greencop01 said it best! Back in the 1990s is when I saw and heard the most wild turkey poachers in Sterling Forest,NY. This all happened in the month of April before the May 1st NY Spring opener. I would be out scouting and hear a magnum shot in this direction - then another in that direction- but further off. Since the 1990s- poaching has fallen off, I think because alot of hunters are now out scouting in April.
I remember one morning in the month of FEB in the 1990s-- there was about 1" of snow down-- perfect for a morning of wild turkey scouting and hopefully to see a bunch of 4" gobbler tracks. I did see see turkey tracks--everywhere. I rounded a bend in the old woods road and 2 guys were right there. Looking for rabbits- one of them said. I took a quick look at a scoped rifle- just a quick look- while the 3 of us are standing in wild turkey footprints. They moved around that bend going the other way and speeded up their walking. Think they were more nervous then me! Glad, I don't hear magnum shots anymore in April or encounter would be turkey poachers anymore. Be back next Fri..
