Fall hunt on an island?

[mcgruff1533]

Michigan's DNR in its infinite wisdom has decided not to allow a Fall Turkey hunt for my area.    They're citing low bird numbers which is B.S. considering all the birds I'm seeing everywhere I go.

Anyways, the DNR is allowing hunting on Beaver Island which is located about 20 miles out in Lake Michigan.      I've been told the island has a good bird population of approx 1,500 birds for an area of 55.8 square miles.

I won't have an opportunity to scout for birds due to time constraints as well as cost (transportation and lodging on the island).      For hunting Fall birds in unfamiliar territory, is it best to stay mobile, or set up and try to bring the birds in?

Transportation to the island is either by ferry (slow and expensive) or small plane (more expensive but faster).      The plane trip is 20 minutes compared with a 3 hour ferry ride.     This gives me more time to hunt and less time in transit.      The plane has weight restrictions which will limit the gear I can bring.

Should I plan on bringing my pop-up blind and decoys, or should I keep it simple and stay mobile?     I have a full camo suit and vest which will allow me to spot and stalk a flock when located.

Any input folks?

   

[drenalinld]

They will probably be in big flocks and difficult to call in. My advice is stay mobile until you locate a flock. Bust them up, then set up and try to call them back. If the boss hen cranks up to compete with your calling, run straight to her an flush her again. Young birds will respond pretty quickly after being split up. Good luck. Fall hunts are very rewarding.

[mcgruff1533]

Your assessment pretty much summed up what I was thinking... thanks!

Staying mobile will allow me to travel with less gear on the plane and should save me some money by flying lighter.

[hookedspur]

They will probably be in big flocks and difficult to call in. My advice is stay mobile until you locate a flock. Bust them up, then set up and try to call them back. If the boss hen cranks up to compete with your calling, run straight to her an flush her again. Young birds will respond pretty quickly after being split up. Good luck. Fall hunts are very rewarding.

[TRKYHTR]

I agree to stay mobile. Fall flocks make alot of noise, especially early morning. So keep moving until you find some birds and then get after um. I like to try and call the birds up first. Young turkeys are very inquisitive. Alot of the time they will come right to you. If they don't then bustem up and callem back. Good luck,

TRKYHTR

[tactikel]

You may consider shipping any heavy gear up to the island in advance. Call the lodging where you will stay and ask them to receive your gear (it may not be cheap but overall it may make sense).

[fallhnt]

Stay mobile,have fun and be safe.

[mcgruff1533]

Thanks for the info guys!    I'll be flying somewhat light, but will still have most of my gear with me.   I'm leaving my pop-up blind at home, and will adopt more of a "run and gun" approach.     I'll post some photos of the area and will hopefully have a nice bird to show next Monday.