With all the would you or not threads it got me thinking. We've all had the guy drive up to the gate or turnoff right behind you and have probably been beat to a spot a time or two. What about blatantly trying to follow another hunter to a spot?
Last season I was tent camping in a RV type camp ground. It cost a few dollars to camp but was a better option as I felt the chance of thievery would be less in a campground with people all around. I was there couple days before the opener scouting. I noticed the inhabitants of the RV park did not wave or speak but only mean mugged when I drove thru. Out of state plates sometimes does that. Most of the campers were older people that were not hunters. After opening day I figured out who the hunters were because they were wearing Camo. Two days of scouting and an uneventful opening day I noticed I was up and leaving well before anyone else was up? Second day I killed a Gobbler at 9:30. I cleaned the Gobbler on a picnic table next to the tent, only option. I noticed the camo gang already into the beer at 11am watching with open mouth stares. I could only shoot one a day so did not hunt the pm. But two of the "hunters". drove up and asked "were you huntin" I said I don't remember lol. One asked specifics "U hunting the WMA or NF?" I said U should know better than to ask.
Well I figured what was next at 3am I was up and gone. Fortunately I killed another Gobbler off the limb. I got it cleaned before the mouth breathers got back.
Next morning 3am both of the curious campers were in their trucks as I pulled out. I had a 20 min drive and daylight was about 6:30? Both trucks pulled out with me but the public land was in that direction. The closer I was getting to my turn off I realized these clowns are following me. I drove past my turn off a few miles and took a turn into the NF drove a while and parked in a random turn off. Both trucks passed me and kept going. I got out and waited for daylight, place was a bust. I left.
Next morning I was gone at 2 am and drove to another area. On the way back I drove to the random spot and there was the red Z71 in the same spot I parked the day before lol.
Anyone deal with this level of desperation?
That has happened a lot on public duck hunts, I have had people drive up as I was getting out of my truck and ask which way Iwas going more than once. I usually point in the oopposite direction I want to go and they will say that's where I wanted to go, so I'll say fine have it your way
I love turkey hunting but not enough to get up at 2 or 3 am to follow another hunter to a spot. Lord have mercy.
Yes, I have dealt with it before. Fortunately i live in the mountains and where i park is only half the battle. Once they figure that out they loose interest pretty quick. But that observation is parallel to society in general anymore. Everyone is out for themselves and themselves only. No one cares about who they hurt or ruin on as long as they get what they want. Want to mess around with some other guys wife? Go for it. Want to lie about someone to get yourself ahead? No big deal. I am not surprised to see the attitude pop over to the hunting world at all. That's why I have been practicing social distancing before it was cool.
Quote from: TonyTurk on March 20, 2020, 01:51:59 PM
I love turkey hunting but not enough to get up at 2 or 3 am to follow another hunter to a spot. Lord have mercy.
x2 ... i would just go to Kroger and buy turkey , if they ever get anymore in stock..
Over the years I have had many encounters with folks that were looking for advice on where to go and/or how to go about turkey hunting in an area I was hunting. Short of taking them by the hand and leading them to birds, I will invariably try to give them the best advice I can on how to go about it. I have yet to have a negative encounter with those folks other than them expressing their sincere appreciation for the help with smiles on their faces. Go figure....
Common practice for me to be up at 3 am when hunting private land in Mississippi. For those in states who don't have to deal with hunting clubs, be thankful. For those who live in states with hunting clubs, you know what I'm taking about. First to the sign out board gets the best place to hunt.
Witnessed a guy this week use the sign out board to mark his spot the day before, but he wrote down "5:30 AM" opening day. Some folks are just selfish and unethical
Would it be unethical to let the air out of a couple truck tires during the middle of the night. I've heard you can put a little bitty rock between the cover and the valve stem and screw it on enough to slowly leak out the air. I don't get that nervous going to my spots but I'm taking out my daughter to the WMA youth in the morning and I'm nervous people are going to be driving up and blowing all kind of calls trying to find birds for next weekend. I found a pair of gobblers out strutting in a cutover all by themselves yesterday but it's close to a main road. I'm hoping they'll fly down in our lap.
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Hunting parked trucks instead of gobbling turkeys is the norm on some big public tracts I hunt. It's sad but a lot of guys know each other there and most know who puts the work in to find them.
I have put cameras on access points to see how much pressure is put on those spots. It's amazing who shows up when certain people know you are not hunting that day. The daily phone interrogations from friends you never hear from for 10 months usually lead to the newest pictures.
I realize it's public but those same guys would be miles away complaining about no turkeys again if not for poaching information. I am happy for the opportunity to hunt some good public ground and really do enjoy the challenge. I don't like to lie but I have learned over 40 years of doing this to be guarded in what information I give out.
I guess some people only hunt in areas with polite friendly people, were it's always sunny and rainbows abound. Some of us hunt in the real world go figure.
There was just a few years ago an old man on this very forum advising a new hunter about finding spots. His advice was to not even bother hunting opening morning but to drive thru the area he was going to hunt and make notes of were everyone parked and then go back and hunt these spots, making sure to be there extra early to beat the other guy? He went on to say that was his preferred tactic. I also know for a fact this old man hasn't killed a Gobbler in several years lol.
Have never really seen it turkey hunting, one time on a public pheasant hunt I walked up to a line, at the front of the line were buckets and chairs with names on them.
I walked to the front of them and kicked one aside, the rest of the line soon followed!
In Louisiana and I'm sure its common in Mississippi too , on public land your. Biggest competition are locals, they know the roads k ow the land and they are good woodsmen. They will get. Between you and what you think is your gobbler, they will kill him coming to your calls or spook him by accident
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 04:08:20 PM
I guess some people only hunt in areas with polite friendly people, were it's always sunny and rainbows abound. Some of us hunt in the real world go figure.
There was just a few years ago an old man on this very forum advising a new hunter about finding spots. His advice was to not even bother hunting opening morning but to drive thru the area he was going to hunt and make notes of were everyone parked and then go back and hunt these spots, making sure to be there extra early to beat the other guy? He went on to say that was his preferred tactic. I also know for a fact this old man hasn't killed a Gobbler in several years lol.
You don't know a thing about me, but I have learned quite a bit about you.
Sounds like the op needs to find a new place to camp.
Hate to say it, but several Ark guys have doing the same and worse where I hunt in SE Missouri. Not a problem for 25 years, but the last 3 have been bad.
If you think it was bad before, I imagine it will be worse this season, with a lot of hunters simply looking to fill the freezer... By any means possible.
Buying meat right now is challenging, and while I normally share about half the meat I get, we will be keeping all of it this season.
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Definitely trying to follow someone to their hunting spot.
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Definitely trying to follow someone to their hunting spot.
I agree... :icon_thumright:
Quote from: Fullfan on March 20, 2020, 05:51:55 PM
Hate to say it, but several Ark guys have doing the same and worse where I hunt in SE Missouri. Not a problem for 25 years, but the last 3 have been bad.
I've often dreamed of landing a job in Arkansas. They must have vacation laws similar to some countries in Europe. I've never seen groups of folks who come in droves like they do. Homochitto NF gets ransacked by Arkansas tags first couple weeks of Mississippi season, then they disappear....(hunting the Arkansas season).... then they march on Missouri like a full on invasion!
Southern Missouri gets hit hard!
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Definitely trying to follow someone to their hunting spot.
OMG La, now your getting PC correction messages. This term is used to show reverence and respect to someone that has wisdom. Doesn't bother me to be called an old man. Get a LIFE guys.
Quote from: Jstocks on March 20, 2020, 10:31:03 PM
Quote from: Fullfan on March 20, 2020, 05:51:55 PM
Hate to say it, but several Ark guys have doing the same and worse where I hunt in SE Missouri. Not a problem for 25 years, but the last 3 have been bad.
I've often dreamed of landing a job in Arkansas. They must have vacation laws similar to some countries in Europe. I've never seen groups of folks who come in droves like they do. Homochitto NF gets ransacked by Arkansas tags first couple weeks of Mississippi season, then they disappear....(hunting the Arkansas season).... then they march on Missouri like a full on invasion!
Yes sir and it seems like on only the Arkansas hunters. Last year I met 2 young guys from Miss. Said they saw my rig parked at a log landing. Latter they told me they were taught better than to walk in where someone was parked. Very nice young men no doubt. Now the Arkansas crew drives past out camp and parks 100yds from out tent.
Southern Missouri gets hit hard!
Quote from: bbcoach on March 21, 2020, 07:48:21 AM
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Definitely trying to follow someone to their hunting spot.
OMG La, now your getting PC correction messages. This term is used to show reverence and respect to someone that has wisdom. Doesn't bother me to be called an old man. Get a LIFE guys.
Well he's from Louisiana so you kinda have to expect that.
I'd never follow someone. That's actually dangerous given the number of accidental shootings in the turkey woods.
All the guys I hunt with on private land are respectful and we give each other plenty of space. If a guy want to hunt a particular spot I can say it's never been an issue.
On public land if someone were trying to follow me my bet is they'd give up after the first mile and a few hill climbs.
I hiked in 2 miles this morning. If you want to park by my truck go ahead.
My experience has always been positive. Even talked too guys I've never met at the trucks to discuss where we're going so we don't step on each other.
I'm sure I'll have some negative experiences sooner or later but been luck so far.
Situations like that are why I ride my bike, or walk 2 to 3 miles back into the woods. I don't like uninvited guests, so I put in the extra effort to leave the Wally's behind. Most people are too lazy to put in the effort, especially if they follow you to your parking area because they can't even scout on their own. ::)
Go the extra effort and distance, it pays dividends!! ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/a8U6PqJ.jpg)
Quote from: bbcoach on March 21, 2020, 07:48:21 AM
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
Definitely trying to follow someone to their hunting spot.
OMG La, now your getting PC correction messages. This term is used to show reverence and respect to someone that has wisdom. Doesn't bother me to be called an old man. Get a LIFE guys.
. You fellas apparently where raised differently then me . If You call a gentleman a old man around my parts , you May leave with a fat lip .
Or vice versa.. :TooFunny: .Breathe and lighten up...
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 21, 2020, 04:12:55 PM
Or vice versa.. :TooFunny: .Breathe and lighten up...
. Lol , maybe I'm just a little uptight because I missed a big gobbler this am . I haven't missed one in many years . I reckon I was past due ... :OGani: :OGani:
Quote from: Howie g on March 21, 2020, 04:29:31 PM
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 21, 2020, 04:12:55 PM
Or vice versa.. :TooFunny: .Breathe and lighten up...
. Lol , maybe I'm just a little uptight because I missed a big gobbler this am . I haven't missed one in many years . I reckon I was past due ... :OGani: :OGani:
It happens. You'll get him tomorrow. Look at the bright side you still get to hunt that way and don't have to clean anything when you get home. Lol..
I have not really dealt with too many turkey hunting antics... I have always avoided heavily hunted public areas, or am hunting private land.
I have witnessed horrible behavior with duck hunters...
Watched a guy block the boat ramp with his truck (only 17 permits given for the ramp). He launched, completely blocked the ramp, and took off to hunt (so that no other hunters could launch)... What he did not anticipate was another hunter pushing the truck off the ramp with his own truck... I would guess with some body damage and trailer damage. Hopefully a hard-learned lesson, and I doubt anyone turned in the guy that used his truck as a "bulldozer."
I have had guys set up on my decoy spread... And proceed to tell me "there is plenty of room here."
I have seen and heard of fist fights breaking out over spots, and know of one group of pretty bad dudes muscling other hunters off of good locations (threatening violence).
Every year it seems I catch guys from southern states poaching and road hunting. Guys from AR are especially bad. So much so the game warden says he has more issues with them than any other state. I will say last year it was 2 guys from MS I caught that had poached a bird. Year before that tresspassers from AR. I ran them off in the morning and they shot a bird from the truck that afternoon with me in my driveway. Ive had guys from GA, more from AR, etc. And I only have 800 yds of road frontage.
Quote from: Howie g on March 21, 2020, 04:29:31 PM
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 21, 2020, 04:12:55 PM
Or vice versa.. :TooFunny: .Breathe and lighten up...
. Lol , maybe I'm just a little uptight because I missed a big gobbler this am . I haven't missed one in many years . I reckon I was past due ... :OGani: :OGani:
We've ALL been there, if you haven't it's only a matter of time. Get back after him tomorrow. Good Luck the rest of the season. From the Old Man.
Quote from: Howie g on March 21, 2020, 03:44:54 PM
Quote from: bbcoach on March 21, 2020, 07:48:21 AM
Quote from: LaLongbeard on March 20, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: Howie g on March 20, 2020, 09:09:52 PM
Hmmm , what's more disrespectful. Following a turkey hunter to " his " spot, or calling someone a "old man " ??
. You fellas apparently where raised differently then me . If You call a gentleman a old man around my parts , you May leave with a fat lip .
What parts are those? Every part of La I've been too it's more talking than doing of anything including handing out fat lips lol.
I reside around the miss / Lou area . Where men still put a little shape in the ball caps , fear God and respect there elders
I've dealt with varying levels of what you have described at my hunting club---but mostly deer hunting. I realized years ago after regularly killing trophy bucks each season that other members we watching my every move. There would be ladder stands put up overnight in the general area of the scope of woods where my truck was parked. Now, out of habit , I purposely park my truck in a non descript place and then walk back o cut through to where I will actually be hunting.
RutnNStrutn - I have thought about using a bike but I still walk in. I'm not suggesting you do this at all, but one of my most aggravating intrusions was with bike riders. My buddy and I were on our last day of an out-of-state hunt and had one open tag for my buddy. We had a bird pegged from the evening before. we arrived at the NF gate early and started our 1 1/2 mile walk. When we were about 300 yards from our spot two guys rode up from behind on bikes. They stopped and asked where we were headed, I was completely honest and told them where we had a bird located. They looked at each other and took off. Sure enough when we got to the side ridge, there laid their bikes. My buddy was furious and I tried to tell him to calm down, but he wouldn't. All I'll say is they didn't ride those bikes out. Yeah, it's poor behavior, but it's not worth ruining your own happiness over. As we were walking out we heard a distant shot from the ridge. I would have stayed and hunted, but I didn't want an altercation between them and my buddy. When we got to the trucks they were out of state too, (New York in Ky). My buddy never filled his tag. After a couple hours of trying new spots we just came home. I never get out of my mind upset anymore over this, it only steals my joy. If they want it that bad let them have it. Generally I'm very cooperative and share information. If someone pulls in while I'm getting ready I am willing to make an agreement as to who hunts where. I'll even let them have the choice first, I usually find a bird anyway.
man, some of these stories are crazy. i hunt and fish in the Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota tri-state area. never had problems with anyone over anything outdoor related other than the occasional FIB being a bit thickheaded ;)
Quote from: bigriverbum on March 23, 2020, 09:12:59 AM
man, some of these stories are crazy. i hunt and fish in the Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota tri-state area. never had problems with anyone over anything outdoor related other than the occasional FIB being a bit thickheaded ;)
Can't stand FIBs, and I live there.