My Turkey Season

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Originally Posted by firedeptlt

Can't shoot them from the couch.
I don't sit it the same spot. I don't hunt at the same time. I don't use the same decoy set up every time. The farmer isn't working the same field or cutting the bush or picking rocks every day. I know they are a smart bird and every day brings a different set of circumstances.
I had him at 12 yards but he turned into me instead of away from me as I was anticipating and he picked me off drawing back. That was the only time that he reacted to the "pressure" I was putting on them and even at that all he saw was movement of the bow. I take my time blending into the environment regardless of where I am set up.
There were days when only hens came in or that I saw. Some times only jakes. Other times the one I want was escorting a bunch of hens.
I don't want or need to find the next available bird just to fill a tag.
Who are you to tell me how I rate MY improvements ?
Could I lean up against a tree and shoot an over zealous jake just to fill a tag ? Sure. Do I want to ? Not a chance.
I was relating to the forum how MY season went.

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Hey man, whatever floats your boat -- but a quote that explains something about the "definition of insanity" comes to mind. You're right, you can't shoot them from the couch but this exact lesson (i.e. hunting the same farm/flock of birds all season) is what I try to break from novice turkey hunters. I guide on the weekends during the Spring season and take out many friends new to this. I've put countless people on their first birds who have hunted turkeys for years without success. Sure, the setups changed but pressure is pressure whether the bird's directly in front of you or not. Just your presence in the bush and calling (doesn't matter if you're changing calls) has an effect. This is where my suggestion of having more than one farm to hunt came from -- usually a post like this is someone who's looking for advice after they've gone a while without filling a tag.

Never once suggested you shoot a Jake. Meant go find a longbeard that's willing to cooperate as the second tag's always available for the stubborn birds. If this is the same bird you've been hunting the whole time (keep in mind they do all look the same), that puts him at at least 5 years old, meaning you're not going to have much more time to hunt him until he croaks.

You're right, I'm not one to measure what you determine to be improvements. I'm a results guy -- and I learned a long time ago that when it comes to turkeys, you have to be willing to adapt and at times leave those stubborn birds alone for a little while both to save your sanity and maybe get a chance at frying up some turkey breasts. They sure are tasty!

-N.

Interesting story and thanks for relating it.
However I have to agree with Sprite on this one. The only true measurement on whether a person is learning AND improving their hunting skills comes with the harvesting of game. Good hunters or at least ones willing to learn from their mistakes eventually become successful.
On another note, a mature tom is 2 years of age and being that their life span is 3-5 years I'd say you really have about 2 consecutive years to hunt the "same" bird, tops.
However keep trying, one day you will be rewarded.

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Originally Posted by smokin'stoegie

. The only true measurement on whether a person is learning AND improving their hunting skills comes with the harvesting of game.
However keep trying, one day you will be rewarded.

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In the 5 stages of hunting
1. In the Shooting Stage, you just want to shoot things.
2. In the Limit Stage, numbers matter.
3. The Trophy Stage is about being selective.
4. In the Method Stage, how you hunt and take game become more important than how much game you take.
5. In the Sportsman Stage, you are more interested in the whole experience than in “bagging” game.
Other than the first two Newbie stages harvesting weighs very little.
From his account I think the OP has already elevated himself to stage 5 and feels justly rewarded

For me, I truly believe I suck at turkey hunting. I say that because I can’t call well and I don’t have clue about decoy setup. That being said, I somehow kill a lot of turkeys. I get my 2 every year and put many others on their first birds. The greatest part of my success is having lots of good spots. I know it’s obvious but a good spot changes every year, and also during the season. That’s why I always change the farms I hunt. I also never hunt the same spot the same. I move my blind often, even 80yds away. I change up my decoys every hunt, and I change the way I call. I only hunt mornings and only for a couple hours. Pattern the birds and let that dictate how and where you hunt the next time. Also, for me April is always the best.

The way I look at it is as such….
Do I need the meat ? No
Do I want to harvest something ? Sure do but it will be the one I want to harvest. That applies to any game I hunt ( deer, bear or turkey ).
I’m try to teach myself about all aspects of the animal I’m pursuing. What it does, where it does it, what time it does it. The list goes on. Sure it gets a little frustrating but this is the way I choose to spend my money on tags.
I don’t have a mentor or money to spend on guides.
I don’t have to harvest to consider myself a hunter. I put in the time reading signs, tracking, observing behaviour. This is the style I have chosen for myself and don’t impose my views on anyone else. If you don’t like it then TFB.
My first year out I did an open field stalk ( crawling and on my belly ) to 35 yards of a Tom. It was quartering away and I didn’t feel comfortable taking that shot with my bow. Fast forward to this year and I have hens almost walking over me as I sat in tall grass with no blind. So I think I have improved.

And thank you finsfurfeathers.

Apologies to the OP. Took the bait of a troll and started a thread derail. Moved offending post to Members feed back forum

There’s been no trolling here. Guilty of being a passionate, absolutely obsessed turkey hunter? Sure. Do I spend an obscene amount of time up close with these birds? Yup, both with a gun and a camera. I’m a purist — it’s turkeys in the hardwoods without decoys or nothing. Hell, I dislocated my knee 4th day out this year guiding a buddy after I tagged out early and spent the rest of the season chasing them on crutches with a torn MCL and meniscus.

The key thing people need to understand here is that an online forum isn’t a diary or hunt log. It’s a public venue to share whatever you like — and unlike a diary, others can see and comment on what’s been posted.

There was absolutely no harm meant to the OP, it was a simple observation. I also supplied some advice on how to perhaps fill a tag.

-N.

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