How far from road, wooded public land?

[AppalachianHollers]

I've held it to be a rule of thumb that when hunting public, you don't want to hunt a field right off or within a short walk of a vehicle-accessible road. Even on opening day, you're probably not the only hunter there.

But does the same hold true when hunting wooded areas? I'm map-scouting some nice ridges above creeks (so it's a steep-ish hike) that are not far from roads, or at the very end of long, winding NF roads. Some have clearings nearby, others don't.


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[Sir-diealot]

Many people are very lazy even in their hunting these days, the closer they can hunt to their vehicles the better. I would try to go further away, before my car accident I remember walking in miles to turkey hunt and I would not see anyone. I can't walk that far anymore so I can't go in as far and I see a lot more people now when hunting public and trespassers on private.

[howl]

You go where the birds are regardless. I've killed them close to the truck and far away.

[AppalachianHollers]

I guess my suspicion is that the lazy folk y'all reference don't like going steep uphill, so an area that's very close as the crow flies might still be enormously productive if the habitat is right. Worst case scenario I hear nothing at dawn, see no sign, and head down a logging road to try somewhere more remote.


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[Sir-diealot]

I guess my suspicion is that the lazy folk y'all reference don't like going steep uphill, so an area that's very close as the crow flies might still be enormously productive if the habitat is right. Worst case scenario I hear nothing at dawn, see no sign, and head down a logging road to try somewhere more remote.


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Yes, that was part of my thought. By the way, do these ridges have areas flat enough to have a turkey do it's thing? If not what they like it does not make much sense to go there.

[AppalachianHollers]

That's a very good point, else they're probably just passing through at best. I guess you're thinking of possible strut zones?


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[Sir-diealot]

That's a very good point, else they're probably just passing through at best. I guess you're thinking of possible strut zones?


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Yes, that was exactly my thought. I am sure that it does not have to be perfectly flat, but you will want to be in a place you have cover and can see them as well.

[silvestris]

I don't like to get much farther than fifty yards from the truck.  I am afraid I might get lost.

[AppalachianHollers]

I don't like to get much farther than fifty yards from the truck.  I am afraid I might get lost.

I need to get a compass for those mountain ridge hunts. Easy to stay oriented where there's fields, but subtle landmarks have a funny way of looking big and getting me to second-guess.
Don't want to get lost in the dark and inadvertently end up between a bear sow and her cubs.


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[Sir-diealot]

I don't like to get much farther than fifty yards from the truck.  I am afraid I might get lost.

Don't worry guy, the cops will tune into your ankle bracelet and come get you in time.

[Bowguy]

I don't like to get much farther than fifty yards from the truck.  I am afraid I might get lost.

I need to get a compass for those mountain ridge hunts. Easy to stay oriented where there's fields, but subtle landmarks have a funny way of looking big and getting me to second-guess.
Don't want to get lost in the dark and inadvertently end up between a bear sow and her cubs.


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That bear sow n her cubs thing is crazy overblown. Any mama will protect her young. I haven't dealt w brown bears so I can't comment on them but black bears are no worry.
Need to get a compass?? Different day n age I guess. Good to get one. It's easy but learn to use it

[CAPTJJ]

I prefer to hunt woods and mountains, that's the terrain where I live. And I have killed plenty of turkeys with a bow near the road, not because I am lazy, just that is where they are hanging out.

[AppalachianHollers]

I prefer to hunt woods and mountains, that's the terrain where I live. And I have killed plenty of turkeys with a bow near the road, not because I am lazy, just that is where they are hanging out.

Besides maybe being the path of least resistance and offering a clear field of view, I have wondered if they pick up gravel for their gizzards off remote roads.


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[Greg Massey]

Agree it all depends on were the birds are located ...

[Kylongspur88]

Gotta hunt where the birds are, but around here road birds don't last long. Pretty much all the public land I hunt is wooded. Most folks stick to the ridges leading from parking areas. Put a few big hills and a mile or two between you and the parking areas and you'll separate the men from the boys. I've got one hardwood ridge I like to run that's 1.8 miles from the truck and 2 steep climbs to get too. If I ever see anyone else back there I'll probably just congratulate them on the climb and offer them some water.