New Hunter from Florida

[BerettaMan]

Hi, guys!

It's good to finally be a part of this forum. I have been lurking here a while and absorbing all the amazing information.  I am hoping to head out this fall for my first ever turkey hunt. I have only ever hunted quail before so I was hoping someone could give me some pointers and/or maybe take me out on a hunt and show me the ropes. I would be willing to cover all expenses, of course (including shells!).

I am in the Fort Lauderdale area but am definitely willing to travel (although I'd like to keep it south of Orlando!)

I am also interested in duck hunting if anyone has any leads on that!

Thanks for your help, guys!

[fallhnt]

 

[allaboutshooting]

Welcome to OG. We're glad you're here and made the decision to join in the conversation. This is a great site with many helpful folks.

Fall hunts are also a great time to really learn a lot about turkeys. You should be able to see and hear flocks and learn a lot about how they interact and communicate.

I hope there are some hunters near you who see this and can lend you a hand with your first hunt. You could also contact the NWTF Regional Director and see if he could be of some help to you. That should be Austin Heacock and you may reach him at aheachock@nwtf.net or 863.381.6568. Your state chapter president is Edith Hartley edie.hartley@yahoo.com & 904.610.0629 That information is always in Turkey Country magazine and available to any member who gets it.

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to be of help as I'm sure many others would be.

Good luck to you and let us know how we can help.

Thanks,
Clark

[mgm1955]

 

[silvestris]

Welcome, but to hunt the species where you live and want to hunt could get expensive unless you own or have relatives who own turkey land.  Osceolas have just about been priced out of the market.

[BerettaMan]

Thanks, guys, for the responses and the welcome!

Clark, I did try to reach out to Austin Heacock via email but never heard back. Perhaps I should try calling.  (Sorry for your loss again.    )

Silvestris, I'm more interested in going hunting and trying to bag a bird than I am in actually having to kill one.. if you know what I mean.  For me, at this point, its more about the hunt than the kill! (Which is why I don't want to spend $2,500+ to go with a guide/outfitter. )

I have considered just going it alone on public land but I am just a little concerned about trudging through the gator and hunter - filled swamps without really knowing what I'm doing!   

Thanks again, guys... I will keep you posted as my journey/adventure progresses (or doesn't!)

[tomstopper]