Long hike...

[catman529]

2 of the 3 spots I have picked out to scout/hunt on Yanahli are over a mile hike from the nearest road. They are not the biggest spots on the WMA so should be less popular, but you all are turkey hunters so do you think I should expect many people to be in the same spot as me if I am out in one of these spots on opening morning?

 

[String Music]

You won't find out until you show up. Is the hike on a logging road or through the woods? When you scout, look for any clues that other hunters have been through there (trash, tire marks, etc.).

If birds are in the area, expect some competition from other hunters. Remember, gobbles carry a long way on a quiet morning. Any hunters in the vicinity will hear them.

 

[Winchester]

If birds are in the area, expect some competition from other hunters. Remember, gobbles carry a long way on a quiet morning. Any hunters in the vicinity will hear them.

There you have it! If its public and the birds are there and gobbling, you will likely have some company!

 

[bvoss]

If birds are in the area, expect some competition from other hunters. Remember, gobbles carry a long way on a quiet morning. Any hunters in the vicinity will hear them.

There you have it! If its public and the birds are there and gobbling, you will likely have some company!

I was thinking the same thing. You may get lucky every once in a while though.

 

[Grizzly Johnson]

Don't give up too early..... as most hunters give up and leave by say 8-9am..... be patient, I have killed a tom at 10:30 on a public wma because most of the other hunters had given up and left for the house..... I had the area all to myself. Called every 20 minutes or so and after about a hour, I look up and Mr. Tom is heading in my direction not 30 yards out..... brought him home in the back of the truck.

I have also taken one on the same wma in the afternoon when most of the hunters were at home..... I was all alone..... worked around on that bird twice.... finally got in front of them 2 toms and between 4 hens.... eventually after some yelps, they came into the woods from the burnt field.... took one of the two home in the truck that day too.

 

[WMAn]

do you think I should expect many people to be in the same spot as me if I am out in one of these spots on opening morning?

YES!

Turkey hunters are a different breed than deer hunters. They do not carry a tree stand, and the allure of a gobbling turkey is enough to overcome the work of the walk.

Public land turkey hunting success boils down to two things: CALL LESS, SCOUT MORE!

 

[spitndrum]

Turkey hunting is different than any type of hunting if he gobbles thats where I'll be, frown on it on public land but everyone does it, Dont' Lie!

 

[rem270]

Yep turkey hunters will go where they hear the gobbling. On private land you generally have more turkey poaching than deer. Its easier to go in with no orange and easier to carry out a turkey. I pretty much go every year just to make sure no one comes on my property.