Public Land Mountain Bird Hunting is Humbling (cool pic)

[xarcher]

In the last 3 weeks, been to northern AL, western MD and eastern WV.  All told, probably had 7 or 8 turkeys inside killing range and only laid eyes on 2.  They are famous for doing the "drive by gobble" and not committing the last few steps before walking off.  Also had birds gobbling on the opposite side of canyons and after taking an hour or so to get there, they had moved on.  Looking forward to May at home and fooling with farm birds once again.  This old man's legs don't climb like they used to. 

But the trip to MD was not a total failure, we came across a sow and 4 cubs at one point.  Check this out......
 

[FullChoke]

I feel your pain. The Mississippi flatland public hunting area birds have not been kind to me either. I have had 3 within 70 yards that just wound up walking off. This has been a frustrating season for me.

I thought that your photo was of a new Mossy Oak camo pattern - "Bear Up." 

FC

[3bailey3]

cool pic thanks for sharing!

[Sir-diealot]

Neat picture. Yea public land can be a drag to hunt, but at least your out there hunting and that's what counts.

[TauntoHawk]

In the last 3 weeks, been to northern AL, western MD and eastern WV.  All told, probably had 7 or 8 turkeys inside killing range and only laid eyes on 2.  They are famous for doing the "drive by gobble" and not committing the last few steps before walking off.  Also had birds gobbling on the opposite side of canyons and after taking an hour or so to get there, they had moved on.  Looking forward to May at home and fooling with farm birds once again.  This old man's legs don't climb like they used to. 

But the trip to MD was not a total failure, we came across a sow and 4 cubs at one point.  Check this out......

What section of MD? I just spent 4 days in warrior and green ridge, agreed it was humbling and a ton of fun. Also saw a bear, always enjoy seeing them just a cool animal to watch

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[WildSpur]

The Drive By Gobble....I like it!  Never heard that one before but very fitting!

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[cramerhunts]

The mountain birds have been whooping up on me pretty bad in my home state of AZ as well. The numbers are down quite a bit in most of my usual areas but I've still managed to be working birds almost every time I've been out. Finally called one in to 30 yards on Sunday but unfortunately he caught my daughter swinging on him and made a hasty exit.

Still nothing I'd rather do!

Good luck on the rest of the season.

[xarcher]

That pic was in Savage River SF. One of the southern tracts.

[Happy]

I hunt western Md and eastern Wv and the mountains ain't no joke. As frustrating as these turkeys can be I love hunting them. Sorry you didn't connect but it's been tough sledding for a lot of guys so far this year.

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[xarcher]

I hunt western Md and eastern Wv and the mountains ain't no joke. As frustrating as these turkeys can be I love hunting them. Sorry you didn't connect but it's been tough sledding for a lot of guys so far this year.

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I live it too in a sick way I guess. Have been fortunate to kill one each of the last four years and had several close encounters this trip. Even had one show himself but I was trying to get an 8 year old set up and just couldn't do it fast enough. They humble you but at the same time make you a better hunter. I hunted Savage River SF in MD and Sleepy Creek WMA in WV. How about you?  Sounds like you might know those places.