Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

My hunting buddy and I tried opening day with modifications in our normal routine. We both are mid sixties and have had heart bypasses so have some vulnerability to the virus. We took separate vehicles to our hunting spot. We packed separate lunches rather than eating our traditional lunch at the cafe near our hunting grounds. We tried to social distance as much as we could while strategizing in the woods....that was noisy and difficult. End result it was just not much fun hunting together with these precautions.
I am thinking it may be better for us to go solo. Better because we minimize exposure to each other and better for hunting success. We could stay  in touch on location in case we need assistance like getting a vehicle stuck and such.
Before suggesting this to my buddy, I thought I would see what others that typically hunt with one or two buddies are practicing or planning.

Thanks
GunRunner

My hunting buddy and mentor works maintenance in a hospital which is exposing him to this junk way more than most folks.  If he's even able to take a day off to hunt here once Ohio's season opens in another month or so...I highly doubt we'll be hunting as a team this year.  We may not even make it down to our hunting spot, which is about two hours south, since the folks that own the property are elderly and immune compromised.  This spring will probably turn out to be a bummer for most here in Ohio due to the way the season falls amid this current situation.   I pray that all of us hunters will be able to remain healthy and find a way to enjoy God's great outdoors and hit the woods once season opens here.  Time will tell I suppose.  Good luck to everyone able to get out this spring and God bless.

Kenny Morgan said it best " Turkey Hunting , A one  man game."

Solo.
As always

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on March 25, 2020, 01:08:01 PM
Kenny Morgan said it best " Turkey Hunting , A one  man game."

:icon_thumright:

This I think will give both of you a better hunt, virus or no virus.

If I hunt with someone in the same general area, we call to make sure your safe back at the truck at quitting time, if using separate trucks.

Solo, though I will be mentoring somebody this year.

Mostly solo but with make a couple of outings with my daughter

My hunting buddies bugged out to self quarantine for a month at their deer camp in the heart of Texas ,I ssuddenly have multiple places to roam I might have the whole state to myself. Sounds selfish  :goofball:

Thanks for your responses.

I should clarify a bit. My buddy and I never set up side by side, but we usually go into the same area and many times after the same bird or group of birds but will often set up at least 100 yards apart or more. Sometimes he will go down a different trail or will drop one off and drive around the other side of a block a half mile away or so. But this means communicating in close quarters as we plan our strategy.

Thanks again

GunRunner

Solo for me , that's the way it's been for years . And as far as mentoring someone , i don't know all about that.

Quote from: Greg Massey on March 25, 2020, 02:26:05 PM
Solo for me , that's the way it's been for years . And as far as mentoring someone , i don't know all about that.

He might have a whole new meaning to SirDie...Kidding...Hope not..
I come in contact with people everyday whether I like it(which I don't even without this monkey stew or whatever crap going around) i was told and this was not by a doctor that if you have it without the bad symptoms and are a carrier one way to tell is your sense of smell & taste goes away....Anyone else hear this??

I loved to hunt solo, but it is also great to hunt with a buddy that you can work with and off each other. Going to miss not hunting with dirt road this year cause of this mess, but I always enjoy sitting with him.

Looks like my hunting buddy and I are being delayed this year in getting together at the camp. His wife has lung issues, so it`s more than understandable his caution and her fears. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we`ll be able to get there.

When we do hunt, he`ll go to one area of the 400 or so acres and I`ll go to another. I suppose you`d say it`s solo hunting capped off in the evening with socializing over dinner and a drink with a friend of over 50 years, while watching the twilight set over the pines. Life don`t get much better than that, IMHO.

I always have fun on the rare times that i do hunt with a buddy, but for the most part solo for me.

I hunt solo, so this is the norm for me......be safe....

I normally hunt solo but for several years, I've been calling and mentoring a couple of my buddies a few days of the season.  It is GREAT fun.  It gives us time to catch up and share a passion we all Love.  This season, I'm taking a young man that is 70 years old, that has never killed a bird.  He has hunted for many years but hasn't ever turkey hunted.  I would love for him to have that THRILL, we all experience.   

Mostly solo for me. I feel kinda bad for going solo so much because I have a brother that's 3 years younger than me and loves to turkey hunt too and a dad that's still in the game. I can hunt with my dad and me dictate the hunt but when me and my brother get together, haha it's almost like a race to be out front or which strategy to take. But we do make a couple hunts together deer duck and turkey hunting bc we are so close of friends    But I'm kinda a greedy turkey hunter! I like calling when I want, and moving when and where I want.

With both of you're medical conditions take no chances. Solo!

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 25, 2020, 02:32:35 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on March 25, 2020, 02:26:05 PM
Solo for me , that's the way it's been for years . And as far as mentoring someone , i don't know all about that.

He might have a whole new meaning to SirDie...Kidding...Hope not..
I come in contact with people everyday whether I like it(which I don't even without this monkey stew or whatever crap going around) i was told and this was not by a doctor that if you have it without the bad symptoms and are a carrier one way to tell is your sense of smell & taste goes away....Anyone else hear this??

It is my landlords granddaughter and she lives downstairs anyway so.....

Quote from: GunRunner on March 25, 2020, 01:53:43 PM
Thanks for your responses.

I should clarify a bit. My buddy and I never set up side by side, but we usually go into the same area and many times after the same bird or group of birds but will often set up at least 100 yards apart or more. Sometimes he will go down a different trail or will drop one off and drive around the other side of a block a half mile away or so. But this means communicating in close quarters as we plan our strategy.

Thanks again

GunRunner





if communicating is the issue, you could text if you have cell phone signal or
hand held walkie talkie's if no signal.

For silent communication, you could learn to use those signal flags like on aircraft carriers or there is always Indian sign language.  :smiley-char092:

Used to hunt solo slot and still do on certain occasions but got my son interested in hunting so he's my partner in crime!

Solo 75% of the time. My Dad hunts with me about 25% of the time, but his health is failing, so he either sits in the truck or at camp.

But as long as he wants to go, I will go with him

Quote from: Sir-diealot on March 25, 2020, 05:09:53 PM

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 25, 2020, 02:32:35 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on March 25, 2020, 02:26:05 PM
Solo for me , that's the way it's been for years . And as far as mentoring someone , i don't know all about that.

He might have a whole new meaning to SirDie...Kidding...Hope not..
I come in contact with people everyday whether I like it(which I don't even without this monkey stew or whatever crap going around) i was told and this was not by a doctor that if you have it without the bad symptoms and are a carrier one way to tell is your sense of smell & taste goes away....Anyone else hear this??

It is my landlords granddaughter and she lives downstairs anyway so.....

My comment was about me mentoring someone. 

Quote from: Greg Massey on March 25, 2020, 05:46:11 PM

Quote from: Sir-diealot on March 25, 2020, 05:09:53 PM

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on March 25, 2020, 02:32:35 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on March 25, 2020, 02:26:05 PM
Solo for me , that's the way it's been for years . And as far as mentoring someone , i don't know all about that.

He might have a whole new meaning to SirDie...Kidding...Hope not..
I come in contact with people everyday whether I like it(which I don't even without this monkey stew or whatever crap going around) i was told and this was not by a doctor that if you have it without the bad symptoms and are a carrier one way to tell is your sense of smell & taste goes away....Anyone else hear this??

It is my landlords granddaughter and she lives downstairs anyway so.....

My comment was about me mentoring someone.

Here is exactly what I just sent you when you said something on private message.
"You are only in the quote because I quoted him and he had quoted you, that is the systems fault. I fully understand you were not talking about me bud, we are good."

Nearly always solo.  I move to fast over rough terrain for most to keep up.............

However..........my absolute BEST turkey huntin buddy is my 15 year old daughter and I would hunt with her EVERY DAY if we could.  Occasionally hunt with my brother as well.  But as far as "turkey hunting buddies"..........no.

Mostly solo, I have a buddy I'm mentoring and last week on the ride to our hunt he tells me he has s scratchy throat he worked the elections in dade county the week before.... if we where not already in my truck I would of told him drive your car and follow me . This is something I don't need to play with , no turkey is worth it .


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Quote from: camotoe on March 25, 2020, 05:59:31 PM
Mostly solo, I have a buddy I'm mentoring and last week on the ride to our hunt he tells me he has s scratchy throat he worked the elections in dade county the week before.... if we where not already in my truck I would of told him drive your car and follow me . This is something I don't need to play with , no turkey is worth it .


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Lol..You should of pulled over when he told you that and looked at him and then the back of the truck.  :TooFunny:

I feel it's fun to have a hunting partner. The thing I've noticed is I tend to talk a little more and maybe bring my guard down a little. I feel like I'm on my A game when I'm by myself.

It would be a whole lot easier to stay in the woods the entire day if you have a buddy to keep you company. Also works good for strategy.

My vote is solo... with occasional buddy to maybe help break things up a little.

I like both. When I buddy hunt I do prefer someone that thinks like I do.  Kinda get in a groove that way.  I do enjoy solo hunting to.  I can do everything my way at the time I want. 

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If I am actually hunting I prefer solo. If someone is with me then they are the shooter. Pedro is about the only one that tags along with me but now that he is 16 I have started to gradually kick him off on his own. Not because I dont enjoy hunting with him but because he needs to start learning how to do it by himself. I do occasionally take a friend and his son but honestly if I go out with another serious Turkey hunter my preference is for us to split up and do our thing. We can meet up later after the hunt to tell lies.

I hunt solo with my family a lot. Did it this morning.  We both went where the other was at the edge of gobbler hearing range and we kept each other informed when a bird gobbled.  We did not chase the same bird, but when mine flew down and shut up, I walked back up to the area my bro had heard a single gobble in the morning.  They were tight lipped this morning.

Thanks everyone.

I typically hunt turkeys with my buddy and although we do not set up side by side, we ride together, scout together, strategize on the trail, and each lunch or late breakfast together and then return to the woods for early afternoon hunts.

My original question was related to abandoning these buddy hunting practices and each of us hunting solo because of the COVID-19 virus. Would not be as fun ....but may be the prudent thing to do and I was wondering if others were going alone to avoid contamination.

Thank you,

GunRunner

Question?  What is a hunting buddy?

I normally hunt with someone or calling for them, do a Learn to Hunt, Mentored Hunts, Youth Hunt, hunt with friends and a newbie and started doing a Charity Hunt for a local fundraiser last year and another for this year, and will get a solo hunt in there a time or two. This year is going to be different, a lot of canceled hunts already... Have no idea how the season will go, taking it a week at a time and go from there.


MK M GOBL

Always solo, unless with one of my boys (both are grown now). Only with someone else a couple of times

These days I hunt solo 90% of the time.  I also love to hunt with my best friend.  We've been friends for 48 years and have hunted together for 45 of those years. Turkeys usually die when we get together. Sometimes we hunt side by side and sometimes we hunt a long ways apart on the same property. We've scored at least 12 doubles, hunting both together and separately.  In the years we've hunted together, I think we only missed 3 - 4 turkey seasons, mainly due to business travel. I wish I'd kept track of how many turkeys I've killed when we've been hunting together...it has been a few dozen.  He was there for my lifetime best gobbler and I called in his first double bearded gobbler.

The bacon & eggs victory breakfast we cook on the tailgate after the hunt is a great tradition, as are the adult beverages we enjoy at camp after the hunt.

Jim

Almost always solo. If my son has time, we may hunt together for a morning. My cousin is the only other person to ever witness me killing a gobbler. Mainly because neither wanted to fill a tag. I've also had one buddy I hunted with once and we doubled. For the most part I hunt alone. In years past I've taken several folks who have killed their first bird, those were some of my more memorable hunts. I really enjoy taking someone who is new to turkey hunting. I'm older now and my nieces and nephews are all grown so no youth hunts and none of them are into turkey hunting anyway. These days it's just me and that's okay, does me some good for alone time.

I love hunting solo, that way if the turkey bust I like knowing it was from me blinking and not someone else moving. That being said I have gotten to the age I maybe shouldn't be out state hunting by my self. So I have to keep making up stories to tell the wife. I am meeting someone out there when I get there,It's worked so far.


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solo only

I hunt mostly solo but I do get out a few times a season with my one buddy. We've had pretty good luck hunting together, killed a bunch of doubles.

Quote from: Jroddc on March 26, 2020, 06:43:01 AM
I hunt mostly solo but I do get out a few times a season with my one buddy. We've had pretty good luck hunting together, killed a bunch of doubles.

I'm his buddy and we've had some great luck on doubles. I also hunt most often alone

Quote from: Bowguy on March 26, 2020, 06:46:57 AM

Quote from: Jroddc on March 26, 2020, 06:43:01 AM
I hunt mostly solo but I do get out a few times a season with my one buddy. We've had pretty good luck hunting together, killed a bunch of doubles.

I'm his buddy and we've had some great luck on doubles. I also hunt most often alone. Think we hunted 3-4 times together last year. 2 doubles.




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The other


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It seems there are several sidebar questions being asked here:  One is if we prefer to hunt with others, or if we prefer to hunt alone?  My response to that is that I prefer to hunt alone but will hunt with others if the conditions at hand call for it (good topic for another thread...).  On the other hand, I prefer to go hunting (i.e.,,,go on hunting trips,... with others,...sometimes up to ten of us).

The other questions relate to whether, at this point in time, we should be going out with other people to go hunting, whether we hunt together or separately.  My response to that is if you are certain the individuals you are going to go hunting with have "followed the rules" in terms of limiting their chance of exposure to the virus, then the risk is minimal and I personally would not hesitate to go with them.

However, this spring I will have an "interrogation period" with anybody that I might possibly be going on a hunting trip with.  Anybody that has put themselves in situations that I feel will significantly increase the chance that they have been exposed to the virus, will be monitored closely in terms of close contact.  The "six foot" rule will be strictly adhered to, both in terms of personal contact and also in terms of keeping away from any source of viral contamination they may bring along.  All of the separate vehicles, separated personal items, separated food and food prep, etc. precautions will be applied diligently.

Now, the specific concern expressed about two "old guys" (don't get offended,...I am one myself!) going out together:  If you are certain both of you have taken the prescribed precautions about avoiding exposure, why not go together?  If you are not certain of that,....then don't.

I agree w the above post. If you've both been quarantining it'd hurt nothing to be together. One thing many it seems aren't thinking about is the mail or delivered pkgs. i
Idk if you've ever been or worked at a post office hub but things come from everywhere. Something contaminated could cross contaminate everything.
Take steps to protect yourself there. I'm not at all overly worried, I just want this nonsense to end so I can do things like hit the gym. Other than that my life hasn't actually changed. Think about your mail, deliveries more than a clean partner

I love hunting with my friends. I used to be a solo hunter until I met my buddies. We have some very experienced hunters in our group and it's always so fun to be out in the wild with them. They literally know everything about hunting and nature. Last year we had been to Greece together for a hunting trip, one of them had a hunting property in Greece (https://tranio.com/greece/) in the woods and we stayed there for a week. One of the most interesting experiences of my life.

Quote from: Bowguy on March 27, 2020, 07:04:19 AM
One thing many it seems aren't thinking about is the mail or delivered pkgs. i
Idk if you've ever been or worked at a post office hub but things come from everywhere. Something contaminated could cross contaminate everything.
Think about your mail, deliveries more than a clean partner

Right on.  I have been spraying all deliveries/mail with a disinfectant before touching or bringing into the house.  Unfortunately, my wife has been a bit lax in that regard, even though I have pointed out this very problem.  (I have asked her not to even order anything right now,...but she is a woman after all)

Then again, the insides of packages could also be contaminated,...so we need to spray that, as well. 
....and then again, where the package was left in the mail box or on the doorstep might be contaminated, so that needs to be sprayed.... 
....and then again, where the delivery man (or anybody else) walked up to the house could be contaminated,...or I could get the virus on the bottom of my shoes just walking around, so I need to spray those every time I leave,...and then re-enter,... the house, as well...

Seems we need to spray everything all the time.  When you think about all the possibilities of where we might pick it up, it kind of gives you that "why bother?" feeling inside.... (although I am doing my best to "bother")

First timers, mainly kids, that is the most enjoyable anymore.

But I like it all, hunt with several good friends each year that are turkey slayers and also hunt with some guys that couldn't kill a bird at the market.

Good solo hunts are enjoyable as well!  I just like huntin turkeys!!!

Normally by myself unless taking a youth but as of last year, I hopefully will have my daughter hunting with me for many years to come

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I'm surprised at how many of you hunt solo. I've hunted solo before but like to hunt with a buddy. Like was mentioned I hunt with a friend who is like minded and we think pretty much alike. I have a couple spots I'll hunt solo and feel comfortable. I have several spots that are large rugged areas that I refuse to hunt alone. Something as simple as a sprained ankle could make it a real nightmare to get out.

I like the company on public land but places I worked hard for I like to have all the spoils to myself.

I like the company on public land but places I worked hard for I like to have all the spoils to myself.

Even if I'm hunting with buddies we usually go separate ways.

Turkey hunting was always something I did with my father since I was 13, but I also missed all the seasons I could hunt alone legally (18+) until this one since I did remote forestry work to pay for university that started the same time turkey season did. While I'm still going to go out with my Dad this season, I'll be looking for my first solo bird this year as well.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on March 25, 2020, 01:08:01 PM
Kenny Morgan said it best " Turkey Hunting , A one  man game."

because that's what it is.......turkey hunting is me time. I can hunt with some like minded individuals. My dad for example. hes patient , very quiet, very still....and he can wait it out without blinking an eye for at least 2 hours so you know hes good for a setup. Is he going to hunt all day? nope....is he going to walk 5 miles or more? nope....cant blame him hes 64 years old and hes killed plenty of turkeys so if he cant get one on a morning hunt before 10 oclock at 1 mile or less he just wont , and it doesn't bother him. I refrain from hunting with people unless its their hunt for reasons just like this....When I go with my dad on the rare occasion that I do...its his hunt, not mine. My schedule typically never lines up to be able to go with my friends who are as avid about it as I am....there are some im sure I could hunt with fine, and there are some opportunites that I wish I would of had somebody there with me, but I prefer to primarily hunt by myself.

I fly solo 99% of the time unless one of my sons tag along. 


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Quote from: Spitten and drummen on March 25, 2020, 01:08:01 PM
Kenny Morgan said it best " Turkey Hunting , A one  man game."

Agree
But sure like taking kids out. Other people being at a camp or farm is good though.
Spread out when hunt time comes though.
A few i have hunted with in the past have made me say that quote. They cant sit still, cough or call like crap.
And miss when you finally get a gobbler in. LOL.
I can't force myself to be the first shooter.
I do know that my success rate goes up dramatically when I either hunt alone or am calling the shots of where to set up, when to move or calling to do. 
Do have one good friend that when we go together instead of splitting up gobblers are in trouble.
He is a very good turkey hunter by himself and also one heck of a cook so those times are certainly enjoyed.  :lol:

The funnest, most memorable hunts I have had have been with family and friends.

Besides taking my kids or nephews , I go solo 90 % of the time .  I like going at em at my own pace . 

I'm a solo man. Turkey hunting hunting is a getaway for me. Just Spend the time alone with the Good Lord in creation. Hard to beat for me. Although I do enjoy taking youths and teaching them the craft.

Solo mostly, but I enjoy tag teaming with my dad. The hunt is great but to see how excited my dad gets when we hunt together is priceless. You never know how long you have with them so I enjoy every minute we get to hunt together and the memories I will take with me one day when my hunting partner is no longer around.

I'm going to take my son out, then my nephew. I generally hunt solo, or with my lab.

Mostly solo, I usually have better success solo also.

I prefer to hunt by myself. Once in a while I will hunt with a partner.  Usually calling the bird in for a friend. Tag teaming however can be a very effective trick if you are hunting with someone with experience and knows how to hunt turkeys. Get two really serious experienced turkey hunters together and it can get fun.  Just not for the bird!!

I enjoy both. Teaming up is fun with the comraderie and different ideas and sense of teamwork. Solo is a full on attack of your adversary, one on one serious matter, lol. I enjoy hunting with my wife who is only a couple years in and learning fast as well as my teenage daughter, who is a riot to hang out with. Both are good shooters and follow instructions well. It is more pressure but is so enjoyable. We shot a triple together last year and it was the best day of my life. Cant go wrong either way. Good luck and God Bless. Al Baker

When I kill one by myself, I always think "well that would have been better if I had someone else with me.   And filmed it."   It's hard finding someone to go these days. However, this is blind hunting over decoys on a tiny private piece.  But that's how we grew up hunting with our grandpa, so there is the nostalgia component.  It was most fun killing one with him.  Now I can't get my brother to even go anymore, he'd rather crappie fish. 

All that being said, I'm going to try an out of state, public land, run and gun, solo hunt for the first time. I really wouldn't want anyone else with me for that.  I can go at my own pace, hunt when I feel like it, move when I feel like it, call when I feel like it, and best of all, mess up without any witnesses.

I usually solo hunt, or with my lab.Hunting with other people can put more factors into it.Also, other people can give out hunting spots to other  people, and that's not good. No, it's best to hunt solo, you will have more success, and become good at Turkey hunting,  at a faster rate.

Quote from: Happy on March 25, 2020, 08:08:03 PM
If I am actually hunting I prefer solo. If someone is with me then they are the shooter. Pedro is about the only one that tags along with me but now that he is 16 I have started to gradually kick him off on his own. Not because I dont enjoy hunting with him but because he needs to start learning how to do it by himself. I do occasionally take a friend and his son but honestly if I go out with another serious Turkey hunter my preference is for us to split up and do our thing. We can meet up later after the hunt to tell lies.
You will
get better
, faster, going solo.

Ill