Reaping: Getting sorely tempted to try it....

[Atchman2]

I've watched it on Mojo TV the last two weeks. There is a place I hunt where I'm the only one that can hunt there. The temptation is getting overwhelming.

Has anyone actually tried it?

 

[catman529]

If there comes a day where there are birds in the middle of a big field way out of shotgun range, and I can creep out there being sure nobody is set up nearby, I might try it just to see what it's like. But I'd also have to have a strutter decoy which I don't plan on buying. Could try just a tail fan with a fake head stuck to it....

 

[Setterman]

If I had to resort to it I would literally give up the sport. Having cut my teeth chasing birds on hundred acre ag fields in south Bama where decoys were illegal, we had to learn to kill field turkeys with a call and gun.

Sure they win a bunch but when you finally do call them in and kill them it's very satisfying. Pledbetter has had some success this year on field birds with no decoys, he might offer some advice.

I have issues with the mojo crowd and have even more issues with the turkey reaping stuff. But I won't go there

 

[Southern Sportsman]

You have a farm that nobody but you is SUPPOSED to be hunting but you. If you have a kid, would you let them do it? Or would you tell them crawling around during turkey season holding a decoy that looks exactly like the game everyone is trying shoot is unwise and not worth the risk just to crawl up on a bird and shoot it out of a field?

I personally don't like it and won't ever do it for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is this: There are LOTS of jacklegs, dumbasses, irresponsible teenagers, druggies, etc, etc who want to kill a turkey because they think it's cool. Many don't care about laws or safety. Some shoot turkeys with rifles from long distances, regardless of who's property the turkey is on. Others will shoot at the first turkey they see (or think they see) because they don't care about the sport and only want to kill a turkey. At the same time and often in the same places, there are people crawling around field edges holding turkey decoys with real turkey fans in front of their faces. Often in tall grass and always wearing full camouflage. Eventually, somebody WILL get shot in the face.

 

[LB FANATIC]

I sure wouldn't, you never know whos there.
Try to pattern the movement if you can, and be there when you need to. Id use a blind in the middle of the field before I tried to reap one.

 

[Setterman]

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=800037


The above is an example why nothing is a given even on private ground, and also why turkey reaping is playing Russian roulette

 

[Tennessee Lead]

Not for me. I don't want to get shot.

 

[CAW]

This is MY opinion...

All safety issues aside, at some point hunting needs to remain hunting. It's not suppose to be easy, it is suppose to be a challenge and that is what makes it fun. Resorting to tactics like reaping just to kill a bird is not my idea of hunting.

That being said, I would never judge another hunter for reaping. It is just not for me. If it is legal and that's what you choose to do, more power to you.

 

[timberjack86]

Not for me. I don't want to get shot.

x2

 

[blueridge]

Seems like a good way to get rid of a new idiot generation of wannabe turkey hunters The ultimate in "pet" turkey hunting. Hope those who employ this method get a face full of #6's.

This is a little harsh to wish someone would get shot.
I personally hope no one gets hurt but I also hope this method of "hunting" is made illegal due to safety reasons period! I've witnessed more poaching/trespassing during turkey season than any other hunting.

 

[Nealmeally]

Hope those who employ this method get a face full of #6's.

WOW... Comments like this aren't wanted here, no matter the topic!!!!!!

 

[Southern Sportsman]

Hope those who employ this method get a face full of #6's.

I think "reaping" (i.e., the "cool" word for fanning/crawling around like an idiot) is stupid. I think those who do it should be slapped. Not because it takes all of the traditional sport away from turkey hunting and turns it into an ab workout with a murdered turkey at the end, but because it's unsafe and somebody is going to get killed. But to wish death upon someone (or purport to wish death upon someone whether you're kidding or not) because of the tactic is deplorable.

 

[redblood]

You have a farm that nobody but you is SUPPOSED to be hunting but you. If you have a kid, would you let them do it? Or would you tell them crawling around during turkey season holding a decoy that looks exactly like the game everyone is trying shoot is unwise and not worth the risk just to crawl up on a bird and shoot it out of a field?

I personally don't like it and won't ever do it for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is this: There are LOTS of jacklegs, dumbasses, irresponsible teenagers, druggies, etc, etc who want to kill a turkey because they think it's cool. Many don't care about laws or safety. Some shoot turkeys with rifles from long distances, regardless of who's property the turkey is on. Others will shoot at the first turkey they see (or think they see) because they don't care about the sport and only want to kill a turkey. At the same time and often in the same places, there are people crawling around field edges holding turkey decoys with real turkey fans in front of their faces. Often in tall grass and always wearing full camouflage. Eventually, somebody WILL get shot in the face.

yep. not a piece of land anywhere that isn't hunted by somebody

 

[deerhunter10]

no never will way to dangerous. not worth it and im 99 percent sure their is no one hunting our places. doesn't sound fun to me but if you think it would be go for it just be safe!

 

[ZachMarkus]

I've done it many many times. Got a shot at a bird every single time.

 

[Gravey]

Not my cup of tea. Too many unknowns to take that chance.