It seems like these days with so many hunters out there everyone has gotten very protective of their hunting spots. Some even do very rude and unethical things to each other out in the turkey woods. However I have a very encouraging story that happened to me about 7 years when I was first starting off turkey hunting.
I was about 16 and really had no idea what I was doing. I had a cheap slate and a couple mouth calls. I sounded terrible and I'm surprised I could even get a bird to respond. With little knowledge about turkey hunting I had been making a fool of myself all season, bumping birds and ruining my chances. One day I was out midmorning and heard one up on a ridge. I just walked in on the backside of the farm, since the land met up with my parents. Everyone else who hunted there parked at the gate. Not long after I set up I saw another hunter walking across the field. He must have heard my terrible calling and came looking for me. He spotted my decoys and made his way over. When he got up to me he said, " I think we are both after the same bird. I didnt see any trucks parked at the gate so I didnt know anyone was back here. " I told him I had walked from my house which was right over the hill and had heard the bird gobbling so set up. He obviously knew I was new to turkey hunting, probably because my set up sucked and my calling was terrible. He told me to come with him and he would show me some tips and if the bird came in that I could be the shooter. We picked a better spot to set up and then he showed me the proper way to use my slate call. He shared some snacks he had carried in and also a wealth of information. Although we never got the bird to come in I still felt that I learned more that one day then I did all season by myself.
My point is that this guy could have thrown a fit, and complained that I didnt park at the gate, or that he was on the bird first and I needed to move on. Rather that be a total jerk, he offered to share his knowledge of the sport and help a beginner (and complete stranger) out rather than cause problems or ruin the hunt for both of us.
Just wanted to share that story and remind everyone that turkey hunting is about having fun and enjoying mother nature. We don't have to want a turkey so bad we get cut throat about it. Good luck this season and safe hunting everyone!
