It seems to me there are two types of turkey hunter; "Numbers Guys" and "Experience Guys". Now I am not bashing anyone or the style that many people use, but I'm curious what everyone else's thoughts are.
Numbers Guys:
These guys typically enjoy places out west. They have full strut decoys, fans, shoot 3.5" 12 gauge, and have a minimum of 4 hunting decals on their back glass.
Experience Guys:
These guys will stick to mountains/hardwoods bottoms in the east. Hunting public and/or Pinhoti apparel guaranteed, obsessed with being light weight, willing to sleep in their back seat for a week, and are more than willing to give advice on the benefits of gaiters.
Am I missing anything?
I have numbers and with that experience.
I hunt out west but I archery hunt, so some states open early.
I hunt public, out west and back home.
I use decoys and blinds or not.
Newest gun I have is a '88 11/87 but I've been using my buddies 870 that he bought when he was 17. The 870 was willed to me,both have been made into turkey guns.
I use upland game load #6.
On occasion I use my .410
I have a faded Mathews sticker on my tailgate to hide some damage and rust on my bed.
I sleep in my truck.
I like Fall hunting best.
Don't watch YT.
Taught myself to turkey hunt.
Hunt woods in IL and MO and cut crop fields.
Pasture and crop fields out west, no woods to be seen.
Use old ,worn out camo.
So I guess I'm in between camps? Lol
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I suppose I fall into the "Experience Guys" category since I can answer "Yes" to most of them. ;D
- Prefer mountains/hardwoods bottoms? Yes
- The Hunting Public Apparel? I own a shirt and hoodie
- Obsessed with Being Lightweight? If not filming, I would only carry a shotgun and a mouth call
- Willing to give advice on the benefits of gaiters? I don't wear them or see them as being beneficial
And then you have these guys that Will Primos talks about during the first minute of this video. That would be me
https://www.primos.com/web-series/Season-1/The-TRUTH-Episode-10
I would say you are missing the experience guys who dont own a lick of pinhoti gear, despise flat brim hats and Instagram selfies, don't have stickers on their trucks and just flat out enjoy hunting challenging turkeys. Just some camo, a turkey call, shotgun and some land with some pressured turkeys is all that's required.
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I just like hunting turkeys. I don't feel I'm either one , at my age I'm still learning , i guess I'm still rookie..
I still haven't hit 30 yet but I would put myself in the experienced (I would call it old fashioned) category without owning THP apparel. I hunt out of a Corolla most days so I really just need a decent spot to park and I'm off. I understand the numbers people with big shells and decoys but I like to think I keep it simple. No matter how you hunt, it's about the chase. Once you pull the trigger, I've found the fun stops.
Must be at least a third type. I don't see myself I'm either one of those two. I don't mind numbers or the experience. I also don't care to much about what others do, or think about what I do. I don't share many pictures or talk about my hunts very much, especially on a public forum. I kill and add to the number, I enjoy the experience of doing so, then repeat.
I thought there were at least four types :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/304872ae9ebcb64558eeda4baf617e74.jpg)
https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/ (https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/)
Must be more than 2 types, I don't fall into either one of those categories.
Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on May 15, 2020, 11:06:33 AM
I thought there were at least four types :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/304872ae9ebcb64558eeda4baf617e74.jpg)
https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/ (https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/)
I feel like I'm a blend of the camper and the performer. Obsessed with the possibility of a silent tom sneaking, or that in the 20 minutes or more since I last called a Tom moved into earshot.
I would see a lot more action if I moved more than I do.
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I was really holding out one category..."The Deniers"
These fine gentleman will claim to be none of the above. While they hold many similarities with previously mentioned camps, they attempt to rise above most common devices. Their passion for the sport is profound, but often hidden from others through a slight heir in their speech. :toothy12:
To the gate hours before the first truck is at the local coffee spot, a pack full of oats n' honey snack bars, 5 miles was either a work day or a spent shell, and they typically have that one piece of equipment that reminds them of simpler times.
:TooFunny:
Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on May 15, 2020, 11:06:33 AM
I thought there were at least four types :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/304872ae9ebcb64558eeda4baf617e74.jpg)
https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/ (https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/)
Now that is awesome! I've always liked the art work that F&S has.
No hard feelings toward the deniers...That is the category I placed myself too. I used to have decoys, but figured out they slowed me down. I used to shoot 3.5", but came to the conclusion that they were giving me a false sense of security that made me take questionable shots. I did have a pinhoti hat, but it started to fade and I get free hats from work that do just fine. I also don't really care how many birds I get in a year. I have slowly came to the point where I am happier with helping others kill birds.
Quote from: Remturkey on May 15, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
And then you have these guys that Will Primos talks about during the first minute of this video. That would be me
https://www.primos.com/web-series/Season-1/The-TRUTH-Episode-10
All the Primos guys fit directly into the Numbers guys.
You're actually missing a lot. The evolution of a hunter, or fisherman for that matter is step one, I wanna get something. Step 2, I want a limit, some guys never leave this stage. Step 3-4 are interchangeable. One is a trophy stage, I want the biggest bird, or I want a certain type, they self challenge themselves. Next is another self limiting type guy, it's an equipment handicap. They use real small guns or bows, maybe stykbow or muzzleloaders. Even among those they're are dif types. Imagine a trad guy using wood or bamboo arrows, stone points and bows they made themself.
Calls, perhaps they want the "best", perhaps they only wish to use something they made.
They are looking to equipment to add challenge.
I don't think going out west has any bearing on it.
Fellows that turn around n teach they say have gone full circle. To them, they're looking to pass it down. Their success is in hooking/helping a newby.
Now you have types that hunt and have limited time, they often kill anything just because they're so limited.
I could go on but there's way more than 2 types
I started hunting the hardwoods of the east on public land.
Obtained a lot of permissions on private farms by a handshake and a Dunkin Donuts gift card
Never have and never will pay for hunting, fishing or a lady of the night.
I've been at it almost 30 years and always fill my tags.
Never have and never will have stickers in my windows, that includes sports teams. I only look up to Jesus.
Shot birds with bows, crossbows, .410-12 3.5" lead/HS/TSS, prefer the 12 870.
I carry two pot calls, three strikers and my cellphone in a small pelican box.
Never wore gaiters, even on WIHA Florida.
Shot most birds wearing green or brown carhartt pants and a camo top.
Not against patterning birds and jumping in a blind with decoys, fanning or good ole run-gun.
Never owned or used a crow call or owl hooter, voice gets it done
I don't believe in trophy turkeys, hard to tell what is coming in if its a 2 yo or 5 yo.
I am not above shooting jakes, although I've only shot 6 of them for 10% of my take.
Get as much enjoyment taking others out to shoot birds either in the hardwoods, blind, or reaping. AFTER I shot my two though.
All of the above is "A" way, not "THE" way..
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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SO MUCH THIS!!! Very well said. :z-winnersmiley:
Thought it was just the ones that kill them and the ones that don't.
Quote from: DUCKDIGGLER on May 15, 2020, 01:20:19 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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SO MUCH THIS!!! Very well said. :z-winnersmiley:
Agreed, very well said. Sounds like several guys I know on here. ;)
Great thread. There are many categories of hunters. Me, it's simple. I am so passionate about turkey hunting, the only other passion that is higher is my wife. I start every hunt out stopping in the woods, looking up and thanking the lord for this great opportunity. Every time I am lucky at the harvest, I stop, look up and thank him. It's that simple. And yes, I anticipate opening day like a child walking down to the tree Christmas Day. On my last hunt each spring, I stop in the woods before leaving and give thanks again. Finally, when I am cleaning my turkey guns, putting up my gear and recording the memories, I get Turkey withdrawal knowing I have months before we start over again. We all share this great passion in our own way, it's that thundering gobble that lights the fire in all of us. Amen my brothers and sisters......be well.
bonasa and davisd9 combo is me. I enjoy helping others kill birds - especially noobs that are family or good friends. I have not filled a tag a few years working so hard for daughter or son to kill one that I never raised my gun on a bird that was in my range, but not theirs. No regrets. I can go buy one at the store if I just have to have a bird.
Had an awesome year and was the direct cause of the death of 4 toms, but only pulled the trigger on one. I am totally content with that.
I would rather kill a bird my way, on my terms, than go against what I consider fair chase. I do not expect or condemn others with different opinions-as long as they are legal AND ethical. Legally, you can drive around me parking at a dead end and try to beat me to the roosted bird, but that ain't ethical. Make no mistake, I want to tote out a bird as bad as the next guy, but it has to be by my rules. The object is to kill a Tom, but it is not the end all be all.
Turkey hunting is something I love in the spring, but I also like ducks in the fall and fishing the rest of the year. Although I am somewhat long in the tooth, I have not been at it that long. I still enjoy the challenge and learning on every hunt and every season. There are old dogs that can teach me as well as young pups. And I am happy to share what I have figured out too with others. I will not be lectured to unless I ask. If you don't like my rules, make your own. I don't care.
I have also learned this is a great site with some awesome folks. And the very few that irritate me, I just ignore and all is good. Have fun and be safe.
Had to think about this topic a bit. Conclusion: there are a lot more "divisions" of turkey hunters than just two. However, sticking to that concept, to me there are two fundamental types of turkey hunters. There are "dedicated" turkey hunters,...and there are "casual" turkey hunters.
Many, if not most, here on OG probably fall into the "dedicated" classification. We are students of our passion, spending the time necessary to perfect our skills in all of the various disciplines of the art,...shooting, calling, woodsmanship, and knowledge of the biology, habits, and habitats of our quarry. In addition, we allot the time necessary to "know" our turkey woods and be prepared for when the time comes to actually go hunting.
Those that fall into the "casual" classification have not been "bitten by the turkey hunting bug", so to speak. That could be due to lack of interest, or lack of adequate experience. Either way, those folks just do not take the time needed in one or more of the "disciplines" of turkey hunting to have long-term, steady success at it. Turkey hunting to them is a "pastime", not a "passion".
To me, the "dedicated" classification can be broken down into many sub-categories,...some of which have been hit upon by others,...some, not so much.
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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Excellent post, unlike the thread starter's.
What does "out West" have to do with anything?
I think we all like to fill tags. Here in NY we are limited 2 spring,1 fall. If your into numbers you have to hit the road. Myself I prefer hardwoods hunting, hills valleys or bottoms does not matter. But at my age them hills are getting harder. That said i love the experience of any good safe turkey hunt like the one i had last week that the bird circled and came in spitting and drumming from behind. And i closed the deal. Making memories! Good luck and safe hunting!
I'm between.
Don't fence me in
Some really good posts on this thread and enjoyed reading all of them. I would just say the types are endless and while each of us may have similarities in these types we really are each individual in our own way. If you hunt legally and ethically then your way of hunting turkeys is what you determine for yourself. Everyone gains satisfaction from their hunts in different ways and that is ok. IMHO i don't believe their is a right or a wrong way as long as it is done legally and ethically.
I think there needs to be a square root involved. And the whole ethical thing opens a whole other can of worms.
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There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
Quote from: RaspyD on May 15, 2020, 06:24:08 PM
There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
A lot of truth to that too.
Quote from: PharmHunter on May 15, 2020, 02:54:40 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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Excellent post, unlike the thread starter's.
Seriously? :help:
I just wrote that I typically see 2 (but really 3) types of hunter...of course there are some minor variations, but there ain't a dang thing wrong with either one...if you took some offense, you need to get that chip off your shoulder.
Quote from: warrent423 on May 15, 2020, 03:33:23 PM
Quote from: Spurs on May 15, 2020, 09:45:30 AM
It seems to me there are two types of turkey hunter; "Numbers Guys" and "Experience Guys". Now I am not bashing anyone or the style that many people use, but I'm curious what everyone else's thoughts are.
Numbers Guys:
These guys typically enjoy places out west. They have full strut decoys, fans, shoot 3.5" 12 gauge, and have a minimum of 4 hunting decals on their back glass.
Experience Guys:
These guys will stick to mountains/hardwoods bottoms in the east. Hunting public and/or Pinhoti apparel guaranteed, obsessed with being light weight, willing to sleep in their back seat for a week, and are more than willing to give advice on the benefits of gaiters.
Am I missing anything?
These two types cover the new age social media fags, where is the category for the real deal, old school Turkey Hunters. That would be the "type" I would associate myself with.
This kinda puts some more clarity into what I was getting at...that's the greater population within the turkey hunting world at this time.
Quote from: Hobbes on May 15, 2020, 03:24:13 PM
What does "out West" have to do with anything?
It means that most guys who want to kill numbers go to places like Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, etc for more cooperative birds. Don't get me wrong at all, I prefer the hardwoods mountains, but I can't wait to get out west again.
Quote from: RaspyD on May 15, 2020, 06:24:08 PM
There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^
I could probably write a small book on the differences between the two.
Quote from: DUCKDIGGLER on May 15, 2020, 01:20:19 PM
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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SO MUCH THIS!!! Very well said. :z-winnersmiley:
Thos sums me up to a tee.
Not sure where I fall in these categories, I just know after 40 years of chasing them my eyes still light up just like they did when I yelped up my lst one in sw ms 40 + years ago .
I guess after I'm gone , I hope folks say he sure loved and respected the pursuit...
Quote from: RaspyD on May 15, 2020, 06:24:08 PM
There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
:icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
I enjoy hunting and fooling turkeys on my terms... Those terms can change depending on the year... But in general there has to be a conversational interaction between myself and the turkey at some point...
Not sure where I would fit there, I could care less about numbers, I am just grateful to be able to hunt after losing it for 17 years. Sometimes I bring decoys, this year I have not even taken them out of the closet and the season is half over.
Sometimes I bring a ton of stuff and sometimes I bring very little. (Always a lot of strikers though) This year I have made some fun for myself doing different days, I have done "Tulipwood Tuesday", "Made it Monday" where only calls or strikers I have made come along "Mouthcall Mondays" where I only use diaphragm calls, yelpers or wingbones. and other novel days just for the fun of it. I am going to do "Slate Saturday or Sunday" this weekend I have enough slate calls to make it interesting. I think I may take a box call each day as well.
If I could I would gladly sleep in a vehicle, not in the cards right now, Covid 19 messed that up for me or I would have a van with a bed in the back.
I just want to enjoy the sounds and views of the morning each time it is out, if I get a turkey then that is an added bonus for sure!
I love to hunt turkeys that other guys give up on. I guess I'm hard headed enough to stick with them until one of us gives up.
Don't forget hot Asian chicks-that could be a type of turkey hunter as well, at least I hope so.
Quote from: Southerngobbler on May 15, 2020, 09:54:29 PM
Don't forget hot Asian chicks-that could be a type of turkey hunter as well, at least I hope so.
Hey now
Seriously? :help:
I just wrote that I typically see 2 (but really 3) types of hunter...of course there are some minor variations, but there ain't a dang thing wrong with either one...if you took some offense, you need to get that chip off your shoulder.
I didn't take offense to anything bud, just thought your generalizations were extremely general is all. :icon_thumright:
Does it make a difference either way or anyway?
Doesn't matter what you wear or what you use, or where you hunt.
Enjoy the sport, most importantly
Pass it on.
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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Good post.
Agree with that. To add never minded having a tag left on the last day or if I didn't would sure ask around if someone needed an experienced caller to help them out.
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
....
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Quote from: Remturkey on May 15, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
And then you have these guys that Will Primos talks about during the first minute of this video. That would be me
https://www.primos.com/web-series/Season-1/The-TRUTH-Episode-10
amen to that
I'm totally the performer! I started cracking up just reading the first few sentences. It is true though... I've ran through a series of calls only to get him to gobble at my crystal call.
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Quote from: Rapscallion Vermilion on May 15, 2020, 11:06:33 AM
I thought there were at least four types :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200515/304872ae9ebcb64558eeda4baf617e74.jpg)
https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/ (https://www.fieldandstream.com/four-types-turkey-hunters-youll-encounter-this-spring/)
I aspire to one day be the "old sage", however my lack of patience puts me more into the "go getter" category. Except i won't crawl behind fans or strutter decoys. If I use one its usually just a single hen. But I'm always ready to "go get him" when my patience runs out. Tying to position myself closer or at a different angle and call etc. I've played the tent sitter role when going through my bowhunting phase, and its not really my thing. Although with my 10 year old boy we've sat the blind a time or two this season.
Two types of turkey hunters... Successful, and unsuccessful... I have fallen into both categories... The latter more frequently.
The 2 categories i know of are the ones that worry how everyone else hunts and the ones that hunt how they want and worry about themselves.
There are those who want nothing more than to kill turkeys, turkey killers. Then there are turkey hunters. Turkey killers are about the numbers and are more likely to trespass or crowd property lines!
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
There are those who want nothing more than to kill turkeys, turkey killers. Then there are turkey hunters. Turkey killers are about the numbers and are more likely to trespass or crowd property lines!
Sidetracking the thread just a bit...
Curious as to what the phrase "crowd property lines" means exactly? There's a big difference to me in "trespassing" as opposed to utilizing every square inch of any property I might be confined to hunting. Now, I won't interfere if I know someone else is working a bird on an adjacent property, but I have no qualms whatsoever about calling a bird off of an adjacent property to a place where I can legally kill him,...have done that many times and will continue to do it.
A quick course in wildlife law: wild turkeys (and other wildlife) are publicly-owned resources. Just because a gobbler is on someone's private property does not mean he is "owned" by that person. Unless I know someone is working a gobbler (in which case my personal ethic of not interfering with someone else's hunt is the overriding factor), I will "crowd property lines" all day long to get that gobbler to come across to where I can shoot him.
Quote from: davisd9 on May 15, 2020, 12:54:13 PM
What about the ones that spends all year practicing calling and trying to push themselves to realism. The whole idea of turkey hunting is deeper than just a pursuit or hobby. They like to read books and study not only hunting turkeys, but also the biology and vocalizations of the bird. They converse back and forth with others like them, enjoying each other's friendship and experience they bring to the table. These hunters do not always agree but they respect each other's view and think about it. They like to earn the turkeys they kill and sometimes willing to do what has to be done to kill one within the limits of legality and their personal standards. They do not try to push their standards on others but ask they are respected. They like to tinker with their guns and maybe load shells to help try to help with the anticipation of the season. They really do not get caught up in fan boy stuff or care about what camo is the fashionable thing but what will conceal them best in the areas they hunt. They do not try to be on any pro staff or want to be instafamous. When the season finally arrives they are out to use every tag they have available but mostly look forward to being out in creation and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. They share their hunts with their fellows friends. They share the ups and downs of the season not taking any of it for granted because it is too short and soon will be over. There will be mornings they can barely open their eyes but the thought of not seeing the conversion from night to day scares them so they jump up and get ready. They get home and they are tired but their family is there and the role of husband/father is way more important than the role of turkey hunter so they make the switch with a sleepy smile. When the season is over it takes some time to accept it, but they will remember and cherish the memories while starting the whole thing over waiting on the next spring to come.
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Well put brutha'
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Quote from: RaspyD on May 15, 2020, 06:24:08 PM
There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
Exactly...
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Quote from: GobbleNut on May 17, 2020, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
There are those who want nothing more than to kill turkeys, turkey killers. Then there are turkey hunters. Turkey killers are about the numbers and are more likely to trespass or crowd property lines!
Sidetracking the thread just a bit...
Curious as to what the phrase "crowd property lines" means exactly? There's a big difference to me in "trespassing" as opposed to utilizing every square inch of any property I might be confined to hunting. Now, I won't interfere if I know someone else is working a bird on an adjacent property, but I have no qualms whatsoever about calling a bird off of an adjacent property to a place where I can legally kill him,...have done that many times and will continue to do it.
A quick course in wildlife law: wild turkeys (and other wildlife) are publicly-owned resources. Just because a gobbler is on someone's private property does not mean he is "owned" by that person. Unless I know someone is working a gobbler (in which case my personal ethic of not interfering with someone else's hunt is the overriding factor), I will "crowd property lines" all day long to get that gobbler to come across to where I can shoot him.
When you buy a farm, pay property taxes on it, buy equipment and put the time and money into trying to improve the habitat for hunting, it does annoy me when someone hunts the fence line. Chances are that person hasn't put a dime into anything and just might shoot one through the fence. If he calls the bird over and kills it, there's not a thing I can do. I get that. However, I think the case in point here is that there are turkey killers and ethical turkey hunters. There used to be some decency in this country.
Boy, I wish just once we could have a thread without someone getting all offended....geesh this gets old.
I think anytime you start categorizing people you are going to offend someone and I generally dislike putting anyone into a determined peer group. It invites stereotyping and classifying of people by grouping them into characterizations.
As for me, it depends on what period of my many years you look at. I have fallen into most all of the groups by some determination or other. One thing is true of me for all of the 45+ years I have turkey hunted....I done what I wanted and had fun doing. Sometimes that was trying to get the most the biggest or toughest. Sometimes it was any bird that would work. Sometimes a jake was ok and sometimes it had to be one particular bird. I am a turkey killer, but I enjoy the hunt immensely. I enjoy the woods and spring flowers, I have been know to stop and take a picture of a wild flower while on my way to a gobbler. I have not moved because I didn't want to scare that hooded warbler. I have charged through the woods like a bull elephant to get to a Gobbler and be damned what was in my way. However, in every case I had fun, I would quit if I didn't. I have always respected property lines and other hunters, but by Gosh if I can coax him across the property line he is crossing the line of death. I suppose I am a numbers guys as I know I have killed my limit in my home state at least 20 years in a row. I can't tell you how many total I have killed, so I'm not a counter. what I am is a guy who loves the woods and loves chasing an animal that makes me insane for about two months of the year. I don't fit in a round hole or square hole, I'm more like silly puddy, I can fit in about anywhere.
Quote from: GobbleNut on May 17, 2020, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 01:08:21 PM
There are those who want nothing more than to kill turkeys, turkey killers. Then there are turkey hunters. Turkey killers are about the numbers and are more likely to trespass or crowd property lines!
Sidetracking the thread just a bit...
Curious as to what the phrase "crowd property lines" means exactly? There's a big difference to me in "trespassing" as opposed to utilizing every square inch of any property I might be confined to hunting. Now, I won't interfere if I know someone else is working a bird on an adjacent property, but I have no qualms whatsoever about calling a bird off of an adjacent property to a place where I can legally kill him,...have done that many times and will continue to do it.
A quick course in wildlife law: wild turkeys (and other wildlife) are publicly-owned resources. Just because a gobbler is on someone's private property does not mean he is "owned" by that person. Unless I know someone is working a gobbler (in which case my personal ethic of not interfering with someone else's hunt is the overriding factor), I will "crowd property lines" all day long to get that gobbler to come across to where I can shoot him.
:icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
nothing wrong with calling turkeys over the line, that isn't trespassing.
free range turkeys taste the best and
Don't tread on me
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
When you buy a farm, pay property taxes on it, buy equipment and put the time and money into trying to improve the habitat for hunting, it does annoy me when someone hunts the fence line. Chances are that person hasn't put a dime into anything and just might shoot one through the fence. If he calls the bird over and kills it, there's not a thing I can do. I get that. However, I think the case in point here is that there are turkey killers and ethical turkey hunters. There used to be some decency in this country.
I grew up on a farm and someone in the family has farmed the land for over 100 years. I own my own farm and I manage for wildlife. My family operates over 1200 acres of grain and forest land. Much of it has been managed for wildlife. My ground I live on I have managed for over 30 years for wildlife. I don't do it just so I can kill more( I actually kill very little on my own land) I do it for the wildlife to prosper. I have neighbors who only have small plots and neighbors who let people hunt who camp out right on my lines. I let some people hunt on me, but I don't let it get crowded. All I ask is they get along. I know for a fact my neighbors kill game that came right off my land and I don't give a damn. I have probably killed game that came across theirs, I would rather have good relations and not be at odds with my neighbors. I had a gobbler right by my house all spring and he was usually on my land. I had plans to kill him, but I'm pretty sure the neighbors kid killed him in youth season two days before I could hunt. I was happy for him and simply went and hunted another bird. Why would I begrudge him killing the gobbler just because they called him off my land? Every year I have broods that live off my food plots and we all gain from them. I have no claim to them. I do not consider my neighbors or their friends unethical or of poor character, they would help me in a heart beat. If I can feed and attract game we all benefit, I don't do it for my personal gain.
Eggshell, I hear you loud and clear. I'm with you in so many ways. I have great neighbors and they aren't the problem. Once in a while, they give the wrong guy permission. It only takes one or two.
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
When you buy a farm, pay property taxes on it, buy equipment and put the time and money into trying to improve the habitat for hunting, it does annoy me when someone hunts the fence line. Chances are that person hasn't put a dime into anything and just might shoot one through the fence. If he calls the bird over and kills it, there's not a thing I can do. I get that. However, I think the case in point here is that there are turkey killers and ethical turkey hunters. There used to be some decency in this country.
So if I'm getting this straight calling a wild turkey over a property line and killing it makes me an unethical hunter? It's great to that you have the means to attract animals to your property but they are not yours. You provide habitat to increase the odds in your favor. They come and go as they please. I'm not quite sure how to respond to such an intitled attitude.
We have a difference in opinion of 'entitled'. That's ok.
Quote from: Paulmyr on May 17, 2020, 07:02:57 PM
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
When you buy a farm, pay property taxes on it, buy equipment and put the time and money into trying to improve the habitat for hunting, it does annoy me when someone hunts the fence line. Chances are that person hasn't put a dime into anything and just might shoot one through the fence. If he calls the bird over and kills it, there's not a thing I can do. I get that. However, I think the case in point here is that there are turkey killers and ethical turkey hunters. There used to be some decency in this country.
So if I'm getting this straight calling a wild turkey over a property line and killing it makes me an unethical hunter? It's great to that you have the means to attract animals to your property but they are not yours. You provide habitat to increase the odds in your favor. They come and go as they please. I'm not quite sure how to respond to such an intitled attitude.
I knew intitled didn't look right.
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 07:14:41 PM
We have a difference in opinion of 'entitled'. That's ok.
I'm guessing we have different opinions of ethical as well.
I have called birds off of private onto public and killed them. I have called them off of another piece of private to the private side I have permission to hunt. Many times. Have had birds slip by me gobbling and heard the boom on the next piece of property-several times. They were roosted on the private I have permission. I never gave it much thought. The bird wanted to be on their side that day. I don't know anyone that considers that unethical. Turkeys don't follow property lines and no one owns them.
Shooting onto the other side is illegal, not just unethical.
Back when I deer hunted a guy had a stand right on the line. A couple of times he shot one and called me and we went and got his deer on the property I had permission to hunt. He would have done the same for me.
Quote from: RaspyD on May 15, 2020, 06:24:08 PM
There are turkey hunters and people who hunt turkeys...turkey hunters can tell the difference less than a minute into a conversation.
Yep. The way I see it there's the ones that talk about it and the ones that be about it.
Quote from: shatcher on May 17, 2020, 03:48:54 PM
When you buy a farm, pay property taxes on it, buy equipment and put the time and money into trying to improve the habitat for hunting, it does annoy me when someone hunts the fence line. Chances are that person hasn't put a dime into anything and just might shoot one through the fence. If he calls the bird over and kills it, there's not a thing I can do. I get that. However, I think the case in point here is that there are turkey killers and ethical turkey hunters. There used to be some decency in this country.
There's a neighbor on one of the properties I hunt who thinks he owns all the birds in the area. Guys a real loser to the point he will purposely do things to scare birds when he knows I'm hunting. Made some changes in how I access the property I have permission on so I go unnoticed. Got to watch three die within 60 yards of his fence line this spring. Really enjoyed those hunts.
To put into perspective shooting a bird that came off an adjacent private property that you did not have permission. How is it different that you called the gobbler off that property and shot it, opposed to a bird you shot that you did not know where it came from? My experience gobblers seem to go where they want and if you called him off an adjacent property he probably wanted to go that way in the first place.