So I've hunting turkey's for thirty years in VA. We are a Military family and we are stationed in Biloxi MS. I've driven to some National Forest as far away as four hours. However I didn't hear a bird until last week. They are only gobbling on the limb max 4 times.
Pre season I was limited to scouting with satellite image. Once I put boots on ground I'd cover over six miles or more a day. With very little sign. I was looking at creeks, rivers, and a mixture of trees and cover.
Any help?
How do you find turkeys on public land? Do they normally only gobble on the limb? Are they still with hens?
48 views but no one is commenting?
Thanks for any help.....
Have a read. Some suggestions here.
https://www.google.com/search?q=turkey+hunting+near+Biloxi+MS&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b
:fud: :OGani:
Watch The Hunting Public on youtube. They just did a few episodes on public land in Mississippi and show a simple, but proven method of finding birds in the South East. Got to get out there and just spend time because eventually you will figure them out and then it'll be easy to find birds in the future.
IMO gotta get away from any roads and the people. I think National Forests get hunted too hard and 50% of the time it ain't the best habitat either. Your state has to have more opportunities public land wise. The Hunting Public guys specialize in hunting big pieces of public ground, but you'll notice they hunt LOTS of really small pieces.
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
try driving to the homochitto national forest. should be an hour or so from you in SW Mississippi
Try the Bienville National forest north of Morton. I heard they are gobbling there. Still good on private land I hunt. Got one Saturday morning that must have gobbled 350 times.
Quote from: wchadw on April 25, 2018, 04:38:05 PM
try driving to the homochitto national forest. should be an hour or so from you in SW Mississippi
This
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Quote from: wchadw on April 25, 2018, 04:38:05 PM
try driving to the homochitto national forest. should be an hour or so from you in SW Mississippi
That is where I have been trying to find one. It is like finding a dinosaur.
well, i have 2 suggestions...
1. ask around to friends, co workers, etc about somewhere closer. you would probably be able to find some private or lease land closer where you can hunt. There a lot of hunting camps that most of the members strickly hunt deer that will let you hunt turkeys or they may let you pay a partial membership to only hunt turkeys
2. if your only option is public land as late in the season as it is here in MS you probably won't hear too much gobbling. here google maps i think would be your best bet to locate some birds. try to find a patch of hardwoods with a water source close that is also close to some farm pastures or open areas.
I have been finding gobblers for over 40 years. I believe Promos as well as others have been successful in turning deer hunters into want to be turkey hunters and the Utube videos and decoy manufacturers have turned them into turkey killers. Just ruined a perfectly good sport.
Quote from: silvestris on April 26, 2018, 08:17:54 AM
Quote from: wchadw on April 25, 2018, 04:38:05 PM
try driving to the homochitto national forest. should be an hour or so from you in SW Mississippi
That is where I have been trying to find one. It is like finding a dinosaur.
It's a big national forest and
I haven't hunted that area in 20 years but the area between liberty ms and gloster ms there is a corner of the forest were there was always turkeys. Find the hardwood areas. Good luck
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Thanks for everyone that took time to post. I love the hunting public YouTube channel. The mapping video is what I was trying to do when I was logging in all those miles. I didn't have the time to scout so I hope to start it a whole lot earlier next year. I'll also try for some of the WMA draw hunts.
The Homochitto NF is 4 hour drive, the Bienville NF is a three hour drive. I have been to the Bienville NF and that is where I spent three days hunting without hearing but one gobble one time..... Never could locate where he was using. No fresh sign anywhere..
I'm hoping next year will be different.
I'm still open to any help.
Quote from: silvestris on April 25, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
I know a couple older turkey hunters that have shoe boxes full of beards and spurs and they haven't killed a gobbler in Louisiana in years. I think they are stuck in the 1980's there were lots of turkeys few hunters and expanding populations. They wore the gobblers out back then they have all kinds of stories about limiting out in the first 3 days of the season then driving to Mississippi and getting 3 more in 3 days, calling up groups of two year olds etc etc. Along about the late 90's early 2000's there success ratios took a sharp decline. As the gobblers adapted to the increased pressure and more and more people took up the sport they failed to adapt. One guy in particular told me this season he drove to a spot opening day and heard one gobble one time in a place that had 8-10 gobbling on opening day 1985 I had to laugh I told him this ain't 1985 and if you heard one you were in a good spot lol. I did not hunt the early days when the turkey population was high I learned to hunt pressured birds on public land I'm kinda glad I don't have anything to compare it to. There's some lean times in some of the southeast Mississippi and Louisiana for sure if you cannot learn to adapt you will be left bemoaning the good old days that are long gone. There's still gobblers to be killed even in Homochitto you just ain't gonna cut on a box call and have 3 run up to you waiting to be shot.
Im hunting public in Ct now just shy of 10 miles walked in 2 days. I have 1 located so far. Sometimes its just hard. Be positive, put some miles on & it will happen. Mike
I stayed positive. My season is over goes out 1 May, however I haven't been since last Wednesday do to family.
I spent around 70 hours hunting heard a total of 4 birds 25 gobbles..... That by far is my worst year ever turkey hunting. However this is my first year in MS and hunting 100% public. I will spend all available time locating birds before next spring season. Also put in for draw hunts in WMA's that have higher bird numbers.
However I'm open to any tips that can get me on birds for next year.....
Airborne All They Way!
Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 29, 2018, 09:18:28 AM
Quote from: silvestris on April 25, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
I know a couple older turkey hunters that have shoe boxes full of beards and spurs and they haven't killed a gobbler in Louisiana in years. I think they are stuck in the 1980's there were lots of turkeys few hunters and expanding populations. They wore the gobblers out back then they have all kinds of stories about limiting out in the first 3 days of the season then driving to Mississippi and getting 3 more in 3 days, calling up groups of two year olds etc etc. Along about the late 90's early 2000's there success ratios took a sharp decline. As the gobblers adapted to the increased pressure and more and more people took up the sport they failed to adapt. One guy in particular told me this season he drove to a spot opening day and heard one gobble one time in a place that had 8-10 gobbling on opening day 1985 I had to laugh I told him this ain't 1985 and if you heard one you were in a good spot lol. I did not hunt the early days when the turkey population was high I learned to hunt pressured birds on public land I'm kinda glad I don't have anything to compare it to. There's some lean times in some of the southeast Mississippi and Louisiana for sure if you cannot learn to adapt you will be left bemoaning the good old days that are long gone. There's still gobblers to be killed even in Homochitto you just ain't gonna cut on a box call and have 3 run up to you waiting to be shot.
I totally understand what you are saying. I will adapt however helps to hear them and find fresh sign. I don't need to hear 5 gobbling in one area. Although that would be nice. Just need to hear one to pin point and get after him.
Hopefully this fall and winter will allow more time to scout and try a locate some birds.
Thanks everyone for your comments.
The weather was a big factor this year in MS. Raining and windy every weekend. Our birds don't talk much if it's windy. Check out the north end of Bienville NF just south of Lena on highway 13.
Quote from: silvestris on April 25, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
Preach Brother, Preach!!!
Quote from: silvestris on April 25, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
That stings.... Ouch!
Shooting ABN, you haven't paid your dues yet for Mississippi public land turkeys. You need to understand that what you are trying to do is what few people ever become proficient at. If you stay at it long enough you will either figure it out or just say screw it. The question is, is it worth it. Your biggest problem is the distance away from the land to hunt. I hunt several BIG pieces of public land every year(that are very close to my house), and on each piece there are pockets of birds and big voids of no turkeys for thousands of acres and only time will teach you where to be. However, when you walk out with that third bird on Mississippi public land repeatedly there is no better satisfaction. I get a kick out of the few out of state hunters that invade my spots opening week each year that leave after a few days never to be seen again.
deadbuck,
I'm tracking what you are saying. I hunted over 70 hours this season. Really didn't track the miles I walked. I hunt when I can as the family allows. I would hunt everyday if I could. Turkey hunting is my passion and obsession. If you understand that then you understand I enjoy hearing them as much as working them.... It was sad to spend that much time a field for the amount of gobbling I heard. I will put in for some WMA draw hunts, and hopefully get to scout before the season.
Hoping next season will be more enjoyable.
Quote from: deadbuck on June 08, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Shooting ABN, you haven't paid your dues yet for Mississippi public land turkeys. You need to understand that what you are trying to do is what few people ever become proficient at. If you stay at it long enough you will either figure it out or just say screw it. The question is, is it worth it. Your biggest problem is the distance away from the land to hunt. I hunt several BIG pieces of public land every year(that are very close to my house), and on each piece there are pockets of birds and big voids of no turkeys for thousands of acres and only time will teach you where to be. However, when you walk out with that third bird on Mississippi public land repeatedly there is no better satisfaction. I get a kick out of the few out of state hunters that invade my spots opening week each year that leave after a few days never to be seen again.
I sent you a private message.
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Quote from: Damson on March 02, 2019, 10:16:43 PM
I sent you a private message.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
PM returned.
Quote from: deadbuck on June 08, 2018, 10:06:02 AM
Shooting ABN, you haven't paid your dues yet for Mississippi public land turkeys. You need to understand that what you are trying to do is what few people ever become proficient at. If you stay at it long enough you will either figure it out or just say screw it. The question is, is it worth it. Your biggest problem is the distance away from the land to hunt. I hunt several BIG pieces of public land every year(that are very close to my house), and on each piece there are pockets of birds and big voids of no turkeys for thousands of acres and only time will teach you where to be. However, when you walk out with that third bird on Mississippi public land repeatedly there is no better satisfaction. I get a kick out of the few out of state hunters that invade my spots opening week each year that leave after a few days never to be seen again.
Exactly. There's probably not a state with a lower turkey density per mile than Louisiana except maybe Alaska and I find an kill my limit on public land every Spring. When you have to hunt pressured low population areas you will have to hunt harder and spend way more time for each Gobbler killed. Most people like the idea of being a serious Turkey Hunter but soon lose the desire when they realize the work it takes. Really only three options: work hard and learn to kill them on the land you have available, drive North and find some easier more populated turkey areas, or complain about the good old days and quit half way thru the season the choice is yours.
:popcorn:
DeSoto is a lot closer to you instead of HomoChitto. You have to run and gun, no siting up and waiting the heavy hit public land.
Quote from: waysouth on March 08, 2019, 08:55:44 AM
DeSoto is a lot closer to you instead of HomoChitto. You have to run and gun, no siting up and waiting the heavy hit public land.
I'm ready to put miles in. However it's hard to find pines, creek bottoms you can walk in.
I concur on trying out the Homochitto National Forest. It is big and there are some terrific ridges and bottoms away from roadways. It sounds like you are willing to walk so you should be able to find some birds. Granted, I have not hunted around there in over 20 years (b/c I have been bouncing all over the country, too). Hooah.
Wow what a journey. Hunted 50 hours on public 2021. All came together 29 March.
I'll try a post a pic later.
LaLongbeard's two posts pretty much tell it like it is. If you can hunt unpressured birds they'll be no different than what they were, say, 40 years ago. If you're hunting pressured public land be prepared for a "different" bird and hunt accordingly. Unfortunately in the mix are two things: 1) almost nationwide turkey populations are decreasing and added to this, 2) there are far more knowledgeable guys out there turkey hunting...right from the get go. How could there not be with every Tom, Dick and Harry with an ego posting hundreds, if not thousands, of YouTube videos? Oh...by the way...forums e.g. this and others are no different than the multiple YouTube videos...experienced turkey hunters telling all they know.
update
Quote from: LaLongbeard on April 29, 2018, 09:18:28 AM
Quote from: silvestris on April 25, 2018, 03:27:28 PM
Mississippi, especially South Mississippi, has some real problems, re: turkeys. I am in the worst season in over 40 years. In Southwest Mississippi I have heard only two gobbles on the same morning, one gobble apiece from two different birds, followed shortly by a shot for each. This is in locations that I have had good success in the past. I went back yesterday, hoping that they may have turned on, but, nothing. Only saw one other hunting vehicle so apparently the word has gotten out. I was in paradise in the 80s, now there is only desolation. I can think of several explanations, but it is likely a combination of several explanations. I don't see turkey hunting back anytime soon. Near extinction is my conclusion.
I know a couple older turkey hunters that have shoe boxes full of beards and spurs and they haven't killed a gobbler in Louisiana in years. I think they are stuck in the 1980's there were lots of turkeys few hunters and expanding populations. They wore the gobblers out back then they have all kinds of stories about limiting out in the first 3 days of the season then driving to Mississippi and getting 3 more in 3 days, calling up groups of two year olds etc etc. Along about the late 90's early 2000's there success ratios took a sharp decline. As the gobblers adapted to the increased pressure and more and more people took up the sport they failed to adapt. One guy in particular told me this season he drove to a spot opening day and heard one gobble one time in a place that had 8-10 gobbling on opening day 1985 I had to laugh I told him this ain't 1985 and if you heard one you were in a good spot lol. I did not hunt the early days when the turkey population was high I learned to hunt pressured birds on public land I'm kinda glad I don't have anything to compare it to. There's some lean times in some of the southeast Mississippi and Louisiana for sure if you cannot learn to adapt you will be left bemoaning the good old days that are long gone. There's still gobblers to be killed even in Homochitto you just ain't gonna cut on a box call and have 3 run up to you waiting to be shot.
. I was a teenager in 85 and hunted sw ms and La , the hunters where few and the gobblers where plenty . I still get my share yearly in the same area , but I sure miss the old days !!
Quote from: wchadw on April 26, 2018, 05:26:49 PM
Quote from: silvestris on April 26, 2018, 08:17:54 AM
Quote from: wchadw on April 25, 2018, 04:38:05 PM
try driving to the homochitto national forest. should be an hour or so from you in SW Mississippi
That is where I have been trying to find one. It is like finding a dinosaur.
It's a big national forest and
I haven't hunted that area in 20 years but the area between liberty ms and gloster ms there is a corner of the forest were there was always turkeys. Find the hardwood areas. Good luck
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Its cutover now.