Totally bummed.

[irishff727]

Went out again this morning to a few spots I have been scouting for the up coming spring. So I get out there bright and early about 430 in the morning picked a nice spot and just sat and waiting till morning just trying to observe and get a idea of what may or may mot happen opening day. Well.... About 5 am two other hunters come walking through and literally sit down about 15 yards away from me, another knuckle head comes crashing through. Mind u no one has seen me and I figure ill just stay quiet. All in all about 7 different guys came through a spot I habe been checking out. So I finally picked up and one guy looked at me and said dam u got the concealed part down. Walked a little more to some others areas I marked and nothing but more and more guys. Guess this is the down fall of hunting public land. I guess I thought that the distance I walked was good. Guess next time I will have to go a lil farther.
p
insert witty saying here

[guesswho]

The good news is you still have time to find you a place.  I'd get on google earth and see if there might be a spot or two that looks promising farther away from the roads.  Some public areas it's hard to get to far from a road though. 

If you don't find anything you may just have to hunt the other place different.  Maybe hit it mid morning or something.  Public land can be a real challenge for sure.  Good luck and don't give up. 

[irishff727]

Yea I have been checking out google earth. Only good thing is the land I am hunting is pretty big so I may just have to turn my 6 mile hike into a 12

insert witty saying here

[guesswho]

Might have to spend the night.

[El Pavo Grande]

Probably not a good sign if today, on a Monday in early February, if you have 7 different guys scouting that spot.  You sure they were all scouting for turkeys?

[TauntoHawk]

what state is this in? at least it wasn't opening morning, imagine how frustrating that would have been

[irishff727]

Florida, and true may not have scouting turkeys but the only this open is small game and they had no firearms. Granted this is my first.time scouting for Turkey's, 2nd time in this spot. Granted this area does get hit hard for hunting as it is one of the biggest areas to hunt that isn't a serious haul. Oh well onto new spots I guess. Is there any levity that osceolas like cypress tree groves

insert witty saying here

[TrackeySauresRex]

Were the birds there? If not the may be discouraged about going back. And, just because the birds were not there now dosen't mean they won't be there later. Just an idea. At least you have some time to check out some new spots.

[El Pavo Grande]

I'd say 90% of my turkey hunting is and has been for years public land.  It can be a circus at times.  The best advice I could give concerning public land is as follows....
1.  Find multiple spots to hunt.  You will need options.  A, B, C, D, E, etc.
2.  Don't give up on those overcrowded spots that hold a few turkeys.  Just hunt them a little different (mid day, evening, etc.)
3.  Don't overlook the overlooked spots, such as "too close to the road" or "not enough trees".  Don't necessarily hang your hat on these, but they can suprisingly be productive.
4.  Don't buy into the widely published belief that "you should NEVER call aggressive to public land turkeys".  Let each turkey dictate that.  I'd say it's often wise not over call, but NEVER is a strong word and could cost you a few turkeys.
5.  Patience.  Not talking turkeys here, but hunters.  You will get frustrated and you will need it.
6.  Scout, but scout smart and try to limit spooking turkeys.  Some don't scout much and don't feel it's valuable, but I for one simply enjoy it and it can be very helpful for #1.
7.  Be creative.  If possible find multiple and unpopular entries into hunting spots.
8.  Get up early or slide in after the morning rush leaves.
9.  If need be, be willing to walk but hunt to and from.  Sometimes you will cover some ground to find one real close to your truck when you come out.
**10.  Don't advertise your hunting location to everyone.  Be selective.  Don't give specifics, gps coordinates, etc.  If you must share information, choose wisely a trusted few.  Require blood samples or DNA swabs to be privy to such top secret information.  I would rather share my social security number with a stranger than a good turkey hunting spot. 

**Probably the most important