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My definition of Traditional Turkey Hunter is one who does not use a blind, bait, or decoys.

I'll buy that definition as a pure traditionalist.  I do think there are slight variations on the "traditional turkey hunter" theme, however.

I have no idea of the percentage, but I'm pretty sure is decreases each year.

Not me for sure! I'm an opportunist. I'll do whatever it takes, short of hiding behind a fan and sneaking up on tom.

I firmly believer that the better turkey hunters will find ways to kill turkeys regardless and employ whatever tactic is necessary. It has always been a debate of hearing one way criticize over another way of killing turkeys. It's all about the hunt and enjoying your time in the outdoors, and making your heart pound as that gobbler is answering your calling. You have to think , am i traditionalist , if i have the best camo, snakeboot's , vest, custom calls, red dot's on my 200.00 - 2000.00 dollar shotgun. In my opinion who freaking cares WHAT i am, just enjoy to your fullest extent of chasing turkeys. I hunt to please me , NOT someone else...this is just my little old opinion..

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 04, 2020, 12:15:28 PM
I firmly believer that the better turkey hunters will find ways to kill turkeys regardless and employ whatever tactic is necessary. It has always been a debate of hearing one way criticize over another way of killing turkeys. It's all about the hunt and enjoying your time in the outdoors, and making your heart pound as that gobbler is answering your calling. You have to think , am i traditionalist , if i have the best camo, snakeboot's , vest, custom calls, red dot's on my 200.00 - 2000.00 dollar shotgun. In my opinion who freaking cares WHAT i am, just enjoy to your fullest extent of chasing turkeys. I hunt to please me , NOT someone else...this is just my little old opinion..

Spot on and well said Greg.

Greg, I hope everyone enjoys their experience as much as I do every time I step into the turkey woods.. Turkey hunting is all about the thrill of being one with nature and matching skills with the spring "Master of the Woods" no matter what ethical means you use. Please do not take my post the wrong way, I am just curious to hear what other people's opinion is on the matter.

My definition of the traditional turkey hunter is the generation that nearly wiped the wild turkey off the face of the earth when left to their own devices...

Once these traditional hunters were brought under control, we got our birds back...

Modernly, a good turkey hunter is one that follows the applicable rules & regulations for the location of their hunt...

I would say it's pretty low and continuing to drop.

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I carry less every year, maybe 1 decoy. Very seldom hunt from a blind unless i`m on a guided hunt. Love run n gun but I`m slowing down. I guess i fall in the old school column.

Wow, are people PMSing, locked in their houses because of the weather or turkey season not getting here fast enough.  Cobra just ask a simple question.  I'll say this, many turkey hunters only get a few days afield during a 5 week season.  Some are more fortunate and do some traveling to extend their season.  And I fall in the retired category that allows flexibility.  Each of us, have our own standards and time limits and hunt according to those parameters.  I enjoy the interaction of getting the bird very close 25 yards or less.  I feel if, he comes in to this distance, I've won the battle whether I pull the trigger or not.  We shouldn't criticize what methods are used as long the hunter is doing it within the laws set forth by the state they are hunting in.

Sometimes I do sit in blinds watching dekes, I have crawled up on them, I have killed a few behind a fan, never killed one over bait, I do shoot tss and I have killed a few just sitting against a tree waiting on one to walk by. I've even killed a couple when we met walking on a road, both equally shocked to see one another, though I hadn't done that in a few years. I have also enjoyed every minute of it and made a few friends along the way. For those that have never tried fanning it is a complete rush in my opinion when it works. Most of the time it does not work, but when he drops his wings and charges you....I do find it fun.  I will continue to try it once a year, but for the most part I enjoy calling them in the most.

I hunt turkeys with my shotgun and my calls. That's pretty much it. I hunt public land timber birds because that's what a like. I won't use a decoy, a fan for reaping or a blind. I won't bait anything I hunt.
I hunt this way because it's what I like and the game I want to play. So I guess that could be traditional.

I would say a lot of people are definitely attracted to hunting out of blinds with decoys.

I use a blind and decoys. So I guess I'm not a traditionalist. Oh yea. Sometimes I use a 10 gauge so that knocks me out, and sometimes I use a 12 with tss. That's strike 3 so I'm definitely out.

I prefer to hunt in the way that you refer to as traditional. I have hunted them using other tactics,but I get the most personal satisfaction when I hunt them the "traditional " way.

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No idea what the percentage of traditionalists are out there. I would expect it's decreasing.just too many conveniences out there. Per your definition I used to be one,but as I aged I allowed myself a few conveniences which allowed me to hunt comfortably and longer. I don't begrudge anyone anything as long as they Are abiding by the law.

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 04, 2020, 12:15:28 PM
I firmly believer that the better turkey hunters will find ways to kill turkeys regardless and employ whatever tactic is necessary. It has always been a debate of hearing one way criticize over another way of killing turkeys. It's all about the hunt and enjoying your time in the outdoors, and making your heart pound as that gobbler is answering your calling. You have to think , am i traditionalist , if i have the best camo, snakeboot's , vest, custom calls, red dot's on my 200.00 - 2000.00 dollar shotgun. In my opinion who freaking cares WHAT i am, just enjoy to your fullest extent of chasing turkeys. I hunt to please me , NOT someone else...this is just my little old opinion..

Spot on Greg!

As I say "Just tools in the shed" I hunt with and without a blind, I hunt with and without decoys,  I hunt timber and I hunt fields, I hunt alone and hunt with others... to me it's all turkey hunting. More than anything it's about the hunt, I have passion about getting others into the hunt and have mentored hunters for the past 17 years and from 10 years old to 69 and both men and women, boys and girls it's all under the same hunt for me.

I'm a Turkey Hunter!


MK M GOBL

Without blinds and decoys because I believe that's the "right" way. Just because a state government says its legal doesn't mean it's right. Many states didn't even allow decoys until recent years. I distinctly remember a video in the hunter's safety course I took 30 years ago warning against wearing red while turkey hunting. Now it's ok to crawl behind a very realistic gobbler decoy? I don't judge anyone for how they enjoy the sport but I do worry about its future and what I consider the decline of the proper way to hunt the bird

My guess is that after this thread has run its course it should be renamed "Who are are the 1%'ers.....?"  Might as well include those who don't call with anything other than their voice and those who use hunting equipment that has no gun powder...
Turkey hunting is harvesting a bird with any and all legal means... That"s why hunting laws were created.....  HA HA not trying to ruffle feathers....

More noble to poach and kill him the right way than use your decoys and blind on your private lease.  If you have to wonder if you are something or not, you're not. 

In my view, a traditional turkey hunter uses a bow he made him(or her)self, with a sinew string, handmade arrows tipped with knapped stone points.  How many here have tried & succeeded at hunting turkeys that way?

As much as I hunted aboriginal, I got busted before I could come to full draw more times than I care to remember.  So close, but so far away.  It is without question the most intense form of turkey hunting there is.

After an injury, I went back to blowing their brains out with a shotgun.  These days I use a decoy to spend one of my two tags and no decoys for the other tag.  I hunt from brush blinds sometimes, stake blinds sometimes, and what ever cover I can find otherwise.  I always use a lounger chair these days because a bad back requires it. I have been hunting turkeys most of my life and I can't imagine not being able to.

Jim

I'm just glad to come across a post that sir types alot hasn't commented on. First one I've seen in years.


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Quote from: KYFrid on February 04, 2020, 08:24:31 PM
I'm just glad to come across a post that sir types alot hasn't commented on. First one I've seen in years.


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Hahaha. Gotta get that post count up. Less than 2 years and over 6600 post's  is pretty impressive.

about tree fiddy

I wish I could. I grew up like that but being deaf in one ear makes things impossible to pin point. When birds gobble I rotate my head to try n tell where it's the loudest from. A blind hides me.  My girl often comes at night n roosts w me to help but dekes too give me somewhere to look. I don't use em in big areas as a major draw, normally more of a spot to look towards.
I'll still run n gun but I'll be honest, it's sorta frustrating when you can feel the birds gobbling and can't move cause you don't know where to move to.
Anyhow imo there's lots of guys in predicaments like this. We mentor for the NWTF and many guys are in track chairs. Best not sit em just in the woods but hide em in a blind. As we age we can change or quit. I'm not quitting
No reason imo to bait anything. Anyone dealing w issues needs to be cut slack. But they need to be honest about issues n do their best to actually hunt to the best of their ability
The new generation is growing up very differently n you'd be surprised I bet how many NEVER shot some thing without the things you've described. They know no other ways many. Who's fault is that??

To be honest, we could take this "traditionalist" argument all the way back. If you want to get technical, none of us fit the description. The true traditionalists were the Native Americans and early mountain men who hunted turkeys without camo, a handmade call fashioned from a wingbone, and did their killing with a hand hewn bow; with a hand made sinew string and crude arrows tipped with knapped flint. Now I doubt anyone on this forum fits that mold. Even the guys who say they are traditional still hunt with modern camo, modern firearms with full chokes shooting modern factory ammunition, and very few make their own calls. Before anybody accuses me of arguing semantics; yes, I get your point. Theres a difference in using only hen calls and woodsmanship to hunt than using decoys, tent blinds, and reaping. Is one easier than the other? I'd say it depends on the day. I've killed gobblers in just about any of the situations listed over the years. Field birds over decoys in a blind have proved to be very difficult adversaries at times; in contrast, when hunting the "traditional" way, I've had gobblers jump off the limb and run smack into my gun barrel in a matter of minutes. Sometimes the blind and decoys make it easier. Sometimes it doesn't. Don't knock somebody else just because they hunt differently than you. Many early native Americans and settlers would be busting a gut laughing at us all. Hunt how you want, just get out there and enjoy God's bounty instead of wasting away in front of a tv. I could care less how you hunt as long as you're enjoying it. Us hunters have enough enemies these days without arguing amongst ourselves.


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Quote from: Ranger on February 04, 2020, 07:11:36 PM
More noble to poach and kill him the right way than use your decoys and blind on your private lease.  If you have to wonder if you are something or not, you're not.

Anybody that condones poaching in any way is not only not a so called traditionalist or even a true hunter, just a piece of crap in my book.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 04, 2020, 08:27:03 PM

Quote from: KYFrid on February 04, 2020, 08:24:31 PM
I'm just glad to come across a post that sir types alot hasn't commented on. First one I've seen in years.


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Hahaha. Gotta get that post count up. Less than 2 years and over 6600 post's  is pretty impressive.

I love the sport, what can I say. I could care less about getting a post count, pity that somebody has to mock somebodies love of the sport. Ya'll are one of the reasons we are losing people because you do not like their way you have to run them down instead of encouraging their love of the sport.

Oh and I had not posted before this because this has been beaten to death hear in the time I have been here, those that think they are something special because they do something a certain way are never going to change their minds because of somebody else's post and vise versa, therefore I did not see a reason to post until I saw somebody condoning the disgusting action of poaching.

Nawww I'm not a traditionalists. If my son is with I'm using a blind,if it's raining out I'm not sitting at home or in the rain..Sorry...Decoys I love seeing the reaction at times how Turkey's react to them..Sometimes though I don't get the reaction I like and then i kinda hate them...Over 40yds out they get to live another day. Nothing like getting them right in front of you. Jake's in the spring. I hope my son is with or it moves along to some other kid or hunter that looks at him as a trophy even if it's the last second of my season and I eat tag soup. Sneak attacks not my cup of tea. I have to call them in or it just isn't for me.
My son and i look forward to spring and fall season 365 days a year even as non traditionalists. We'll hunt them however we want within our state law and make many memories and friends together doing it. I personally don't care how people hunt them im not paying for anyone's else's license. 

Quote from: Sir-diealot on February 04, 2020, 10:06:30 PM

Quote from: Ranger on February 04, 2020, 07:11:36 PM
More noble to poach and kill him the right way than use your decoys and blind on your private lease.  If you have to wonder if you are something or not, you're not.

Anybody that condones poaching in any way is not only not a so called traditionalist or even a true hunter, just a piece of crap in my book.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 04, 2020, 08:27:03 PM

Quote from: KYFrid on February 04, 2020, 08:24:31 PM
I'm just glad to come across a post that sir types alot hasn't commented on. First one I've seen in years.


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Hahaha. Gotta get that post count up. Less than 2 years and over 6600 post's  is pretty impressive.

I love the sport, what can I say. I could care less about getting a post count, pity that somebody has to mock somebodies love of the sport. Ya'll are one of the reasons we are losing people because you do not like their way you have to run them down instead of encouraging their love of the sport.

Oh and I had not posted before this because this has been beaten to death hear in the time I have been here, those that think they are something special because they do something a certain way are never going to change their minds because of somebody else's post and vise versa, therefore I did not see a reason to post until I saw somebody condoning the disgusting action of poaching.

Simmer down . Just having a little fun. As far as losing people in this sport Its because of xbox and playstation. Nobody ran you down. Nothing was said that was bad. You need not get so defensive. You was not being picked on.Again , just having a little fun. If I knew you was thinned skinned , I wouldnt have commented.

Traditional  Turkey hunting doesn't mean a bow an arrow....that's traditional bowhunting. The first modern bowhunters used recurved/longbows now they are called traditional bowhunters to separate them from the hordes of people that try to buy proficiency with a bow by using every gadget sold to bypass practice and diligence . Don't know how that gets some of you so confused? Why not call a rock or stick traditional I'm sure someone somewhere killed a turkey with a stick before a bow.
      One definition of traditional is long established, I agree. There is a long established way to hunt the Wild Turkey in a sporting and fair way. "The Wild Turkey and it's Hunting" by Edward A McIlhenny  spells it out in detail. The first book ever written on how to hunt the Wild Turkey from Charles L Jordan's personal notes 1912. I still follow the same tradition and have killed plenty of Gobblers without resorting to bait , tents, or decoys.
      The reason a crippled person uses crutches is because he cannot walk without them. Decoys ,bait, tent blinds are crutches for Turkey hunter wannabes. You really expect me to believe that you could hunt and kill a Gobbler without all that junk....but you choose to carry it around because you like it? I've read delusional people on this very forum say that they use decoys because it is more sporting? Sure you do. You can pretend all you want and get butt hurt when we point it out, but there's still a number of Old School, or traditional Turkey hunters that don't need or want  your crutches.

Amen. And calling a white headed strutter decoy just "tools in the shed" is downplaying your crutches.  And Sir Diealot I'll say it, if I had your resume I'd poach anywhere, anytime. In my opinion a piece of crap is somebody that poor mouths and Poor Mes all the time and suggests getting handouts from people. They never outright ask for it, but they never shut up suggesting they need a handout either.....that's a piece of crap

Guys I could be wrong but I remember the Indians used dekes both to disguise themselves and just in general. Only responding to Indian posts. Also we should not mistake sport hunting for any other type.

Now sport hunting imo should be kept sporting. To every person this could vary

Quote from: Ranger on February 05, 2020, 06:45:28 AM
Amen. And calling a white headed strutter decoy just "tools in the shed" is downplaying your crutches.  And Sir Diealot I'll say it, if I had your resume I'd poach anywhere, anytime. In my opinion a piece of crap is somebody that poor mouths and Poor Mes all the time and suggests getting handouts from people. They never outright ask for it, but they never shut up suggesting they need a handout either.....that's a piece of crap

Never asked for handouts, have offered money to those that have been kind enough to give me things, you can ask any of them and they will tell you the same thing. I have give back to the forum by giving members things both on the side between us and in giveaways. What have you ever done for the site, oh that's right, nothing, not since I have been here anyway. Nice try though. Jealous much?

raditional  Turkey hunting doesn't mean a bow an arrow....that's traditional bowhunting. The first modern bowhunters used recurved/longbows now they are called traditional bowhunters to separate them from the hordes of people that try to buy proficiency with a bow by using every gadget sold to bypass practice and diligence . Don't know how that gets some of you so confused? Why not call a rock or stick traditional I'm sure someone somewhere killed a turkey with a stick before a bow.
      One definition of traditional is long established, I agree. There is a long established way to hunt the Wild Turkey in a sporting and fair way. "The Wild Turkey and it's Hunting" by Edward A McIlhenny  spells it out in detail. The first book ever written on how to hunt the Wild Turkey from Charles L Jordan's personal notes 1912. I still follow the same tradition and have killed plenty of Gobblers without resorting to bait , tents, or decoys.
      The reason a crippled person uses crutches is because he cannot walk without them. Decoys ,bait, tent blinds are crutches for Turkey hunter wannabes. You really expect me to believe that you could hunt and kill a Gobbler without all that junk....but you choose to carry it around because you like it? I've read delusional people on this very forum say that they use decoys because it is more sporting? Sure you do. You can pretend all you want and get butt hurt when we point it out, but there's still a number of Old School, or traditional Turkey hunters that don't need or want  your crutches.

X2.   I don't use any of those crutches because I don't need them to kill gobblers consistently. It's been said before but it's worth repeating, very few turkey hunters left but plenty of turkey killers.  The kill at all costs mentality is ruining turkey hunting. If you play the game you should at least play by the rules and give the gobbler a fair chance. When you introduce visual aids into the equation you are no longer on a level playing field anymore. And when you use a blind, same thing, although not quite as unsporting as decoys/fanning. But you take away the wild turkey's natural defenses when you have to resort to a blind to allow you to move freely. I believe in fair chase turkey hunting and to me using a blind, visual aid, or bait is not fair chase. At least play on a level playing field with the gobbler. That way when you call him up like you're supposed to you know you've earned that bird and not bought him. There are still others out there just like me but we are the slim minority in this day and age, sadly. If would quit before I had to resort to crutches like that to kill gobblers, personally.  That's my opinion and I understand it's the minority opinion these days and I'm fine with that.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 05, 2020, 02:06:08 AM
Traditional  Turkey hunting doesn't mean a bow an arrow....that's traditional bowhunting. The first modern bowhunters used recurved/longbows now they are called traditional bowhunters to separate them from the hordes of people that try to buy proficiency with a bow by using every gadget sold to bypass practice and diligence . Don't know how that gets some of you so confused? Why not call a rock or stick traditional I'm sure someone somewhere killed a turkey with a stick before a bow.
      One definition of traditional is long established, I agree. There is a long established way to hunt the Wild Turkey in a sporting and fair way. "The Wild Turkey and it's Hunting" by Edward A McIlhenny  spells it out in detail. The first book ever written on how to hunt the Wild Turkey from Charles L Jordan's personal notes 1912. I still follow the same tradition and have killed plenty of Gobblers without resorting to bait , tents, or decoys.
      The reason a crippled person uses crutches is because he cannot walk without them. Decoys ,bait, tent blinds are crutches for Turkey hunter wannabes. You really expect me to believe that you could hunt and kill a Gobbler without all that junk....but you choose to carry it around because you like it? I've read delusional people on this very forum say that they use decoys because it is more sporting? Sure you do. You can pretend all you want and get butt hurt when we point it out, but there's still a number of Old School, or traditional Turkey hunters that don't need or want  your crutches.

La you're def correct but you're wrong in that guys can't kill without em. Yes they are crutches. Some are sick n need em. I can only speak for myself but I've killed birds for years w only a mouth call. Now life threw me curve balls. To say it's challenging s not looking for pity it's just factual. Who cares though right?
When I was younger I prob didn't understand but Ike you I see things a certain way. Let me digress n bring up bow hunting. I learned initially stykbow. I've never not had one. I've killed deer w them and have no issues. I also used a compound.
Fast fwd to the present. When I had surgery my optic nerve was hit. I can't see clear out of my dominant eye.
In my state crossbow is legal. I can't see clearly n my eyes fight for dominance. You ought to be inside my head when the switching Eye thing is going on.
I could learn lefty but the Drs don't know if I'll lose eye, if it'll fully heal, etc
Personally I'm back to 100% stykbow. I'm not using anything I don't need. I don't bait either.
Do I use a climber? Yes that's one crutch but I'm still attempting at sporting and self challenge and I'm doing ok.
Same w turkey. With someone I can hunt like old times. Alone I sometimes use some crutches. The attempt at keeping it a hunt is real, believe me on that.
Just points to consider.

Quote from: Ranger on February 05, 2020, 06:45:28 AM
Amen. And calling a white headed strutter decoy just "tools in the shed" is downplaying your crutches.  And Sir Diealot I'll say it, if I had your resume I'd poach anywhere, anytime. In my opinion a piece of crap is somebody that poor mouths and Poor Mes all the time and suggests getting handouts from people. They never outright ask for it, but they never shut up suggesting they need a handout either.....that's a piece of crap

Idk bout this. Seems awful judgemental and imo shows poor class. Hope that's considered next time you feel you want to say something like that.
We can say things without purposely being like way. I've been guilty too so make no mistake. No judgement on my part. We can do better. We're all brothers

Why would one really care what another thinks? Take from the forum what suits you and leave what doesn't?

I'd say it's ridiculous to say everyone who's killed a turkey out of a blind can't hunt without one. I've killed two or three gobblers over dekes or out of a blind. Vast majority of my birds have been taken the "old school" way. Nothing wrong with trying different tactics. That doesn't make them a crutch.


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For me personally, although I consider myself to be a pretty traditional turkey hunter, I'll take the guy that uses all the crutches he needs, kills a gobbler or two, and leaves the rest for the future posterity of the species over the "traditional" guy that kills every turkey he calls-in every spring with no regard for the well-being of the turkey population just to prove to himself he is "better". 

On the other hand, I'm sure there are those hunters that use every tool/crutch they can to kill as many turkeys as they can each spring.  It's all about body count.  THOSE guys are the ones we need to get rid of!   ...I suspect there are some really "traditional" turkey hunters around that also fall into that category.

Also, guys, just a side note. This is one of the best turkey forums on the internet, known for its helpfulness and friendliness. Some of you are doing no favors to the site on this post. I've seen some overreactions and downright ugliness develop on this post. In my opinion Shannon should lock it. Most importantly, those of you who call yourselves Christians should ask yourself if Christ would approve of your comments. Are your words edifying or building up? If not, keep them to yourself. To those of you who don't know Christ, consider this post His invitation to you to come to know Him.


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I hunt without decoys for the most part and never out of a blind or around bait. Thats just my preference. I am not a elitist and I hunt the way I came up hunting. Hunt the way you want as long as you are legal and withen your moral compass. This is a great site and people are just amped up as season is approaching. Its all good and happens every year. You really should not let someone on a internet forum trigger you. I know , easier said than done. I have done the same thing. Guys that have been here awhile know me and I will part with this. We are brothers here and we will fight and have disagreements. Thats what brothers do. Also when you post or text , sometimes it can be mis interpeted . Hard to read into the meaning or non meaning sometimes.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 05, 2020, 09:09:21 AM
I hunt without decoys for the most part and never out of a blind or around bait. Thats just my preference. I am not a elitist and I hunt the way I came up hunting. Hunt the way you want as long as you are legal and withen your moral compass. This is a great site and people are just amped up as season is approaching. Its all good and happens every year. You really should not let someone on a internet forum trigger you. I know , easier said than done. I have done the same thing. Guys that have been here awhile know me and I will part with this. We are brothers here and we will fight and have disagreements. Thats what brothers do. Also when you post or text , sometimes it can be mis interpeted . Hard to read into the meaning or non meaning sometimes.

great post! Sums up my feelings exactly.

I have hunted out of a blind a few times on a rainy day. Even threw out a decoy. Not my preferred style style of hunting turkey, but i'm fine with it. I  have much more fun though figuring out the lay of the land and getting a hot bird to commit to your call and setup though!

I hunt the way i want , I'm not on this forum to please the majority. Lot of people use blinds and decoys especially those that are handicap with health issues. If it takes these added tactic's for these people to enjoy turkey hunting. I commend these people in doing so.. It's not my place to judge others , it's YOUR place to judge yourself in what's needed to be successful in enjoying the sport of turkey hunting , man , woman or taking a youth for the first time turkey hunting. Cuz Ronnie Strickland , has a Wounded Warrior hunt ever year in Fl , some of these Veterans, need crutches , prosthetic legs and arms and elect wheelchair's.. they use blinds if needed and decoys. Some of these guys and girls , wouldn't have a chance without the help of these aids. For a lot of these people , it's the first time for them to get to go turkey hunting or enjoy the sport. So let's be really careful in how we JUDGE others , sometimes we need to look in the mirror at ourselves and think regardless these people are supporting our hunting heritage.  The smile of success for a first time turkey hunter is priceless in my opinion. Just my little old opinion again...

Once upon a time, I used deeks, blinds, and fed constantly (at least until the legal cutoff).  I finally decided that I was killing more birds being mobile and woodsmanship.  Being a person that has a decent amount of experience with "traditional" vs "new age", I'll be the first to point at the FACT that using "crutches" (someone else's term...seems to fit though), is exactly that. 

Now I am NOT bashing, just clarifying.  Decoys, blinds, reaping, etc. are used in place of woodsmanship...plain and simple.  Utilizing terrain, knowledge of the game, and proper calling will kill more birds. 

BUT, if a person is a die-hard "new age" hunter, MORE POWER TO YA!  Go kill a pile of'em, but all I ask is to give it a shot without it.  Sure, it's fun for a moment watching an Ol'Tom run in a beat the crap out of a deek, but there is no amount of satisfaction greater than knowing you beat him one-on-one.

I don't know many

90% of the turkeys I've killed have been me sitting against a tree and calling them into the gun.  However I have adjusted tactics that have worked in my favor.  I've belly crawled, I've used creek beds to put the sneak on gobblers before and got to where they were, stood up and shot, I've ran thru the woods to get ahead of gobblers but finished with the traditional sit at tree and call to gun, I've scouted birds that have used fields and I had zero problem sitting in a pop up blind over decoys waiting them out (watching a bird come into you on string like that is by far one of the most fun things you can do with your pants on), I've snuck in close enough in the morning that when he flew down he was already in my sights and died, never once picked up a call and I've ran into them before as I was moving thru the woods and didn;t pass up the opportunity.  I've killed alot with lead loads but have killed plenty with Hevi and last spring TSS.  I have guns with just bead sights but I have one with a scope that I hunt with most of the time.  I've added turkey specific chokes to my guns but have killed plenty with just a full choke and 2 3/4" lead 6's.  If I had to choose a way to do it, setting up in the right spot in the woods where a bird is in shotgun range when he pops into view and is coming into calling and I hear him crunching leaves or he gobbles right before he pops into view, thats what I would do everytime.  However IMO turkey hunting is like chess and it's all about strategy, sometimes that strategy has to change and you adapt.  Hunt them how you like as long as you are following whats allowed in your state. 

Probably less than 10%. 98% of the birds I've killed are with a mouth call, I sometimes use several calls at the same time, no blind, decoys, fanning, etc...and on public in hardwoods. Not pounding my chest just telling ya how I like to hunt. I've been in blinds when it's raining, with kids and wife. Mostly deer hunting. I don't how you guys sit in there staring out that hole. Drives me crazy. Especially when a bird is gobbling on the next ridge...not for me.

That said...

Do your thing if that gets you out...

















If it's legal !

As per the usual a point was made and then immediately missed by several. No one is talking about wounded Vets or paraplegics, no one is referring to those with failing eyesight or health.
    The crutch users I'm talking about have no handicaps other than being lazy most times overweight and usually  slow witted. Go hangout at the NWTF convention and see how many wounded Vets are loading up on the turkey fan umbrellas tent blinds and decoys. Really not much of a mystery here.
      People use decoys and blinds or Gobbler fans etc. because it makes killing a Turkey easier period.
    You expect us to believe you spend all that money on decoys not to make hunting easier ,but you just sleep better knowing the owner of AvianX decoys is making a fortune lol.

As long as hunters are having fun... who cares? Obviously those that need to feel better about themselves and their methods. I am definitely not a traditional turkey hunter, I don't use a shotgun.

This is getting absolutely ridiculous. This is turning into a chest beating, I'm better than you because of how I hunt contest. Even to the point of accusing blind and decoy users of being "lazy, overweight, and slow witted". I repeat my original point; if you wear camo and hunt with a modern firearm and modern ammunition, using a turkey specific choke tube, you are NOT a traditional hunter, no matter how much you pontificate or try to frame it on an online forum. And this is coming from a guy who has killed the majority of his gobblers in the so called "traditional" way. However, I am not above using woodsmanship to locate and pattern a tough field gobbler with his harem of hens, and play on his dominance by the use of strategic calling and decoy placement. In my opinion, a real turkey hunter is going to adapt and overcome, using the tools at his disposal to leave the woods with that gobbler over his shoulder. As far as people using a blind being lazy or overweight, I can guarantee plenty of high and mighty hunters on this forum couldn't hang with me in the woods. This p**sing contest needs to end.


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Sometimes a turkey hunter is not a turkey killer. Let that sink in a bit. In my youth I felt a need to kill something everytime I went hunting. I evolved to killing mature animals to killing what I felt like was trophies. I lost the bloodlust of flopping every bird I call to the gun. I still kill them but I have let many walk. The thing is , turkey can be bought in a store. I personally love the gobble and spit and drum of a gobbler. I know its not catch and release like bass fishing. To be honest when I kill a bird after a several day battle with him , I become sad immediately after the happiness. I know I will never hear him gobble again. I know that we hunt to kill them and I do my share but in the end I am still a little sad. To me turkey hunting is the one on one game regardless who wins. I appreciate the woods waking up on a cool spring morning and hearing that bird sound off. I guess when my time is done that will be the thing I miss most.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 05, 2020, 11:49:03 AM
As per the usual a point was made and then immediately missed by several. No one is talking about wounded Vets or paraplegics, no one is referring to those with failing eyesight or health.
    The crutch users I'm talking about have no handicaps other than being lazy most times overweight and usually  slow witted. Go hangout at the NWTF convention and see how many wounded Vets are loading up on the turkey fan umbrellas tent blinds and decoys. Really not much of a mystery here.
      People use decoys and blinds or Gobbler fans etc. because it makes killing a Turkey easier period.
    You expect us to believe you spend all that money on decoys not to make hunting easier ,but you just sleep better knowing the owner of AvianX decoys is making a fortune lol.

Your right , it's all a matter of opinions , you have opinions and others have opinions...Spring is coming .. here turkey  :funnyturkey:

Quote from: warrent423 on February 05, 2020, 12:36:26 PM

Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 05, 2020, 12:09:20 PM
This is getting absolutely ridiculous. This is turning into a chest beating, I'm better than you because of how I hunt contest. Even to the point of accusing blind and decoy users of being "lazy, overweight, and slow witted". I repeat my original point; if you wear camo and hunt with a modern firearm and modern ammunition, using a turkey specific choke tube, you are NOT a traditional hunter, no matter how much you pontificate or try to frame it on an online forum. And this is coming from a guy who has killed the majority of his gobblers in the so called "traditional" way. However, I am not above using woodsmanship to locate and pattern a tough field gobbler with his harem of hens, and play on his dominance by the use of strategic calling and decoy placement. In my opinion, a real turkey hunter is going to adapt and overcome, using the tools at his disposal to leave the woods with that gobbler over his shoulder. As far as people using a blind being lazy or overweight, I can guarantee plenty of high and mighty hunters on this forum couldn't hang with me in the woods. This p**sing contest needs to end.


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Piss on you and your "walk out of the woods with a Gobbler over the shoulder by using any means necessary" mentality. This is a public forum and "us" old school guys will defend "traditional' Turkey hunting every chance we get, especially when it is the title of this thread.

Really? I hope by being a traditional turkey hunter you mean that you're hunting with a trad bow or flintlock muzzleloader. Because if not then you are NOT traditional, no matter what you tell yourself to prop up your fragile ego. Note that I did not say "kill by any means necessary"; I said adapt and use the tools at your disposal to kill your gobbler. Anybody with any sense would know that means within reasonable limits. Again, I have killed plenty of gobblers doing it "your way", but I won't knock another hunter for hunting how they choose to. It's unfortunate how online forums have created so many keyboard heroes that anonymously post crap they wouldn't have the stones to say in a face to face situation. So piss on me huh? Congratulations, you've proven how tough and rugged you are, and we're all highly impressed. There, does that soothe your injured feelings? Ridiculous. Have a good day.


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Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 05, 2020, 11:49:03 AM
As per the usual a point was made and then immediately missed by several. No one is talking about wounded Vets or paraplegics, no one is referring to those with failing eyesight or health.
    The crutch users I'm talking about have no handicaps other than being lazy most times overweight and usually  slow witted. Go hangout at the NWTF convention and see how many wounded Vets are loading up on the turkey fan umbrellas tent blinds and decoys. Really not much of a mystery here.
      People use decoys and blinds or Gobbler fans etc. because it makes killing a Turkey easier period.
    You expect us to believe you spend all that money on decoys not to make hunting easier ,but you just sleep better knowing the owner of AvianX decoys is making a fortune lol.

Some people are going to be delusional like the one quoted above. This is the internet where people can say whatever they want without any result so for the folks out there using decoys, blinds, fans, or whatever you want to harvest a turkey just let people like this just go by the way side. They are not worth the trouble or stress when we are all honestly here to learn and share the passion of turkey hunting.

I myself generalize a "turkey hunter" as the most versatile and, dedicated Hunter our there.   That's using any of ALL methods and equipment you want. The best thing you can do is not give a care about others and their opinion. Especially when the "haters" can just type something and let it go without any face to face activity. I would put money on the table that if in the same room, they wouldn't have the balls to say anything to your face.




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Thanks to all who responded to this post, especially those who tried to answer my question. Your responses have given me great insight into the diverse group that make up this forum. The most important thing I take away from this is that Turkey Hunting is about enjoying the "natural high" that it brings to all of us. I personally feel that some people prefer a greater challenge and others do not and that's ok.

To answer my own original question I feel that Traditional Turkey Hunters make up less than 10 percent of all Turkey Hunters.

Quote from: YukonC on February 05, 2020, 12:54:50 PM

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 05, 2020, 11:49:03 AM
As per the usual a point was made and then immediately missed by several. No one is talking about wounded Vets or paraplegics, no one is referring to those with failing eyesight or health.
    The crutch users I'm talking about have no handicaps other than being lazy most times overweight and usually  slow witted. Go hangout at the NWTF convention and see how many wounded Vets are loading up on the turkey fan umbrellas tent blinds and decoys. Really not much of a mystery here.
      People use decoys and blinds or Gobbler fans etc. because it makes killing a Turkey easier period.
    You expect us to believe you spend all that money on decoys not to make hunting easier ,but you just sleep better knowing the owner of AvianX decoys is making a fortune lol.

Some people are going to be delusional like the one quoted above. This is the internet where people can say whatever they want without any result so for the folks out there using decoys, blinds, fans, or whatever you want to harvest a turkey just let people like this just go by the way side. They are not worth the trouble or stress when we are all honestly here to learn and share the passion of turkey hunting.

I myself generalize a "turkey hunter" as the most versatile and, dedicated Hunter our there.   That's using any of ALL methods and equipment you want. The best thing you can do is not give a care about others and their opinion. Especially when the "haters" can just type something and let it go without any face to face activity. I would put money on the table that if in the same room, they wouldn't have the balls to say anything to your face.




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I can guarantee I have no problem saying anything to anybody in person. If the opinions posted offend you or hurt your feelings that's your problem.

King Cobra, I think your probably in the ballpark with the 10% estimate.   I personally love blinds and decoys.   I've said it over and over, but not in a while.  I wish everyone was required to hunt out of a blind and over at least 2 decoys, except me! 

And I think a few are confusing traditional with historical.

Quote from: King Cobra on February 05, 2020, 01:11:58 PM
Thanks to all who responded to this post, especially those who tried to answer my question. Your responses have given me great insight into the diverse group that make up this forum. The most important thing I take away from this is that Turkey Hunting is about enjoying the "natural high" that it brings to all of us. I personally feel that some people prefer a greater challenge and others do not and that's ok.

To answer my own original question I feel that Traditional Turkey Hunters make up less than 10 percent of all Turkey Hunters.

I applaud the effort, but you aren't going to save this thread. To many people ignored answering the question and leaving it at that and instead started preaching. Now ya done it!

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I'll go with the 10% guesstimate, as well,...but I will qualify that a bit.  Years ago, it was considered taboo to try to sneak in on a gobbler that you were working.  Back in the 80's, the NWTF even preached about the safety issues associated with doing that and warned turkey hunters to never try to stalk/sneak/crawl a gobbler they were working.

That was considered a part of being a "traditional" turkey hunter at that time.  If you worked a bird, you never did anything that would be considered sneaking in on a gobbler.  I think it is safe to say that particular mantra of a "traditional" turkey hunter has pretty much fallen by the wayside based on what I have seen.

So, if we throw in the "you can't sneak in on them" qualification for a traditional hunter, I suspect that 10% guesstimate probable falls to something significantly less than that. 

I'm a traditionalist i like it that way but,,,another reason is my back is only so big,, blind,multiple decoys,Turkey chair and all the cool calls we collect, how do you lug it all.

Sorry, forgot the required %!

My estimate is between 0-1%...

I bet 99% will run to the turkey gear store if even one of their buddies shoots even one more tom than they do...waaaaaaa, Stinky shot a tom and I didn't, waaaaaaahhhhh!!!!

I'd say maybe 5%... I absolutely love turkey hunting and will hunt however I want. I enjoy a 1 on 1 hunt with a boss gobbler in the hardwoods just like everyone else. That said I also enjoy bellycrawling 300 yards to get in front of a henned up gobbler who ignored my "traditional" setup on the same morning. I try to keep an open mind when it comes to killing turkeys. That said you also have to learn to back off and leave em for another day and sometimes, another season. If there's one thing I've learned, is not to get hunt up on hunting 1 particular bird, property, or hunting style. Everybody's brought valid points to this conversation, everything from elitists to wannabes to real blue collar turkey killers chiming in.Let's just try and remember we're all on the same team here and OG is the best hunting forum going, and us members are lucky to have this place. A couple more months and lord willing we'll all be out there doing what we love, the way WE want to.

Less than 5% in my mind. Some have disdain for what LaLongbeard and others are saying because to them the opinion doesnt matter, and some don't WANT it to matter but know it really does, because somewhere in them its already mattered. And I hope it has.  And if it hasn't don't wonder what you are, it's too late.  Some want to know what they can do without the "crutches," they just haven't done it yet.  Others use what they use and do what they do and were far removed from the traditional turkey hunting that existed decades ago in the Southeast and Pennsylvania areas almost exclusively.  To most here there is no tradition, that's a big part of the divide and in many eyes the problem, the whole thing is gone about way too frivolously and with a real easy come, easy go cavalier attitude.  To a traditionalist this isn't a game and it's not a t shirt catch phrase, it's a Craft and a true tradition. Not something you change or want to see changed.  Here again, if you have to wonder if you are something or not, you should already know you're not.

My opinion means nothing and I'm a newbie here.  But I will leave you with one fact.  I have stopped visiting 4 forums that I was very active on due the drama exactly like this thread.  I like this site.  So please, I beg you, don't make Old Gobbler #5. 

Quote from: CALLM2U on February 05, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
My opinion means nothing and I'm a newbie here.  But I will leave you with one fact.  I have stopped visiting 4 forums that I was very active on due the drama exactly like this thread.  I like this site.  So please, I beg you, don't make Old Gobbler #5.

When you have a large amount of people on any forum , there is drama. We all come from different places and different backgrounds. This place is for the most part drama free but it is not a safe space. Most here are adults and in the end can agree to disagree. Only a few have thin skin and lets some comments trigger them. Like I said in a earlier post , we are all brothers in the end but even brothers disagree and fight at times. I have been here a long time and I have seen post like these several times over the years but most times things work out and there are very few grudges.

I feel my style is somewhat traditional, as in I hunt mostly in the timber with no decoys. I don't have anything against decoys, I've just had a few bad experiences with gobblers seeing them and turning away. I will, however, put a belly crawl sneak on one right quick and in a hurry. I'm just thankful that the good Lord sees fit to allow me to share the woods with such a monarch of a creature, and I hope that everyone here gets the same satisfaction, no matter how they choose to hunt.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 05, 2020, 11:49:03 AM
As per the usual a point was made and then immediately missed by several. No one is talking about wounded Vets or paraplegics, no one is referring to those with failing eyesight or health.
    The crutch users I'm talking about have no handicaps other than being lazy most times overweight and usually  slow witted. Go hangout at the NWTF convention and see how many wounded Vets are loading up on the turkey fan umbrellas tent blinds and decoys. Really not much of a mystery here.
      People use decoys and blinds or Gobbler fans etc. because it makes killing a Turkey easier period.
    You expect us to believe you spend all that money on decoys not to make hunting easier ,but you just sleep better knowing the owner of AvianX decoys is making a fortune lol.

I'm gonna agree w this 100%. I teach hunter Ed and as I say we're all brothers but the able bodied folks that just want things easy n guaranteed is worrisome to say things nicely. Each time I'm out there I see mostly that type.
Whenever I mentor the object is NEVER only a dead animal. It's the whole aspect of the sport. The where's, when's n whys.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 05, 2020, 04:24:55 PM

Quote from: CALLM2U on February 05, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
My opinion means nothing and I'm a newbie here.  But I will leave you with one fact.  I have stopped visiting 4 forums that I was very active on due the drama exactly like this thread.  I like this site.  So please, I beg you, don't make Old Gobbler #5.

When you have a large amount of people on any forum , there is drama. We all come from different places and different backgrounds. This place is for the most part drama free but it is not a safe space. Most here are adults and in the end can agree to disagree. Only a few have thin skin and lets some comments trigger them. Like I said in a earlier post , we are all brothers in the end but even brothers disagree and fight at times. I have been here a long time and I have seen post like these several times over the years but most times things work out and there are very few grudges.

X2 .. I so agree, this post has nothing to do with drama that much , it's members voicing opinions ... That's why we have forums , we can all learn from these post ... Regardless we all love the sport of turkey hunting.

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 05, 2020, 04:52:58 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 05, 2020, 04:24:55 PM

Quote from: CALLM2U on February 05, 2020, 04:18:14 PM
My opinion means nothing and I'm a newbie here.  But I will leave you with one fact.  I have stopped visiting 4 forums that I was very active on due the drama exactly like this thread.  I like this site.  So please, I beg you, don't make Old Gobbler #5.

When you have a large amount of people on any forum , there is drama. We all come from different places and different backgrounds. This place is for the most part drama free but it is not a safe space. Most here are adults and in the end can agree to disagree. Only a few have thin skin and lets some comments trigger them. Like I said in a earlier post , we are all brothers in the end but even brothers disagree and fight at times. I have been here a long time and I have seen post like these several times over the years but most times things work out and there are very few grudges.

X2 .. I so agree, this post has nothing to do with drama that much , it's members voicing opinions ... That's why we have forums , we can all learn from these post ... Regardless we all love the sport of turkey hunting.


You are right Greg. Well put.

 I also, am tiring of the bitterness and harsh replies on this site. I do understand that most are just being passionate about a sport they are endeared to, but too often it digressing into judgemental criticism if not outright attacks on each other. We need to be better than this.

I am a traditional turkey hunter. A tradition is something you have adopted historically as an acceptable response to life's events. It is different for each of us, but still we can be categorized as this group or that.

My tradition is I have always hunted turkeys with a minimum of gear.
MY tradition is  I kill them where I find them and vary my tactics
My tradition is I respect the other Hunter, He is not me and I am not Him
My tradition is if someone needs help I am willing to help
My tradition is I respect the bird even after he's dead
My tradition is I pray for everyone's safety at the start of a hunt
My tradition is I love to talk about my hunts
My tradition is that I'm too old to engage in silly arguments, but alas I also have a tradition of engaging
My tradition is I hope that my brother and sisters can forgive me when I insist on expressing lunacy, I know my God does.
My tradition is to forgive those who have hurt me
My tradition is to learn as many new skills as possible and have a fun turkey season

I leave with this :

2 Timothy 2:23-26 New International Version (NIV)

23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

In The end the truth here is we all want to hunt turkeys and have fun and fellowship doing it. There is no right or wrong, but there is a legal and illegal.

In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM
In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

That's an interesting observation. Care to indulge me with further explanation? In particular the impression you have that there is a higher ratio of more "traditional" turkey hunters out in the public hunting than we have here on the forum. Not trying to be a smart alec. Genuinely interested in this observation.

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Quote from: Happy on February 05, 2020, 07:06:22 PM

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM
In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

That's an interesting observation. Care to indulge me with further explanation? In particular the impression you have that there is a higher ratio of more "traditional" turkey hunters out in the public hunting than we have here on the forum. Not trying to be a smart alec. Genuinely interested in this observation.

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In for this explanation.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 05, 2020, 07:21:05 PM

Quote from: Happy on February 05, 2020, 07:06:22 PM

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM
In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

That's an interesting observation. Care to indulge me with further explanation? In particular the impression you have that there is a higher ratio of more "traditional" turkey hunters out in the public hunting than we have here on the forum. Not trying to be a smart alec. Genuinely interested in this observation.

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In for this explanation.

X2

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM


First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

Texas. Also Chufa patches or anything purposely planted to attract turkeys is bait the fact that you planted it 4months before the season is irrelevant.

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM
In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

I'm gonna go w the fellows think you're mistaken. I'd bet more knowledge on here than most places.

So by definition OP says using bait, decoy or blind makes you a non-traditional hunter. In PA blinds and bait are illegal.

So only hunters using decoys are non-traditional. How many hunters in PA are using decoys? Way less then half of the hunters I meet have a decoy. So they are traditional turkey hunters. Even thought they are totally unaware and know nothing of this silly argument or the labels applied to them.

So in PA over half (or more) of the hunters are traditional.

Not sure what the percent would be, but would guess pretty low?

I guess as long as the method one chooses to hunt is legal, it's perfectly okay even though some may disagree? Where as illegal methods like shooting birds off the roost like some do and think nothing of it, is another thing.

I personally think the nowadays the emphasis on killing a turkey is more important than the actual hunt?

I personally just like sitting against a tree with no dekes, and wouldn't want it any other way.To me this is part of the hunt I actually look forward to, and wouldn't want to take this element of the hunt away with a blind or dekes. Sure I have boogered birds in the past this way, and will probably booger more, where if I was sitting in a blind it would increase my chances with less boogered birds, but I except this as hunting. Sure I enjoy killing a nice bird too, but enjoy this part of the hunt too much just to increase my odds.

As far as OG members being more non-traditional vs the average hunter.

It's like any hobby or interest. There maybe some casual turkey hunters on this site but most take turkey serious. The more a person values doing something the more you invest in it. That usually means following the latest fads or trends. Reading or watching video's about the sport. Dedicating the money. This IMHO leads to using the latest Technology and techniques which is blinds & decoys.

Like any sport/hobby you have the purest that think things should be done a certain way. Which is fine but they are usually a small % of the serious/fanatic group of participants(hunters). I think this is where most OG member fall under. Which goes to the OP's original question, what is that %.

I just don't see a large % of the average Joe hunter spending the money and hauling gear to turkey hunt. Especially if you weren't taught to hunt that way to begin with.

To each their own. I still get fired up sitting in a blind over my dsd decoys and having birds work in close. I respect a Dave pinhotti style and have killed birds that way too. I just think whatever fires you up and let's you enjoy the turkey woods do it. But I'd say 15%-25% of hunters hunt the style you are talking about.


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I only hunt with a rock and stick on public land with no camouflage. Does that count?

Alrighty then, thanks for explaining. Now try my logic/observations on for size. I live about 15 minutes from the PA line. Have never hunted that state but travelled through it quite a bit during turkey season and converse frequently with a few diehard PA hunters so I have a few observations but will not claim to have as much as you. But anyways here are my general observations considering Southwest PA, Western MD and Eastern WV.
Majority: Start hitting the woods about a week before turkey season, driving trucks around backroads, blaring owl,crow and Turkey calls. Never venturing far from the roads they inventory and pester every Turkey that opens its mouth within earshot of the road. Come opening day they are jamming up parking lots, big jacked up trucks with all kinds of stickers covering the back glass.hunters glaring through the windshields at other hunters that have the nerve to be there. They hit it hard, rushing gobblers on the roost, burning down the woods with their box calls and cutting, sounding like an armored vehicle in a bamboo forest. Loaded down with a vest full of turkey calls, decoys and decked out on the latest greatest camo they give it all they got until 8 or 9am. After that the caffeine and adrenaline wear of and they set out their decoys and sit and call every 5 minutes until about 10 and call it a day. This will continue for a few weeks and then when the turkeys have mysteriously quit gobbling within earshot of the road they call it a year. Hopefully they got enough Instagram and facebook updates.

The 30%ers: These fellows truly enjoy Turkey hunting. They think about it a lot. It's one of their favorite time of the year. They start scouting in deer season. Looking for sign scouting out new areas and figuring out spots to hunt. They have cleared some vacation time. Patterned their guns and are proficient with a call or two or maybe several. These fellows can kill a bird or two pretty regularly, they have nothing against decoys and really are open to about anything that will result in them killing a Turkey as long as legal. Success is defined as a kill and the more the better. They aren't as fashion conscious, having at least figured out some of what works best for them. They still are in love with the idea of being a Turkey hunting master and believe that the more they kill the further up the ladder they will climb.

The few: This person is a different character. Turkeys are on the brain every day. They love them as much as they want to hunt them. There is a respect and a set of "rules of engagement" that this man possesses. I dont believe that every man has the exact same set of rules but they each have some. They want to win and kill a gobbler but only under their rules. They dont care about notoriety or admiration. They only want to hunt turkeys and work it so that they hunt the entire season. Their equipment is chosen because they like it and have confidence in it. You wont hear them bragging or boasting and they have no problem admitting to getting their rear ends handed to them by a gobbler and look forward to a rematch.

Anyways those are my extremely generalized redneck observations. Some fall in between those categories but if I had to break it out then that's about how I would do it.

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Well, Happy that's a pretty fair assessment of turkey hunters from my view. I think I've been through most if not all those stages in 47 years.

I might add one more group, those with limitations including age. I somewhat fall into that category. I have killed enough gobblers that I don't need to risk my health chasing another one. I used to go after every bird I thought I could work even if it meant crossing a river. but at this stage I will just listen to him gobble and say, I'll see you another day ole boy. My skill level is just as good as it ever was, but my body is not. For some this means that tactics change and you may find yourself in a blind when you thought you'd never do that. Perhaps this is the traditional hunter, they have a long history and a high skill set and they have developed a set of principles to guide them (these vary from hunter to hunter) and if something is beyond their physical ability then they accept that and just enjoy the fact they got another day in the woods. Make no mistakes, these guys are a gobbler's nightmare if he gets in their zone. His best bet at survival is to get on a ridge far far away. I had to laugh last spring when there was a big hoohaaa over younger hunter's killing more birds. Yeah young man thumb your chest while you are still able to run across multiple hills, your day is coming.

What's sad is that new turkey hunters think that fanning is the only way to kill a turkey.  I took a young man out last year that has fanned a few birds, but wasn't having any luck.  When we got out of the truck with no fan or decoys he was scratching his head.  I ended up calling him in a loud mouth two year in big timber and boy oh boy was he excited.  I really don't care how anyone decides to turkey hunt as long as they are legal, but I'm always game to teach them how fun it is doing it the old fashioned way. 

Quote from: King Cobra on February 04, 2020, 11:39:06 AM
My definition of Traditional Turkey Hunter is one who does not use a blind, bait, or decoys.

Without babbling on and on about something you didn't ask as I'm sure many on here will do I will say, by your definition, I am a proud traditional turkey hunter. Now come on March 15th! :turkey2:

Everyone should read the late Kenny Morgans book " America , Wild Turkeys & Mongrel Dogs." Kenny was a old school turkey hunter and he breaks it down pretty simply. I hunt the way Kenny Morgan hunted. Great read , very informative and very accurate.

 Just roost them one evening and shoot them off the limb next morning .
Problem solved ..

Quote from: eggshell on February 06, 2020, 07:32:53 AM
Well, Happy that's a pretty fair assessment of turkey hunters from my view. I think I've been through most if not all those stages in 47 years.

I might add one more group, those with limitations including age. I somewhat fall into that category. I have killed enough gobblers that I don't need to risk my health chasing another one. I used to go after every bird I thought I could work even if it meant crossing a river. but at this stage I will just listen to him gobble and say, I'll see you another day ole boy. My skill level is just as good as it ever was, but my body is not. For some this means that tactics change and you may find yourself in a blind when you thought you'd never do that. Perhaps this is the traditional hunter, they have a long history and a high skill set and they have developed a set of principles to guide them (these vary from hunter to hunter) and if something is beyond their physical ability then they accept that and just enjoy the fact they got another day in the woods. Make no mistakes, these guys are a gobbler's nightmare if he gets in their zone. His best bet at survival is to get on a ridge far far away. I had to laugh last spring when there was a big hoohaaa over younger hunter's killing more birds. Yeah young man thumb your chest while you are still able to run across multiple hills, your day is coming.

AWESOME POST .... I SO AGREE....

 It is legal to use a blind in Pa. It is illegal to use any of the hide behind type fans, umbrella, etc that are used for reaping.

I live in the NE corner of Pa and I've been turkey hunting this area for 40+ years. The properties in the area are mostly private and there is very little state/public land available for hunting, that holds turkeys. Also in this area there are a large amount of long distance landowners that own property in the area, but actually live elsewhere.

  I think Happy's assessment of hunters in my area was pretty accurate in the late 80's and through the 90's, but there has been such a huge decline in turkey hunters, that it's not true anymore. We now have just a handful of "local" weekend warriors hitting the woods for opening day and maybe the second Saturday. Also there are a few of the guys that have cabins/camps who show up for opening weekend and again for Memorial Day weekend, which is usually the end of the season and that's really about it.

  I'm certainly not complaining when I can hunt practically every day with a very limited amount of hunters around!


  So back to the original question around traditional turkey hunters.....Very low percentage in my area, because the ones that are out there will spend a limited amount of time hunting and they will use any legal tactic to get the kill.

 
 


 

Don't use decoy's and don't hunt in blinds so if that makes you traditional count me in I guess!

I like Fall turkey hunting best so I'm 100% traditional

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Quote from: randy6471 on February 06, 2020, 09:48:35 AM
It is legal to use a blind in Pa. 

randy6471, I stand corrected. It been a few years since I read the rules.

I've never used a blind. But I did have a half umbrella type thing that was camouflaged (ok maybe I used a blind). As a bowhunter I used this to draw the bow behind. It was illegal to use in PA could only use it in FL. The way I read the rules at the time was no blinds where legal. They have defiantly changed the rules since I last read them. Now you need label/identify your blinds on state games land, I like this rule.

I guess the main concern PA has is with fanning, safey. I agree.

 I probably fall in between the 2nd and 3rd versions that Happy posted. Im no master but I just love to hunt and as soon as the season is over im looking forward to next year. Ill hunt every day I possibly can. Ive used deks and blinds . Not opposed to either but mostly hunt with out.

Read this entire thread and could not help thinking it depends on the definition of "traditional" which is probably defined by where in the great country you hunt. Tradition is defined as an act/practice that has occurred for generations. An early poster talked about how he grew up hunting with his family in a certain way that he considered the traditional way which made sense. Here turkeys were introduced in my life time, so no established traditions regarding turkey hunting.  For me it depends on the circumstances of the area as to which methods used when hunting, one area is private and small so hunt stationary with decoys and a stake blind are used. On public land mostly a run and gun approach so do not want to carry the extra weight so no blind or decoys.  Very interesting the different thought that have been presented sure made me think

None of us are Traditional turkey hunters.  What I mean is, none of us go to the woods to survive.  We don't use handmade bows and arrows or flintlocks or hunt in deer skin and moccasins.  We have ALL evolved over time to the gear we utilize.  It maybe the latest and greatest or something less.  We ALL turkey hunt for the pleasure of hunting.  WE ENJOY IT!  Each of us, enjoy the way we hunt and some try new things but one thing is for certain, WE ALL ENJOY A THUNDERING GOBBLE at 20 yards whether it's from a blind or with decoys.  I've tried both and both have there place.  My 2 cents!

What % of turkey hunters care how other hunters hunt.

Go kill that Gobbler!

I have never used a blind or decoys.  I prefer to hunt without them.  I hunt BIG woods.  I do use red dots and scopes.  I can't see open sights and beads like it use too. I never really got away from using lead shot either and I still hunt turkeys in the fall.  I just enjoy the more traditional route. Nothing like a good scratch box!

Quote from: bbcoach on February 07, 2020, 01:15:11 PM
None of us are Traditional turkey hunters.  What I mean is, none of us go to the woods to survive.  We don't use handmade bows and arrows or flintlocks or hunt in deer skin and moccasins.  We have ALL evolved over time to the gear we utilize.  It maybe the latest and greatest or something less.  We ALL turkey hunt for the pleasure of hunting.  WE ENJOY IT!  Each of us, enjoy the way we hunt and some try new things but one thing is for certain, WE ALL ENJOY A THUNDERING GOBBLE at 20 yards whether it's from a blind or with decoys.  I've tried both and both have there place.  My 2 cents!

Again I think some of you are confused about what the word tradition means. We are talking about sport hunting not hunter gathers or some dirt farmer in 1901 trying to feed 12 kids and a wife with a shotgun and a garden.
    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912. That would be the start as far as we can put a defining date on it. There were no doubt others hunting them the same way before 1912 but that is the date we can confirm. Fall hunting with dogs also has a long tradition going back even further, another sport altogether. A Gobbler a gun a man and a turkey call that is how it began that is how it is still done. Everything else has been added to make it easier. In 1912 you could bait you could shoot 25 a day you could roost shoot, you could tie a live Gobbler or hen to a stake and let them do the calling. But that's not sporting and that's not how Charles S Jordan hunted them.
    Just because your state just got turkeys and everyone you know hunts behind a Gobbler fan with a flat brimmed hat and a .410 doesn't change anything.
      You can choose to hunt from blinds or bait or reap or whatever you can get away with but every single corner you cut with these "tools in your shed"  is to make it easier. No one ever counters that point.
      This whole thing is Turkey hunting specific. There is a rift between recurve/longbow hunters and compound hunters and now crossbow hunters. But you never here the compound or crossbow users say that there way isn't easier ....because they know how stupid it would sound to say that. Turkey hunting is the only sport I know of that people will do anything they can to cut corners and make their success rate higher then pretend what they are doing is the same as the ones that don't.
     It be about like a Major League Baseball player asking that all his pitches be underhand with a softball and then want everyone to pretend he's a real big league hitter lol.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 07, 2020, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on February 07, 2020, 01:15:11 PM
None of us are Traditional turkey hunters.  What I mean is, none of us go to the woods to survive.  We don't use handmade bows and arrows or flintlocks or hunt in deer skin and moccasins.  We have ALL evolved over time to the gear we utilize.  It maybe the latest and greatest or something less.  We ALL turkey hunt for the pleasure of hunting.  WE ENJOY IT!  Each of us, enjoy the way we hunt and some try new things but one thing is for certain, WE ALL ENJOY A THUNDERING GOBBLE at 20 yards whether it's from a blind or with decoys.  I've tried both and both have there place.  My 2 cents!

Again I think some of you are confused about what the word tradition means. We are talking about sport hunting not hunter gathers or some dirt farmer in 1901 trying to feed 12 kids and a wife with a shotgun and a garden.
    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912. That would be the start as far as we can put a defining date on it. There were no doubt others hunting them the same way before 1912 but that is the date we can confirm. Fall hunting with dogs also has a long tradition going back even further, another sport altogether. A Gobbler a gun a man and a turkey call that is how it began that is how it is still done. Everything else has been added to make it easier. In 1912 you could bait you could shoot 25 a day you could roost shoot, you could tie a live Gobbler or hen to a stake and let them do the calling. But that's not sporting and that's not how Charles S Jordan hunted them.
    Just because your state just got turkeys and everyone you know hunts behind a Gobbler fan with a flat brimmed hat and a .410 doesn't change anything.
      You can choose to hunt from blinds or bait or reap or whatever you can get away with but every single corner you cut with these "tools in your shed"  is to make it easier. No one ever counters that point.
      This whole thing is Turkey hunting specific. There is a rift between recurve/longbow hunters and compound hunters and now crossbow hunters. But you never here the compound or crossbow users say that there way isn't easier ....because they know how stupid it would sound to say that. Turkey hunting is the only sport I know of that people will do anything they can to cut corners and make their success rate higher then pretend what they are doing is the same as the ones that don't.
     It be about like a Major League Baseball player asking that all his pitches be underhand with a softball and then want everyone to pretend he's a real big league hitter lol.

Your point is very valid and I agree. I have modern technology but my hunting methods over 40 years remain the same. I can say that I have never killed a turkey. I did not call in. I have never hunted from a blind nor with bait. I have shot a couple with decoys but For the most part I have never carried them. I will not roost shoot , walk up on one or reap one. I enjoy the one on one chess match with them. I hunt the way I came up hunting. I will again encourage every turkey hunter read the book " America , The Wild Turkey and Mongrels" by the late Kenny Morgan. I met him when I was a kid and knew him over the years. That being said , the question was about traditional turkey hunters. It was not about the right way to hunt. It is up to you and your moral compass in the way you hunt. I will never knock a kid or handicap person for hunting in a blind. I will use any means necessary to hunt these majestic birds. If the time comes that I have to use a blind , I very well will. That would be as far as I take it though. Baiting , reaping , decoys , wing shooting , roost shooting , ambushing and rifle shooting , I will never do. As I said earlier , I have killed a couple with dekes but I got that out of my system pretty quickly.

Quote from: Crghss on February 05, 2020, 06:52:50 PM
In the general public I think the % is much higher for traditional turkey hunting. Hunters on this site have a much lower % of traditional turkey hunting.

First, where can you use bait? Second some states don't let you use blinds i.e. Pennsylvania.

So in PA if you use a decoy you're non-traditional turkey hunter. If you're not using a decoy you're a traditional turkey.

Blinds are legal in Pennsylvania.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 07, 2020, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on February 07, 2020, 01:15:11 PM
None of us are Traditional turkey hunters.  What I mean is, none of us go to the woods to survive.  We don't use handmade bows and arrows or flintlocks or hunt in deer skin and moccasins.  We have ALL evolved over time to the gear we utilize.  It maybe the latest and greatest or something less.  We ALL turkey hunt for the pleasure of hunting.  WE ENJOY IT!  Each of us, enjoy the way we hunt and some try new things but one thing is for certain, WE ALL ENJOY A THUNDERING GOBBLE at 20 yards whether it's from a blind or with decoys.  I've tried both and both have there place.  My 2 cents!

Again I think some of you are confused about what the word tradition means. We are talking about sport hunting not hunter gathers or some dirt farmer in 1901 trying to feed 12 kids and a wife with a shotgun and a garden.
    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912. That would be the start as far as we can put a defining date on it. There were no doubt others hunting them the same way before 1912 but that is the date we can confirm. Fall hunting with dogs also has a long tradition going back even further, another sport altogether. A Gobbler a gun a man and a turkey call that is how it began that is how it is still done. Everything else has been added to make it easier. In 1912 you could bait you could shoot 25 a day you could roost shoot, you could tie a live Gobbler or hen to a stake and let them do the calling. But that's not sporting and that's not how Charles S Jordan hunted them.
    Just because your state just got turkeys and everyone you know hunts behind a Gobbler fan with a flat brimmed hat and a .410 doesn't change anything.
      You can choose to hunt from blinds or bait or reap or whatever you can get away with but every single corner you cut with these "tools in your shed"  is to make it easier. No one ever counters that point.
      This whole thing is Turkey hunting specific. There is a rift between recurve/longbow hunters and compound hunters and now crossbow hunters. But you never here the compound or crossbow users say that there way isn't easier ....because they know how stupid it would sound to say that. Turkey hunting is the only sport I know of that people will do anything they can to cut corners and make their success rate higher then pretend what they are doing is the same as the ones that don't.
     It be about like a Major League Baseball player asking that all his pitches be underhand with a softball and then want everyone to pretend he's a real big league hitter lol.

Good post, and as already pointed out there is a difference between traditional and historic hunting.

There is a mention of a spring turkey sport hunt in a book written in the mid 1840's "44 years in the life of a hunter"

the book is about a market/subsistence hunter Meshack Browning who hunted deer and bear for a living in Western Md.

He mentions on a spring bear meat hunt with a buddy they heard a turkey gobble, the buddy wanted to hunt it so they set up and Meshack "imitated the call of a cackling hen " and called the gobbler across a creek and they shot it.

I always thought it was cool he took the time to mention this gobbler hunt in his book.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 07, 2020, 06:02:53 PM

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 07, 2020, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on February 07, 2020, 01:15:11 PM
None of us are Traditional turkey hunters.  What I mean is, none of us go to the woods to survive.  We don't use handmade bows and arrows or flintlocks or hunt in deer skin and moccasins.  We have ALL evolved over time to the gear we utilize.  It maybe the latest and greatest or something less.  We ALL turkey hunt for the pleasure of hunting.  WE ENJOY IT!  Each of us, enjoy the way we hunt and some try new things but one thing is for certain, WE ALL ENJOY A THUNDERING GOBBLE at 20 yards whether it's from a blind or with decoys.  I've tried both and both have there place.  My 2 cents!

Again I think some of you are confused about what the word tradition means. We are talking about sport hunting not hunter gathe rs or some dirt farmer in 1901 trying to feed 12 kids and a wife with a shotgun and a garden.
    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912. That would be the start as far as we can put a defining date on it. There were no doubt others hunting them the same way before 1912 but that is the date we can confirm. Fall hunting with dogs also has a long tradition going back even further, another sport altogether. A Gobbler a gun a man and a turkey call that is how it began that is how it is still done. Everything else has been added to make it easier. In 1912 you could bait you could shoot 25 a day you could roost shoot, you could tie a live Gobbler or hen to a stake and let them do the calling. But that's not sporting and that's not how Charles S Jordan hunted them.
    Just because your state just got turkeys and everyone you know hunts behind a Gobbler fan with a flat brimmed hat and a .410 doesn't change anything.
      You can choose to hunt from blinds or bait or reap or whatever you can get away with but every single corner you cut with these "tools in your shed"  is to make it easier. No one ever counters that point.
      This whole thing is Turkey hunting specific. There is a rift between recurve/longbow hunters and compound hunters and now crossbow hunters. But you never here the compound or crossbow users say that there way isn't easier ....because they know how stupid it would sound to say that. Turkey hunting is the only sport I know of that people will do anything they can to cut corners and make their success rate higher then pretend what they are doing is the same as the ones that don't.
     It be about like a Major League Baseball player asking that all his pitches be underhand with a softball and then want everyone to pretend he's a real big league hitter lol.

Your point is very valid and I agree. I have modern technology but my hunting methods over 40 years remain the same. I can say that I have never killed a turkey. I did not call in. I have never hunted from a blind nor with bait. I have shot a couple with decoys but For the most part I have never carried them. I will not roost shoot , walk up on one or reap one. I enjoy the one on one chess match with them. I hunt the way I came up hunting. I will again encourage every turkey hunter read the book " America , The Wild Turkey and Mongrels" by the late Kenny Morgan. I met him when I was a kid and knew him over the years. That being said , the question was about traditional turkey hunters. It was not about the right way to hunt. It is up to you and your moral compass in the way you hunt. I will never knock a kid or handicap person for hunting in a blind. I will use any means necessary to hunt these majestic birds. If the time comes that I have to use a blind , I very well will. That would be as far as I take it though. Baiting , reaping , decoys , wing shooting , roost shooting , ambushing and rifle shooting , I will never do. As I said earlier , I have killed a couple with dekes but I got that out of my system pretty quickly.

I'm not saying the way I do it is the right way what I am saying is anybody that uses the crutches is delusional to think it's the same thing.
   This thing ,Turkey hunting, has gone way off the rails and nothing anybody can say or do will stop the reapers and baiters and decoy watchers hen shooters etc. They have convinced themselves that what they are doing is Turkey hunting and there is no cure.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 07, 2020, 05:33:21 PM
    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912. That would be the start as far as we can put a defining date on it. There were no doubt others hunting them the same way before 1912 but that is the date we can confirm.

LOL Hmmm, I knew I had seen this a while ago and took me a while to find but it seems Turkey Decoys have been around for a while too...
20th Century = 1901

"Description - Early 20th c. New England standing Wild Turkey Decoy in carved and painted wood, on single dowel leg display stand, 28" x 33" x 8" overall, including base."


MK M GOBL

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 07, 2020, 05:33:21 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on February 07, 2020, 01:15:11 PM

    Sport hunting of SPRING Gobblers is not new it was first written about in 1912.  In 1912 you could bait you could shoot 25 a day you could roost shoot, you could tie a live Gobbler or hen to a stake and let them do the calling. But that's not sporting and that's not how Charles S Jordan hunted them.
   
     
     

Hmmmm lol yea as usual you leave out the rest of the post. There's always been two bit hacks that would do anything to kill a turkey, thanks for pointing out even in 1901  they had enough shame not to write about decoy use lol.
You happen to know any two bit hacks that spend all season sitting in a blind on a cut corn field starring at a decoy flock and trying to convince themselves they are calling in 90% of the Gobblers they call to? I know one lol

I'd say less than 5%

The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, Gene Nunnery, and Turkey Hunting a One Man Game, Ken Morgan say it best. Read 'em and find out!

Quote from: greencop01 on February 11, 2020, 06:27:44 AM
The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, Gene Nunnery, and Turkey Hunting a One Man Game, Ken Morgan say it best. Read 'em and find out!

I agree

I feel decoys and blinds are just different tools that can be used if you like. For bow hunters I would think they would be pretty essential. They also might help young hunters have some success. Sometimes blinds make it a little more enjoyable to hunt when in inclement weather. I have used both with success but I really prefer to not drag them around anymore. Greg Massey hit the nail on the head. They all have their place if you desire it. The older I get I wouldn't think about going turkey hunting with out a turkey chair of some sort and probably before I would like to I will probably add some kind of optic on my turkey gun because of my eye sight.

Old school....notice the lack of designer camo and no chair.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200213/4b5736d38b87b732d1b2daebc02f45b3.jpg)

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Looks Amish

I think started turkey hunting in 1991, one of the first things I bought was a decoy, seemed pretty logical! looked terrible and I rated used it.

So my tradition is using a decoy, probably 60 percent of the time due to hunting a lot of fields.

To each his own, follow the law and have at it!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wonder do traditional duck hunters not use decoys, only a call and a gun in their hands.  Never mind, I digress, as you were gentlemen.  Keep it legal and go for it

Is this traditional turkey hunting

Quote from: eggshell on February 14, 2020, 06:34:59 PM
Is this traditional turkey hunting

Noway to know if that's market hunters or sport hunters. Big difference. I can pull up market hunting pics of 1900's hunters knee deep in dead ducks or quail, bent game polls with 30 deer etc. Hunting for money, hunting to feed 12 kids hunting for sport completely different subjects. One end of the scale is doing anything to kill as many as possible for profit or pot the other is purposely making the hunt more difficult than it has to be for the sporting challenge of it. 

It wasn't meant to be a serious post.....just neat picture.  :fud: :newmascot:

Quote from: Gobbler428 on February 11, 2020, 06:47:12 AM

Quote from: greencop01 on February 11, 2020, 06:27:44 AM
The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, Gene Nunnery, and Turkey Hunting a One Man Game, Ken Morgan say it best. Read 'em and find out!

I agree

I agree also.  I have an original 1980 copy of Gene Nunnery's "The Old Pro Turkey Hunter".  Great book.

I tried to read all of the posts in this thread and couldn't.  NOW I remember why I quit coming around much.  Jeez, what a bunch of garbage, holier than thou BS.  Hunt however you want if it's legal where you're at.  IF you don't like the way a guy hunts, don't hang around with him either in real life or here.  I'll go back to reading some other forums for entertainment now. 

Some of the comments here are hard to stomach, I see nothing traditional about bashing the way others hunt. It's not just here either it's other forums too. I hunt traditional I guess, no blinds no decoys no shots past 40yards but I really don't care how anyone else does it. Just have fun this spring hunting how you like!

If you know before hand that a traditional Turkey hunters opinions will upset you why  read the post? Why continue to click on the thread? Is someone forcing you to read these posts? When I see decoy threads or something in the title I don't care about I just don't read it. If someone is making you read these upsetting posts you should get help...no means no lol

I like how people just assume that decoys and blinds are some kind of magic bullet for killing turkeys. I've used both in the past. I don't really use either now. As far as decoys go, I've had as many run away from them as run to them, so I'd just prefer not carry the extra weight. I've sat in blinds before and had birds pass just out of range because I couldn't put the blind where I really wanted to be. There are no hidden secrets other than carrying a rifle. I asked my grandad one time why he didn't hunt turkeys. He said "Hell, that's no fun. All you have to do is get within 200 yards and put the crosshairs on em".

All that said, there are two types of crutches. One is physical. The other is mental.

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 18, 2020, 06:40:20 PM
If you know before hand that a traditional Turkey hunters opinions will upset you why  read the post? Why continue to click on the thread? Is someone forcing you to read these posts? When I see decoy threads or something in the title I don't care about I just don't read it. If someone is making you read these upsetting posts you should get help...no means no lol

Ridiculous post,  I love discussion and there is alot of good discussion in these threads. There is also some people who take it too far and put people down for not hunting the way they do. I get it some people need a pat on the back. I hunt traditional and I don't care how other people hunt. If everyone that got there feelings hurt and took your advice these forums would cease to exist.

 Pointing out your belief in the way something should be done is not bashing others. The bashing usually starts when someone is offended because deep down they know what the others are saying has merit. In my opinion saying you don't care how someone hunts as long as it's legal is like saying you don't care about the future of our sport. I can't imagine telling my kids as long as it's legal it's right, so go ahead and do it.

I have a cheap GPS I use to find my truck. I still wear military camo and shoot a bead , am I traditional  ?

Quote from: timberjack86 on February 19, 2020, 06:57:45 AM

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 18, 2020, 06:40:20 PM

If everyone that got there feelings hurt and took your advice these forums would cease to exist.

That is probably closer to the truth than you know

Quote from: Bennett on February 19, 2020, 08:05:50 AM
Pointing out your belief in the way something should be done is not bashing others. The bashing usually starts when someone is offended because deep down they know what the others are saying has merit. In my opinion saying you don't care how someone hunts as long as it's legal is like saying you don't care about the future of our sport. I can't imagine telling my kids as long as it's legal it's right, so go ahead and do it.

Where did you get anywhere in my post that I don't care about the future of our sport? Lol I mean really?? I would hate to think what future hunters  think reading all the negative post bashing others about the way some hunt. Do I agree with reaping, full strut decoys and 60 yard shots? Heck no but it does no good for the future of our sport to tear each other apart on an open forum. Also telling your kids how to hunt is alittle bit different than telling someone else how to hunt. Anyway I'm off the soap box now lol

 I wasn't referring to you or anyone else specifically

I would hope future generations of hunters will recognize why some chose not to use gimmicks to kill turkeys.
As for bashing others on an open forum ,I think that's a little much. You do know per pressure was the only thing keeping the weirdos from running rampant like they are now lol. There has always been transgender freaks and every other type of weird behavior going on they just kept it hidden for fear of ridicule or worse. Now everyone and everything is legal and excepted no matter how off the wall it is. If any comment I have ever made has caused someone to second guess trying to take a short  cut to killing a Gobbler ....I say good. If that upsets some ,so what go tell. I'm guessing high school was really rough for some of you lol

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 19, 2020, 02:55:38 PM
I would hope future generations of hunters will recognize why some chose not to use gimmicks to kill turkeys.
As for bashing others on an open forum ,I think that's a little much. You do know per pressure was the only thing keeping the weirdos from running rampant like they are now lol. There has always been transgender freaks and every other type of weird behavior going on they just kept it hidden for fear of ridicule or worse. Now everyone and everything is legal and excepted no matter how off the wall it is. If any comment I have ever made has caused someone to second guess trying to take a short  cut to killing a Gobbler ....I say good. If that upsets some ,so what go tell. I'm guessing high school was really rough for some of you lol

What if you're the weird one and don't know it?

Quote from: renegade19 on February 19, 2020, 06:40:03 PM

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 19, 2020, 02:55:38 PM
I would hope future generations of hunters will recognize why some chose not to use gimmicks to kill turkeys.
As for bashing others on an open forum ,I think that's a little much. You do know per pressure was the only thing keeping the weirdos from running rampant like they are now lol. There has always been transgender freaks and every other type of weird behavior going on they just kept it hidden for fear of ridicule or worse. Now everyone and everything is legal and excepted no matter how off the wall it is. If any comment I have ever made has caused someone to second guess trying to take a short  cut to killing a Gobbler ....I say good. If that upsets some ,so what go tell. I'm guessing high school was really rough for some of you lol

What if you're the weird one and don't know it?

:TooFunny:

Boy , I see there are more thinned skinned people showing up around here lately. Hope they all get there participation trophies. If you cannot handle peoples opinions on a internet forum and it makes you want to stop coming and posting on them because you wittle feelings get hurt then you need some help.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:00:53 PM
Boy , I see there are more thinned skinned people showing up around here lately. Hope they all get there participation trophies. If you cannot handle peoples opinions on a internet forum and it makes you want to stop coming and posting on them because you wittle feelings get hurt then you need some help.

If you're referring to me
1.  I been around a long time
2.  I hunt "traditional"
3.  My wittle feelings weren't hurt I just don't like jerks telling other people that they're less of a hunter or sportsman because they hunt differently.
4.  If your state lets you hunt deer over feeders, bait, mineral blocks, with dogs, or any other means that it takes you to kill one, I don't believe in that either but you do you if you want to.  I won't tell you that I think you're a pathetic deer hunter and you couldn't kill a trophy free range whitetail no matter how many days you spent in the woods.
5.  I think it absurd to pay someone to guide you to kill a deer or a turkey but that's just my opinion and I'm a hypocrite cause I did pay a tarpon fishing guide one time. 
6.  I'll see myself out now.  Good hunting!

Quote from: renegade19 on February 19, 2020, 07:18:12 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:00:53 PM
Boy , I see there are more thinned skinned people showing up around here lately. Hope they all get there participation trophies. If you cannot handle peoples opinions on a internet forum and it makes you want to stop coming and posting on them because you wittle feelings get hurt then you need some help.

If you're referring to me
1.  I been around a long time
2.  I hunt "traditional"
3.  My wittle feelings weren't hurt I just don't like jerks telling other people that they're less of a hunter or sportsman because they hunt differently.
4.  If your state lets you hunt deer over feeders, bait, mineral blocks, with dogs, or any other means that it takes you to kill one, I don't believe in that either but you do you if you want to.  I won't tell you that I think you're a pathetic deer hunter and you couldn't kill a trophy free range whitetail no matter how many days you spent in the woods.
5.  I think it absurd to pay someone to guide you to kill a deer or a turkey but that's just my opinion and I'm a hypocrite cause I did pay a tarpon fishing guide one time. 
6.  I'll see myself out now.  Good hunting!

First of all I must have hit a nerve with you. If the shoe fits , wear it. Its a public forum dude. We can all agree to disagree. I have been here a long time and I have never seen so many people whining about what someone else says. The thing is , is we are all here giving opinions. Thats what a forum is. A bunch of people sharing there opinions. Its sad when someone feels so offended , talks about leaving for being offended and then continues to post on the topic. I hunt the way I hunt and you hunt the way you hunt. Who cares. Its all about opinions.

I say yelp him to the gun without the visual aid of a deek  or at least use some type is woodsmanship skills to get the drop the drop on a gobbler... anything else "imo " cheapens the sport . If this makes me a traditionalist ? Then count me in .

Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 19, 2020, 02:55:38 PM
I would hope future generations of hunters will recognize why some chose not to use gimmicks to kill turkeys.
As for bashing others on an open forum ,I think that's a little much. You do know per pressure was the only thing keeping the weirdos from running rampant like they are now lol. There has always been transgender freaks and every other type of weird behavior going on they just kept it hidden for fear of ridicule or worse. Now everyone and everything is legal and excepted no matter how off the wall it is. If any comment I have ever made has caused someone to second guess trying to take a short  cut to killing a Gobbler ....I say good. If that upsets some ,so what go tell. I'm guessing high school was really rough for some of you lol

Does your butt ever get jealous of the  $hit that comes out of your mouth?

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Man this thread simply will not die. I'll say it again, hunt the way that gives you enjoyment as long as you're abiding by the law. After all, turkey hunting is supposed to be fun, that's the whole point. If it wasn't none of us would do it. If some choose to make the hunt more difficult because you feel more accomplished in doing it a certain way, that's fine. But that doesn't mean your rules apply to every turkey hunter in the nation, and nobody should look down on another for playing by different rules. Yes, I've killed turkeys over decoys. I've killed the majority of my birds calling them to my gun in the timber. Yes, personally I get more enjoyment out of having a conversation with the bird and making him hunt for me. Always a big thrill to see that red head and fan easing my way through the woods. But if I run into a situation where the best tactic calls for a decoy, then I deploy that strategy in order to kill my bird. I'm a turkey hunter, that's what I do; kill turkeys. Don't much care what others think of it, I hunt for my enjoyment, not someone else's.


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Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 08:45:45 PM
Man this thread simply will not die. I'll say it again, hunt the way that gives you enjoyment as long as you're abiding by the law. After all, turkey hunting is supposed to be fun, that's the whole point. If it wasn't none of us would do it. If some choose to make the hunt more difficult because you feel more accomplished in doing it a certain way, that's fine. But that doesn't mean your rules apply to every turkey hunter in the , and nobody should look down on another for playing by different rules. Yes, I've killed turkeys over decoys. I've killed the majority of my birds calling them to my gun in the timber. Yes, personally I get more enjoyment out of having a conversation with the bird and making him hunt for me. Always a big thrill to see that red head and fan easing my way through the woods. But if I run into a situation where the best tactic calls for a decoy, then I deploy that strategy in order to kill my bird. I'm a turkey hunter, that's what I do; kill turkeys. Don't much care what others think of it, I hunt for my enjoyment, not someone else's.




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Hahaha. Im kind of enjoying it. Passes time until season. By the way , when you posted , it bumped it back to the top and it cant die that way. Not trying to ruffle your feathers , just having a little fun.

Quote from: fallhnt on February 19, 2020, 08:11:17 PM
Does your butt ever get jealous of the  $hit that comes out of your mouth?

Gone steal that one...

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 09:56:13 PM

Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 08:45:45 PM
Man this thread simply will not die. I'll say it again, hunt the way that gives you enjoyment as long as you're abiding by the law. After all, turkey hunting is supposed to be fun, that's the whole point. If it wasn't none of us would do it. If some choose to make the hunt more difficult because you feel more accomplished in doing it a certain way, that's fine. But that doesn't mean your rules apply to every turkey hunter in the , and nobody should look down on another for playing by different rules. Yes, I've killed turkeys over decoys. I've killed the majority of my birds calling them to my gun in the timber. Yes, personally I get more enjoyment out of having a conversation with the bird and making him hunt for me. Always a big thrill to see that red head and fan easing my way through the woods. But if I run into a situation where the best tactic calls for a decoy, then I deploy that strategy in order to kill my bird. I'm a turkey hunter, that's what I do; kill turkeys. Don't much care what others think of it, I hunt for my enjoyment, not someone else's.




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Hahaha. Im kind of enjoying it. Passes time until season. By the way , when you posted , it bumped it back to the top and it cant die that way. Not trying to ruffle your feathers , just having a little fun.

Haha you have a very good point, I did just help feed this argument I'm speaking against. And some of these posts are indeed laughable. Oh well, gives us something to read while we're sitting on the toilet with no new hunting magazines to read.


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Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 10:06:09 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 09:56:13 PM

Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 08:45:45 PM
Man this thread simply will not die. I'll say it again, hunt the way that gives you enjoyment as long as you're abiding by the law. After all, turkey hunting is supposed to be fun, that's the whole point. If it wasn't none of us would do it. If some choose to make the hunt more difficult because you feel more accomplished in doing it a certain way, that's fine. But that doesn't mean your rules apply to every turkey hunter in the , and nobody should look down on another for playing by different rules. Yes, I've killed turkeys over decoys. I've killed the majority of my birds calling them to my gun in the timber. Yes, personally I get more enjoyment out of having a conversation with the bird and making him hunt for me. Always a big thrill to see that red head and fan easing my way through the woods. But if I run into a situation where the best tactic calls for a decoy, then I deploy that strategy in order to kill my bird. I'm a turkey hunter, that's what I do; kill turkeys. Don't much care what others think of it, I hunt for my enjoyment, not someone else's.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hahaha. Im kind of enjoying it. Passes time until season. By the way , when you posted , it bumped it back to the top and it cant die that way. Not trying to ruffle your feathers , just having a little fun.

Haha you have a very good point, I did just help feed this argument I'm speaking against. And some of these posts are indeed laughable. Oh well, gives us something to read while we're sitting on the toilet with no new hunting magazines to read.


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Haha. All in good fun brother. Thing is some of us lurk here all year long and its pretty smooth. I learned a month and a half or so from season people pour back to the forum and the craziness begins. I talk most of these pissing matches with a grain of salt because season is near. Good luck this spring brother.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 10:29:33 PM

Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 10:06:09 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 09:56:13 PM

Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on February 19, 2020, 08:45:45 PM
Man this thread simply will not die. I'll say it again, hunt the way that gives you enjoyment as long as you're abiding by the law. After all, turkey hunting is supposed to be fun, that's the whole point. If it wasn't none of us would do it. If some choose to make the hunt more difficult because you feel more accomplished in doing it a certain way, that's fine. But that doesn't mean your rules apply to every turkey hunter in the , and nobody should look down on another for playing by different rules. Yes, I've killed turkeys over decoys. I've killed the majority of my birds calling them to my gun in the timber. Yes, personally I get more enjoyment out of having a conversation with the bird and making him hunt for me. Always a big thrill to see that red head and fan easing my way through the woods. But if I run into a situation where the best tactic calls for a decoy, then I deploy that strategy in order to kill my bird. I'm a turkey hunter, that's what I do; kill turkeys. Don't much care what others think of it, I hunt for my enjoyment, not someone else's.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hahaha. Im kind of enjoying it. Passes time until season. By the way , when you posted , it bumped it back to the top and it cant die that way. Not trying to ruffle your feathers , just having a little fun.

Haha you have a very good point, I did just help feed this argument I'm speaking against. And some of these posts are indeed laughable. Oh well, gives us something to read while we're sitting on the toilet with no new hunting magazines to read.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Haha. All in good fun brother. Thing is some of us lurk here all year long and its pretty smooth. I learned a month and a half or so from season people pour back to the forum and the craziness begins. I talk most of these pissing matches with a grain of salt because season is near. Good luck this spring brother.

I know what you mean. Good luck to you as well my friend.


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Well, I am not hunting in my buckskin clothing with a black powder "scatter-gun," with a box call I made with my knife and a piece of wood.

I am using a modern turkey vest, with modern ammunition, in a modern shotgun with modern choking, using modern calls.

But even modern made "traditional calls" are made with modern machinery and some degree of improved technology and sophistication.

Clothing and vests certainly make hunting more convenient and comfortable.  I can remain dry and comfortable under much more severe conditions than even 10-20 years ago...  I have no intentions of going traditional in this aspect.

I do occasionally hunt over a decoy (or two), but my preference is to avoid the hassle; I feel the same about a blind.  I enjoy fooling birds, and immensely enjoy the interaction of calling birds in.  I take friends hunting, and the excitement for them is getting a bird in range and harvesting it (they could care less who is calling).

While there is a satisfaction of calling in that big ol' tom to nothing but a call, it is a different experience than having a bird rush in to decoys...  I have enjoyed both experiences.

I have tried to resist adding fuel to the fire, but sometimes it's too far gone to save and you just realize it's easier to rebuild if you just let it burn completely out. when you get to that point it's just fun to watch. You learn pretty quickly who you'd want to share a hunt camp with.

What I have determined through this thread is a confirmation of why I don't like labels. People typical use labels as a judgemental exercise, to either hold one's self above others or to diminish others below them. Typical some form of low self -esteem is involved. Go ahead and throw your mud at me if you feel you must, it'll only support my thoughts. I've already been insulted and attacked over post and one more won't matter.

So i decided I am not a traditional turkey hunter and don't care to ever be. When I'm in a duel with a boss gobbler I will consider all tactics and choose to use some and some I will not, but everything is on the table. I'm not going to call the "tradition police" to see if it's ok, it's like  a verse from an old song, "sometimes a girl (guy in this case) just wants to have fun"

Quote from: eggshell on February 20, 2020, 07:20:44 AM
I have tried to resist adding fuel to the fire, but sometimes it's too far gone to save and you just realize it's easier to rebuild if you just let it burn completely out. when you get to that point it's just fun to watch. You learn pretty quickly who you'd want to share a hunt camp with.

What I have determined through this thread is a confirmation of why I don't like labels. People typical use labels as a judgemental exercise, to either hold one's self above others or to diminish others below them. Typical some form of low self -esteem is involved. Go ahead and throw your mud at me if you feel you must, it'll only support my thoughts. I've already been insulted and attacked over post and one more won't matter.

So i decided I am not a traditional turkey hunter and don't care to ever be. When I'm in a duel with a boss gobbler it's a form of war and the object is to kill the critter. I will consider all tactics and choose to use some and some I will not, but everything is on the table. I'm not going to call the "tradition police" to see if it's ok, it's like  a verse from an old song, "sometimes a girl (guy in this case) just wants to have fun"

The turkeys ain't got no guns man. It's not a "form of war".

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:39:52 PM

Quote from: renegade19 on February 19, 2020, 07:18:12 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:00:53 PM
Boy , I see there are more thinned skinned people showing up around here lately. Hope they all get there participation trophies. If you cannot handle peoples opinions on a internet forum and it makes you want to stop coming and posting on them because you wittle feelings get hurt then you need some help.

If you're referring to me
1.  I been around a long time
2.  I hunt "traditional"
3.  My wittle feelings weren't hurt I just don't like jerks telling other people that they're less of a hunter or sportsman because they hunt differently.
4.  If your state lets you hunt deer over feeders, bait, mineral blocks, with dogs, or any other means that it takes you to kill one, I don't believe in that either but you do you if you want to.  I won't tell you that I think you're a pathetic deer hunter and you couldn't kill a trophy free range whitetail no matter how many days you spent in the woods.
5.  I think it absurd to pay someone to guide you to kill a deer or a turkey but that's just my opinion and I'm a hypocrite cause I did pay a tarpon fishing guide one time. 
6.  I'll see myself out now.  Good hunting!
[/quote



First of all I must have hit a nerve with you. If the shoe fits , wear it. Its a public forum dude. We can all agree to disagree. I have been here a long time and I have never seen so many people whining about what someone else says. The thing is , is we are all here giving opinions. Thats what a forum is. A bunch of people sharing there opinions. Its sad when someone feels so offended , talks about leaving for being offended and then continues to post on the topic. I hunt the way I hunt and you hunt the way you hunt. Who cares. Its all about opinions.

Nah, you didn't hit a nerve and we're all good.  Your points are 100% on and that's the thing.  They're all opinions. I'm just voicing mine about some members apparently belittling others because their opinion doesn't match.  Doesn't make either opinion right or wrong, just means they're different.  Don't bully or talk down to someone whose opinion or way of hunting is different than yours.  Disagree all you want, try to make the other see your side but man, treat the others with some respect.

Quote from: renegade19 on February 20, 2020, 10:08:33 AM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:39:52 PM

Quote from: renegade19 on February 19, 2020, 07:18:12 PM

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on February 19, 2020, 07:00:53 PM
Boy , I see there are more thinned skinned people showing up around here lately. Hope they all get there participation trophies. If you cannot handle peoples opinions on a internet forum and it makes you want to stop coming and posting on them because you wittle feelings get hurt then you need some help.

If you're referring to me
1.  I been around a long time
2.  I hunt "traditional"
3.  My wittle feelings weren't hurt I just don't like jerks telling other people that they're less of a hunter or sportsman because they hunt differently.
4.  If your state lets you hunt deer over feeders, bait, mineral blocks, with dogs, or any other means that it takes you to kill one, I don't believe in that either but you do you if you want to.  I won't tell you that I think you're a pathetic deer hunter and you couldn't kill a trophy free range whitetail no matter how many days you spent in the woods.
5.  I think it absurd to pay someone to guide you to kill a deer or a turkey but that's just my opinion and I'm a hypocrite cause I did pay a tarpon fishing guide one time. 
6.  I'll see myself out now.  Good hunting!
[/quote



First of all I must have hit a nerve with you. If the shoe fits , wear it. Its a public forum dude. We can all agree to disagree. I have been here a long time and I have never seen so many people whining about what someone else says. The thing is , is we are all here giving opinions. Thats what a forum is. A bunch of people sharing there opinions. Its sad when someone feels so offended , talks about leaving for being offended and then continues to post on the topic. I hunt the way I hunt and you hunt the way you hunt. Who cares. Its all about opinions.

Nah, you didn't hit a nerve and we're all good.  Your points are 100% on and that's the thing.  They're all opinions. I'm just voicing mine about some members apparently belittling others because their opinion doesn't match.  Doesn't make either opinion right or wrong, just means they're different.  Don't bully or talk down to someone whose opinion or way of hunting is different than yours.  Disagree all you want, try to make the other see your side but man, treat the others with some respect.

I agree with you on that. There is no need to disrespect or belittle anyone. Sometimes things get a little heated around here , but for the most part , its resolved. Brothers bicker and fight but in the end they are still brothers. Good luck this season buddy.

I agree this really needs too stop! If we can just find out who is forcing these people to read upsetting posts then maybe we can end the suffering. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200220/ff4522a89e71b77a9ae5b388994e4a3a.jpg)


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Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 20, 2020, 10:54:06 AM
I agree this really needs too stop! If we can just find out who is forcing these people to read upsetting posts then maybe we can end the suffering. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200220/ff4522a89e71b77a9ae5b388994e4a3a.jpg)


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lol

QuoteThe turkeys ain't got no guns man. It's not a "form of war".

Yeah, I know.....it's just dramatization to reflect the use of strategies and positioning applied to the hunt, not actual conflict.  What I did not think of was that using those terms might offend someone who actually fought in a war. So I apologize to the veterans here and have edited it out of my post. Just a brain fart...a lot of those on this thread.  :)

Quote from: eggshell on February 20, 2020, 12:08:43 PM

QuoteThe turkeys ain't got no guns man. It's not a "form of war".

Yeah, I know.....it's just dramatization to reflect the use of strategies and positioning applied to the hunt, not actual conflict.  What I did not think of was that using those terms might offend someone who actually fought in a war. So I apologize to the veterans here and have edited it out of my post. Just a brain fart...a lot of those on this thread.  :)

.




I fought in 2 conflicts and I am not offended.

Quote from: eggshell on February 20, 2020, 12:08:43 PM

QuoteThe turkeys ain't got no guns man. It's not a "form of war".

Yeah, I know.....it's just dramatization to reflect the use of strategies and positioning applied to the hunt, not actual conflict.  What I did not think of was that using those terms might offend someone who actually fought in a war. So I apologize to the veterans here and have edited it out of my post. Just a brain fart...a lot of those on this thread.  :)

Thanks for the response. It is most definitely a dramatic and strategic sport hunting these great birds, but I would also want to show my respect to those who have actually experienced war. I have at times been worried about being shot at by other hunters, but the turkeys themselves ain't fighting me, they just do what they do and we get to have a good time hunting them.
Good luck this spring

Well, after all of this discussion, I have settled on my position.  I will hunt the way I want to,...and all of you hunt the way you want to.  If they don't match, it's okay (you'll get better at it over time!). 

I do have one question about someone not reading posts that offend them.  Maybe someone can explain to me how a person is supposed to know if a post is going to offend them BEFORE they read it?  ....Just asking....  (imagine many smiley face emoji's here)

The wisdom of Gobblenut......Is there a category for stubborn out farts ? That's actually what I want to be classified under.

Stubborn old fart turkey hunter:

Been at it longer than some have been alive
Tried so many damn "new ideas" you've lost count
Killed turkeys more ways than I remember
Screwed up even more ways
To many aches, pains and senility to chase that bird clear across a valley as far as I can see or hear
Seen enough flopping gobblers one more getting away ain't no big deal
I like to go when I feel like going and I like doing what I do well enough I don't care if I ever learn a new trick
Sometimes a patch of wildflowers is as neat as a gobbler strutting
And most of all I ain't asking anyone if they approve
Some days I just sit and chuckle at  the younguns, thinking to myself don't take yourself so serious
And most of all, when it ain't fun anymore it's time to quit

I do have one question about someone not reading posts that offend them.  Maybe someone can explain to me how a person is supposed to know if a post is going to offend them BEFORE they read it?  ....Just asking....  (imagine many smiley face emoji's here)
[/quote]



Just check the Psychic Hot Line it can tell you how you will feel

Quote from: NCL on February 21, 2020, 10:29:35 AM


I do have one question about someone not reading posts that offend them.  Maybe someone can explain to me how a person is supposed to know if a post is going to offend them BEFORE they read it?  ....Just asking....  (imagine many smiley face emoji's here)

Just check the Psychic Hot Line it can tell you how you will feel
[/quote]
If you know from past experience a thread title  such as "Traditional Turkey hunting" hurts your feelings why not avoid the thread? If you've already posted your sensitive feelings more than once on the thread continuing to read the new posts in the thread will more than likely cause you more suffering so why do it? If you know someone's posts normally cause you butt pain why read that persons posts? Not really a hard concept to understand....hope you now understand and the pain was not too bad lol.

Quote from: eggshell on February 20, 2020, 07:17:01 PM
The wisdom of Gobblenut......Is there a category for stubborn out farts ? That's actually what I want to be classified under.

Stubborn old fart turkey hunter:

Been at it longer than some have been alive
Tried so many damn "new ideas" you've lost count
Killed turkeys more ways than I remember
Screwed up even more ways
To many aches, pains and senility to chase that bird clear across a valley as far as I can see or hear
Seen enough flopping gobblers one more getting away ain't no big deal
I like to go when I feel like going and I like doing what I do well enough I don't care if I ever learn a new trick
Sometimes a patch of wildflowers is as neat as a gobbler strutting
And most of all I ain't asking anyone if they approve
Some days I just sit and chuckle at  the younguns, thinking to myself don't take yourself so serious
And most of all, when it ain't fun anymore it's time to quit

This right here pretty much sums it up. Need a little more of keep your business in your own blind or tree whichever you like. Bubba

I am a Traditional Turkey Hunter and take pride in being one. I apologize if I offended anyone with this post it was not my intention. Let's put it to roost...   

Quote from: King Cobra on February 21, 2020, 01:27:49 PM
I am a Traditional Turkey Hunter and take pride in being one. I apologize if I offended anyone with this post it was not my intention. Let's put it to roost...

No need to apologize it was a legitimate subject. You will find out if you haven't already someone somewhere somehow will be offended no matter what is posted.

If you read Henry Davis, Simon Everette and Tom Turpin's books, those traditional hunters went to some extreme measures. Baiting, roost shooting and bushwacking was not unheard of in their day. Some even carried a rifle and a shotgun!! Those, along with the market hunters , liked to have wiped them out!

Quote from: eggshell on February 20, 2020, 07:17:01 PM
The wisdom of Gobblenut......Is there a category for stubborn out farts ? That's actually what I want to be classified under.

Stubborn old fart turkey hunter:

Been at it longer than some have been alive
Tried so many damn "new ideas" you've lost count
Killed turkeys more ways than I remember
Screwed up even more ways
To many aches, pains and senility to chase that bird clear across a valley as far as I can see or hear
Seen enough flopping gobblers one more getting away ain't no big deal
I like to go when I feel like going and I like doing what I do well enough I don't care if I ever learn a new trick
Sometimes a patch of wildflowers is as neat as a gobbler strutting
And most of all I ain't asking anyone if they approve
Some days I just sit and chuckle at  the younguns, thinking to myself don't take yourself so serious
And most of all, when it ain't fun anymore it's time to quit

I refuse to admit I'm old for now, but I will admit that I fart