good info here All my hunting is all public land
3 rules for me is
always have back up
i dont hunt birds i can hear from the road or parking lot
if someone jumps in and cuts a bird off from me guess what neither of us will get that bird guaranteed
This past season i delt with some real dirt bags that have no respect for other hunters
From my experience here there are no rules. I literally had a bird shot out from under me while hunting with a kid on a youth hunt that could have turned out badly but luckily no one was hurt. I'd say I hunt 50/50 public private. Three things I'll tell you about public land.
1. Go early and stay late. Most guys pack it in mid morning after the birds get quiet, but that's a great time to kill a bird.
2. Hills/mountains separate the the men from the boys. If you can climb them put as many between you and parking areas as you can. If I see another guy back where I hunt (only twice in 10 years) I'll give him props for putting in the leg work.
3. If your into birds don't tell a soul. Loose lips sink ships. Keep your trap shut at the gate if you see other folks. If they ask if you've seen anything, lie.
Good luck
I respect others to the point I would give them as much space as needed. Once I called on a bird and didn't know another hunter was calling on the bird until I heard them calling from above me. I stopped calling on the bird and watched it walk past me and up toward the other hunter. After it got outta sight, I backed out and let them be.
I had an incident once on public property that I made another hunter mad I guess. It was unintentional, but here's what happened. I parked at a place where fishermen normally park and seen a vehicle there. I had heard a gobbler on the hill on the roost and proceeded to go set up on him. As I walked in, I saw a hunter leaned up against a tree standing and I stopped. I backed up and went the opposite direction around the ridge and sat down wanting to hear him work and kill the bird. I guess he thought I was circling him and he creeped up the steep hill and shot it off the roost.
While I haven't hunted public land for several years, when I did it was necessary to have maps of the area since some of the public ground had been posted by those who wanted to keep other hunters out of their "private" ground.
Talk to others if you encounter them in parking areas going in so you can discuss general hunting location/direction of travel, and be able to stay away from each other. Have alternative plans if your first choice gets boogered up. Respect other hunters if they are on a bird, hunt a different gobbler. "Do unto others as you would have done to you." No room for competitive turkey calling on public. I'd rather hunt one hot gobbler by myself than have 8 sounding off with 3 truckloads of hunters in there with me. Hunt during the week when possible and enjoy our public lands.
The problem with Public Hunting is .......................................The Public.
Quote from: Double B on February 22, 2019, 07:29:55 AM
Talk to others if you encounter them in parking areas going in so you can discuss general hunting location/direction of travel, and be able to stay away from each other. Have alternative plans if your first choice gets boogered up. Respect other hunters if they are on a bird, hunt a different gobbler. "Do unto others as you would have done to you."
Perfect summary. :icon_thumright:
I thank god my public lands are not over run with disrespectful idiots. I hunt 90% on state land in CT and 100% in NY. It all depends on the areas that you can hunt it seems. In my earlier days in CT I have had issues with fools. It seems in my areas there are not as many turkey hunters as before. To hard for them now that the birds are fewer. I have been known to drop a vehicle at the gate the night before as a decoy. Still no sure thing someone won't run over you. I do like others here, and seek out the far from the road areas.
I sure hope you have better luck there than here in PA. Apparently here in Pa there are no rules, numerous times on public ground I have found vehicles parked within feet of mine. Had guys come in on me when I'm working a bird. Had birds shot that I have been working, have had birds blown off the roost after they have gobbled. Bad thing here in Pa is the blocks od woods are so small, when a bird gobbles 9 guys hear him. And on private ground ppl trespass.
You just have to be prepared, there are no rules for some and the same ppl don't care.
I'll add one more from experience. Just because you roosted a bird, doesn't mean he's yours.
One evening my cousin and I covered all the listening points and found a gobbler on fire, already on the roost. It was at the dead end of an old dirt road and we were the only one there. We stayed with him until dark (he gobbled until then without any urging)
Next morning, we pull up to the spot earlier than normal and way before we needed to be and there's someone there. He quickly jumps out of the truck and tells us where he's headed and then leaves. He walks right under the bird, gives a couple calls, the bird was obviously hot, flies down and he shoots him. To this day, I have no idea how he knew about that bird, but he clearly did. We didn't see a single person on that road and stayed with the gobbler until dark so unless he was there way earlier than we were, I have no idea.
Point being: Just because you heard the bird and you may be alone at time time, don't assume you're the only one who knows about him.
Been hunting public land for almost exclusively for 16 years. For pheasant, deer, turkey, and even some fishing. I've had experiences just like all you. I don't have the funds to buy my own land so I play buy the public land rules. I believe we are a very fortunate people to have public lands to hunt and I believe this blessing could disappear in generations to come. One thing about public land that I've noticed is a large amount of people you run into will tell you of the trophy they saw and where. I know its wrong but when I'm confronted about what I saw it's always the same "never saw anything". If I'm busted carrying one out it's "first bird in years I've ever seen in here". Got my kids trained too. Years ago we dragged a canoe through the woods to get to a little pond that has a shore line covered with brush almost the whole way around it making it impossible to fish from shore other than a small piece by the road that gets hit fairly regular. We slaughtered the crappie and sunny that night on the far end of the pond. The road end of the pond some people came in to fish the shore. As we got ready to leave we put the metal stringers of fish in the cooler. As we pulled the canoe past the other fishermen they asked if we had any luck. Before I could speak my son about 7 at the time said something along the lines "hardly got a bite". The words no more than left his mouth and the fish in the cooler just exploded with movement and distinct sound of flopping fish on a metal stringer rang out. My buddy just looked at me and smiled. He is the one that taught me to never tell a soul.
Just reading all the post brought back a lot of (bad) memories. And if you hunt public long enough you will gain a few also. All you can hope for is the good memories out do the bad, and they usally do. I was raised what now I call "old school" where you didn't lie and the word "RESPECT" was every thing. So if some one who doesn't know the word respect, or something is not going very well. Remember there is maybe another turkey over the next ridge, and it is all called hunting.
If this weather doesn't let up soon - you may want to purchase a snorkel and some swim fins! In my part of MS - it's gonna be another one of those seasons. Public land near me may not even be open this year due to all the water. River is rising, so gates are closed and all this rain has nowhere to go. All that recent snow through much of the Midwest has to come this way eventually. Everything leading up to another long, wet Spring!
Let common sense prevail.
Don't let turkey fever let you do something stupid.
No crowding others.
First come, first serve.
Be flexible...have a back-up plan or two.
Out work and out think the next guy.
Map scouting is very important and an underrated skill. Not all have the time/opportunity to put boots on the ground preseason.
You need not always go deep to be alone.
If you think that hen you hear is a hunter, check with a crow call. Sometimes the hen caws back, then you both know the situation.
Be nice or go home.
I hunt Florida public land and the only thing to remember is there are no rules. I can't tell you how many times I've called other guys in. I once had a gobbler shot from a truck that was coming to me. I just try to stay as far away from anyone that I can. Discussions at the truck before walking in sometimes work but not always. Bubba
Quote from: chadly on February 22, 2019, 08:59:35 AM
Been hunting public land for almost exclusively for 16 years. For pheasant, deer, turkey, and even some fishing. I've had experiences just like all you. I don't have the funds to buy my own land so I play buy the public land rules. I believe we are a very fortunate people to have public lands to hunt and I believe this blessing could disappear in generations to come. One thing about public land that I've noticed is a large amount of people you run into will tell you of the trophy they saw and where. I know its wrong but when I'm confronted about what I saw it's always the same "never saw anything". If I'm busted carrying one out it's "first bird in years I've ever seen in here". Got my kids trained too. Years ago we dragged a canoe through the woods to get to a little pond that has a shore line covered with brush almost the whole way around it making it impossible to fish from shore other than a small piece by the road that gets hit fairly regular. We slaughtered the crappie and sunny that night on the far end of the pond. The road end of the pond some people came in to fish the shore. As we got ready to leave we put the metal stringers of fish in the cooler. As we pulled the canoe past the other fishermen they asked if we had any luck. Before I could speak my son about 7 at the time said something along the lines "hardly got a bite". The words no more than left his mouth and the fish in the cooler just exploded with movement and distinct sound of flopping fish on a metal stringer rang out. My buddy just looked at me and smiled. He is the one that taught me to never tell a soul.
My kid does the same thing! Hes seven and people ask him where does your daddy kill all them turkeys just picking with him. He says "oh you know in the hills"! lol
Quote from: YELPA on February 22, 2019, 11:10:53 AM
Let common sense prevail.
Don't let turkey fever let you do something stupid.
No crowding others.
First come, first serve.
Be flexible...have a back-up plan or two.
Out work and out think the next guy.
Map scouting is very important and an underrated skill. Not all have the time/opportunity to put boots on the ground preseason.
You need not always go deep to be alone.
If you think that hen you hear is a hunter, check with a crow call. Sometimes the hen caws back, then you both know the situation.
Be nice or go home.
Experience and wisdom talking here.
Get in shape and be ok with walking several miles with full gear on. Also don't be afraid to hunt later in the day. Be patient for an extra hour or 2 after hearing a gobble. Every time I call a note that's an extra half hour sit .....minimum.
I expect anything possible on public land. I tell myself not to get upset, just move on. everyone there who bought license has a right. I do like hunting later in the day. Respect can be hoped for, but not expected. What we can control is the respect we give. If I encounter other hunters i do not lie about what I seen or heard. If they're in the woods I respect their efforts. I have actually sent people to birds. It all come home to you, a man reaps what he sows. I can find another bird. We all just want to have fun. Now I won't share information at the sporting goods or coffee shop. When asked I simply tell people that I don't share the information I worked hard to get. To me it is different if a guy is out there and trying or if they are just cherry picking. When I tell people I don't share info they almost without exception understand and respect that. One thing I have learned is a bunch of people walk right past good spots. I have killed a bunch of birds right close to the road. I do agree with those who say that talking to others hunters and making deals is high on my list and shows respect.
Even on private your not safe. 3 years ago on private, left my keys in truck, never again, and someone moves my truck so they could drive through the field I was set up in. Come to find out it was one of my students!! We had a talk bout hunting ethics for a while. Had a guy this last year walk in, spooked the bird, I whistled and waved. He waved back and then tried circling around me. I got up and started walking towards him with authority. He takes off like Forrest Gump,lol. It's amazing how low some people will get just to say the shot a turkey, not hunted a turkey, but just killed one. Idiots
Quote from: turkey harvester on February 23, 2019, 09:59:39 AM
Even on private your not safe...It's amazing how low some people will get just to say the shot a turkey, not hunted a turkey, but just killed one. Idiots
Very true. Years ago I hunted several hundred private acres exclusively, but it was surrounded by public land. One quiet day, buddy and I were set up on a pipeline for a few hours making couple hen calls every ten minutes to get something going. Without warning some bozo stepped out of the tree line across from us with his shotgun at 3/4 arms pointing his muzzle at the two hen decoys between us. When he saw the dekes, he took off running back for the public ground. Jerk.
Personally, I do this....
- If I see a hunter by his truck at o'dark thirty, I always go up to him and ask him where he's going to be so I don't booger him up, or vice versa. I usually also check to see if he'll be back the next day.
- If I hear another hunter owling or hen calling, I head the other way, even if a gobbler is answering him.
- If I spot another hunter's set up, I head the other way.
- I usually go in quite a ways and go deep to avoid other hunters.
- I scout ahead of time to find good areas that others won't be likely to go. Most hunters are lazy and only want to walk a few hundred yards from their vehicles.
- Put a lot of thought into using decoys, and if you choose to do so, be careful on your placement. I've had hunters sneak in and shoot at my decoys, even though they were hens. There are a lot of idiot hunters out there.
- Hunt late, until shooting hours are over. Most unsuccessful hunters get bored by 9 or 10 o'clock. After that you have the woods to yourself.
Public land, has lots of very inexperienced hunters!!!
Quote from: High plains drifter on February 23, 2019, 03:28:48 PM
Public land, has lots of very inexperienced hunters!!!
This may be true but there are a bunch of very experienced as well.
Quote from: chadly on February 23, 2019, 05:59:19 PM
Quote from: High plains drifter on February 23, 2019, 03:28:48 PM
Public land, has lots of very inexperienced hunters!!!
This may be true but there are a bunch of very experienced as well.
Same for private.
As for rules....yes they are unspoken.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Quote from: Happy on February 21, 2019, 09:22:07 AM
Do your best to give others space if they are working a bird and do your best to avoid areas you know people are hunting. That's all you can do. Above all be safe. It's public land and open to anyone so sometimes you will run into people and vice versa. Nothing to get to worked up over.
This is solid advice right here. I think patience is key on public. If you haven't already, check out The Hunting Public on youtube. Those boys hunt public land almost exclusively and have real success. Great series to follow through the year. Good luck!
Quote from: raven105 on February 23, 2019, 11:44:31 PM
Quote from: Happy on February 21, 2019, 09:22:07 AM
Do your best to give others space if they are working a bird and do your best to avoid areas you know people are hunting. That's all you can do. Above all be safe. It's public land and open to anyone so sometimes you will run into people and vice versa. Nothing to get to worked up over.
This is solid advice right here. I think patience is key on public. If you haven't already, check out The Hunting Public on youtube. Those boys hunt public land almost exclusively and have real success. Great series to follow through the year. Good luck!
Check out The Pinhoti Project as well.
I'm on my 2nd or 3rd rewatch of the Pinhoti Project now. Dave does a really good job of explaining his strategies and knows how to get on some public land turkeys. Probably my favorite hunting series on youtube right now.
Lots of good advice already given here. Public land is pretty much all that I have ever hunted when turkey hunting. Not too much I haven't seen over the years. It can be really frustrating at times. My buddy even had a guy a few years ago tell him he was gonna powder his *%s. My buddy was trying to call in a gobbler at the time & the guy got mad cause he heard the gobbler a ways off & when he got closer he realized my buddy was already on him. I can't even remember the number of times i've had other hunters come in on me knowing I was already there but just didn't care. Some people even get off on trying to slip in on someone & killing the turkey out from under them. I've wittnesed some sorry low down good for nothin's but also have met some of the nicest people. Some I even became good friends with. For several years I would mostly listen for gobblers in the mornings & would come back later after most everyone had left & hunt them. Killed several birds that way. Good luck & mostly be careful.
I hunt a lot of public ground. I do try not to barge in on someone else but over the years it's happened I'm sure. I don't however just leave a spot I was at first just because someone tries to horn me out. I don't do anything unsafe or try to mess someone else up but I won't leave an area for the sake of the other guy. Public ground is just that....Public.
A few years ago my son and I camped out for the VA opener. We were parked at a cul-de-sac in public land two hours before daylight. We had someone drive up around 30 minutes before it was time to head in the woods. They started getting their gear together and so I approached them and let them know I was heading to the (only) ridge at the end of the trail with my 10-year old son. They said they were heading there too, and that there were lots of turkeys around. It turned out there was only one turkey gobbling...that is, until they walked to him and spooked him away from my son and me. Not good public land etiquette.
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on February 23, 2019, 01:26:05 PM
Personally, I do this....
- If I see a hunter by his truck at o'dark thirty, I always go up to him and ask him where he's going to be so I don't booger him up, or vice versa. I usually also check to see if he'll be back the next day.
- If I hear another hunter owling or hen calling, I head the other way, even if a gobbler is answering him.
- If I spot another hunter's set up, I head the other way.
- I usually go in quite a ways and go deep to avoid other hunters.
- I scout ahead of time to find good areas that others won't be likely to go. Most hunters are lazy and only want to walk a few hundred yards from their vehicles.
- Put a lot of thought into using decoys, and if you choose to do so, be careful on your placement. I've had hunters sneak in and shoot at my decoys, even though they were hens. There are a lot of idiot hunters out there.
- Hunt late, until shooting hours are over. Most unsuccessful hunters get bored by 9 or 10 o'clock. After that you have the woods to yourself.
Words to live by, in the turkey woods, right here.