Turkey hunting: Lets raise a little Heck

Although I was hoping to turkey hunt this year I won't be as sadly I have to many things to repair. Truck, cars, camping equipment etc. But I thought I would bring this question up again that I know will raise cause some arguments.

The question on Turkey hunting.

Shooting a Turkey off the roost.

I have heard many say it's unethical but I question that because I am a meat hunter and it is legal when I hunt and I would rather have a good tasting deer than some monster. So why is shooting a Turkey off a roost any different then shooting a deer over a bait pile. Yes I agree if you are looking for a challenge then trying to call them is a challenge but... that is not what I look for when deer hunting.

I thought I would bring up this question because there seems to be a few newbies on here and I am sure they would like to see what others have to say.

I personally think it’s cheating because it’s too easy. If someone knows the property well and the daily habits of the turkeys in that spot, it’s just a matter of walking in to the roost spot in the pitch black and waiting for legal light for an easy shot at a Tom that’s gobbling it’s head off.

Is it cheating? 100 years ago I suspect nobody would agree with that. As I said I am a meat hunter I don't care about Trophy's. I don't spend much money on gear for any type of hunting other than some goose decoys.

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Originally Posted by fishhawk

I personally think it’s cheating because it’s too easy. If someone knows the property well and the daily habits of the turkeys in that spot, it’s just a matter of walking in to the roost spot in the pitch black and waiting for legal light for an easy shot at a Tom that’s gobbling it’s head off.

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for me if its legal do it. However for myself a roost shot is a poor shot choice as for one hard to get a clear shot and second higher chance at putting pellets in the breast. Ground shot at a stretched out neck is my go to shot.

I agree.....shot placement when killing game trumps making the easy shot. The best shot on a turkey is with the neck extended and make a clean head shot. Can't do that cleanly on a Tom that is roosting.

As a meat eater GW, you don't want a bird filled with lead shot...

Valid points that I never thought of the fact that it's head might not be extended? But if it was and you could get a clear head shot?

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Valid points that I never thought of the fact that it's head might not be extended? But if it was and you could get a clear head shot?

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

for me if its legal do it. .

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Now lets consider the logistics you got to get under a bird with a cased gun. Than at legal time uncase your gun, load it and wait for a clean shot all the time hoping the bird doesn't hear or see you. Not as easy as you thought well at least legally.

Another factor for some roost shots would be legal light. The law is the law, what limitations an individual choses to impose on themselves is their business, as is someone else's.

It's legal to do, so I don't hold anything against people harvesting a turkey that way. I'm not a trophy hunter but I do love the thrill of the hunt. So I do not shoot birds off the roost. Like others said, not as easy as you think to take a bird clean and legal that way.

I can completely agree with that. If I was turkey hunting and had all the time to put into it I probably would raise my bar. I think for me it would depend on the amount of time I had.

I think however when I do eventually go out I would probably take the first best legal shot I had and as I got better and had more time I would increase the pressure on myself.

I think sometimes pressuring people to do it a specific way that is harder might discourage new hunters to some degree. Bu than again as others have said shooting out of the roost might be harder than it looks.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Now lets consider the logistics you got to get under a bird with a cased gun. Than at legal time uncase your gun, load it and wait for a clean shot all the time hoping the bird doesn't hear or see you. Not as easy as you thought well at least legally.

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Originally Posted by kickingfrog

Another factor for some roost shots would be legal light. The law is the law, what limitations an individual choses to impose on themselves is their business, as is someone else's.

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Originally Posted by tom gobble

It's legal to do, so I don't hold anything against people harvesting a turkey that way. I'm not a trophy hunter but I do love the thrill of the hunt. So I do not shoot birds off the roost. Like others said, not as easy as you think to take a bird clean and legal that way.

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If you are a meat hunter it really doesn't matter if it's ethical or not, just get it done. $30.00 for a turkey isn't a great deal though.

However, as other mentioned it might not be the easiest way to seat under the roost. If you know where they roost it's 80% of the hunt, most days they are not that difficult too call in so it could be a lot easier to seat a couple hundred yards from it, have a coffee and a smoke, uncase your gun at legal light and wait for them to come down.

I know of some people who would say it was not ethical to shoot a Tom they jumped on the way in, if they did not call it in then that was against their ethics.

I think that if you can cleanly kill the animal and do it safely and legally then you are fine, ethics are personal.

I was with my wife hunting a few years ago, jumped a turkey that flew, huge bird with a huge beard, if I was the one hunting and not my wife it would have been an easy wing shot, honestly, the head/neck area was a heck of a lot larger than a grouse, but she is still learning and that was a shot that was not a good one for her.

So GW, are you hearing any birds in the morning? I am up good an early and all I hear is my roosters lighting up, not a gobble at all, then again I have not seen a turkey in our area all winter.

There is hunting and then there is getting.... what kind of man are you depends on you ?

If a hunter is in legal light, and the tom or jake hasn't flown down yet, and a decent kill shot presents itself, then put the bird in the freezer.

Lots of guys go out every year and don't fill their tags, because they didn't even see a bird.

Same argument for guys who will pop grouse on the ground instead of on the wing.....enjoy the season, and harvest safely and ethically.

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Originally Posted by longpointer

There is hunting and then there is getting.... what kind of man are you depends on you ?

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Do you use a shotgun? What kind of man are you depends on you?

As soon as a tom hits the ground he mates the hens, generally. I think the idea behind not shooting them on the roost was to give the tom a chance to mate the hens that day then after that he's fair game. There was also a concern that hunting pressure at the roost would bust up the roost making it harder for the mating process. They don't allow hunting after 7pm to give the birds a chance to get to the roost, I assume they're safer from predators if they get to roost together. Pressuring them off of the roost might reduce their reproduction??

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Originally Posted by DanO

As soon as a tom hits the ground he mates the hens, generally. I think the idea behind not shooting them on the roost was to give the tom a chance to mate the hens that day then after that he's fair game. There was also a concern that hunting pressure at the roost would bust up the roost making it harder for the mating process. They don't allow hunting after 7pm to give the birds a chance to get to the roost, I assume they're safer from predators if they get to roost together. Pressuring them off of the roost might reduce their reproduction??

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They used to not allow hunting after noon because that would let the hens tour around safely as they did this during the afternoon, but yet they tour around all day, so that was moot.

The 7pm is because they often roost before 7pm, so this would minimize shooting on the roost but if a bird were to be in a tree you can still shoot it.

If the MNR was concerned would they not make it a law.

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Originally Posted by DanO

As soon as a tom hits the ground he mates the hens, generally. I think the idea behind not shooting them on the roost was to give the tom a chance to mate the hens that day then after that he's fair game. There was also a concern that hunting pressure at the roost would bust up the roost making it harder for the mating process. They don't allow hunting after 7pm to give the birds a chance to get to the roost, I assume they're safer from predators if they get to roost together. Pressuring them off of the roost might reduce their reproduction??

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Fall birds can be shot 1/2 half hour after sunset, birds in the roost for sure yet legal to hunt till dark (or just about dark). Makes me question the reason for the spring 7pm rule... Here lots of........... this and that.................... but would be nice to hear it from a science/biologist point of view. Anyway, if it's legal (shooting them in the trees) why should someone else care.

That’s one of those things you do if you need pictures for Facebook.
You can buy a nice turkey for $12.
It’s whatever floats your boat.

Some talk about the price of a turkey licence, cost $30+ each. If/when the price increases ++, I'm already pretty close to calling it a day. Would you pay $100 for a turkey licence? Will it get to a point where the cost are too high and licence sales drop?

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Originally Posted by bush24

Some talk about the price of a turkey licence, cost $30+ each. If/when the price increases ++, I'm already pretty close to calling it a day. Would you pay $100 for a turkey licence? Will it get to a point where the cost are too high and licence sales drop?

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I see the license cost as paying for hunting experience. Pretty cheap in my books.

The tag cost is the least of my expenses to Turkey hunt...lol

Shooting a Bird on the roost with my crossbow would be pretty tricky & also shooting an arrow in the air is not an ideal practice to get in to...lol

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Originally Posted by bush24

Some talk about the price of a turkey licence, cost $30+ each. If/when the price increases ++, I'm already pretty close to calling it a day. Would you pay $100 for a turkey licence? Will it get to a point where the cost are too high and licence sales drop?

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I am not bothering this year, I bought one last year for 2 hunts, my spring is too busy and if I want to bring my wife out to try to get her on to her first bird then we are looking at $60 for a couple mornings to try. Deer hunting has become more possible recently with some family land being purchased, saving my holidays for the cool winds of fall and sleeping in during the spring when our baby lets me.

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Originally Posted by bush24

Some talk about the price of a turkey licence, cost $30+ each. If/when the price increases ++, I'm already pretty close to calling it a day. Would you pay $100 for a turkey licence? Will it get to a point where the cost are too high and licence sales drop?

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If I thought of turkey hunting in terms of cost, my two birds a year would be worth a hell of a lot of money. If I was that hard up for a turkey, I'd go to the supermarket.

-Nick

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

I see the license cost as paying for hunting experience. Pretty cheap in my books.

The tag cost is the least of my expenses to Turkey hunt...lol

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Right! I have hunted as many as 30 days of the season. Pretty cheap entertainment as far as I’m concerned ! We won’t mention the cost per pound of wild turkey meat !!

I like when guys say it's too expensive a sport but will throw $50 of gas into the bass boat and 'catch and release' all the fish they land and go home empty handed....LOL

It’s all about the fun and experience. What’s a round of golf going for these days?

I don't want to eat a $12 turkey.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

I like when guys say it's too expensive a sport but will throw $50 of gas into the bass boat and 'catch and release' all the fish they land and go home empty handed....LOL

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Different strokes for different folks, sometimes catch and release fishing is a lot more fun than hunting, depending on the circumstances.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

If the MNR was concerned would they not make it a law.

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Good point. Maybe hard to enforce?? that's a guess.

I would say shooting them off the roost is a challenge! Lol. I agree it might be just as big a challenge to get close enough to shoot out of a roost and if you are a meat hunter then you deserve it, go at it. It is legal and I would not care either way. Its not a competition so who cares as long as its legal and you are safe and will respect the animal.

What you are describing is Turkey killing vs Turkey hunting. Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

What you are describing is Turkey killing vs Turkey hunting. Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

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If you just want to hunt them then why not bring a camera, you are there to kill a turkey, if you choose one way over another that is fine but don't be smug about it, you are there to kill an animal just like everyone else.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

What you are describing is Turkey killing vs Turkey hunting. Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

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So if you found a spot where walleye went to feed at night in a sandy shallow area you wouldn't fish that , but rather troll around and hope for the best using your flashy lure to attract them?

Kill, hunt, whatever puts meat in the freezer... ill agree i love just sitting there and watching nature for a while calling and listening... nothing beats it no matter what I'm hunting... but at the end of the day... its organic meat going in the freezer so if you know the kill zone... giver! its all hunting no matter what way you spin it, want a challenge, drop the gun and bow and go spear yourself a gobbler!

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Originally Posted by Fox

If you just want to hunt them then why not bring a camera, you are there to kill a turkey, if you choose one way over another that is fine but don't be smug about it, you are there to kill an animal just like everyone else.

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Just the opposite, I am not there just to kill it. Just like waterfowling, I don't just walk down to the waters edge and shoot a bird and go home, I scout then set up decoys and enjoy calling and fooling the birds, watching them work over the decoys is the best part of the morning. I take great satisfaction in calling turkeys, waterfowl . Sure at the end of the day I pull the trigger but there is so much more to it.

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Originally Posted by I_cant_fish

So if you found a spot where walleye went to feed at night in a sandy shallow area you wouldn't fish that , but rather troll around and hope for the best using your flashy lure to attract them?

Kill, hunt, whatever puts meat in the freezer... ill agree i love just sitting there and watching nature for a while calling and listening... nothing beats it no matter what I'm hunting... but at the end of the day... its organic meat going in the freezer so if you know the kill zone... giver! its all hunting no matter what way you spin it, want a challenge, drop the gun and bow and go spear yourself a gobbler!

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Sorry I only practice catch and release.

I was brought up to put meat on the table. My Mother was actually raised on Pheasants, Venison and Lobster. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy hunting. However when I lived in NB baiting deer although was legal was considered cheating and unethical yet many in Ontario do it.

You seem to be saying that unless a hunter has the same ethics as you then they are wrong. Yes when I go hunting I am there to kill.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

Just the opposite, I am not there just to kill it. Just like waterfowling, I don't just walk down to the waters edge and shoot a bird and go home, I scout then set up decoys and enjoy calling and fooling the birds, watching them work over the decoys is the best part of the morning. I take great satisfaction in calling turkeys, waterfowl . Sure at the end of the day I pull the trigger but there is so much more to it.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I was brought up to put meat on the table. My Mother was actually raised on Pheasants, Venison and Lobster. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy hunting. However when I lived in NB baiting deer although was legal was considered cheating and unethical yet many in Ontario do it.

You seem to be saying that unless a hunter has the same ethics as you then they are wrong. Yes when I go hunting I am there to kill.

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bandwagon I wouldn't get too worried about it...great white posts this same topic every year around this time and then doesn't even go turkey hunting..he must be bored...

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

What you are describing is Turkey killing vs Turkey hunting. Sounds like you have already made up your mind.

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There is what you call "Turkey Hunting " but the end result is "Turkey Killing " that is why you are out there.

By the way I Don't hunt Turkey at least not now just don't have time. I was just trying to start a conservation on Turkey hunting.

I told my wife that one when I bought a cow it was kill and release.

**Note
Non hunting wives do not like to see live pictures of meat before they eat it, even when you ahve been married for over 20 years.

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Originally Posted by I_cant_fish

i do the same with turkeys....

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

Sorry I only practice catch and release.

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and that quote right there tells the tale of the type of character you really are my friend... have fun practicing!

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Originally Posted by MikePal

I like when guys say it's too expensive a sport but will throw $50 of gas into the bass boat and 'catch and release' all the fish they land and go home empty handed....LOL

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Agreed, if someone really enjoys hunting its a cheap pastime. How much does a round of golf cost, including the 19th hole?

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

However when I lived in NB baiting deer although was legal was considered cheating and unethical yet many in Ontario do it.

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I have some personal insights into the local "culture" of New Brunswick deer hunting. Let's not talk about ethics.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

By the way I Don't hunt Turkey at least not now just don't have time. I was just trying to start a conservation on Turkey hunting.

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If you spent less time posting about topics you don't have any practical knowledge on you could free up some time to turkey hunt and gain practical knowledge.

You're welcome.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

I have a lot having grown up there.

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

I have some personal insights into the local "culture" of New Brunswick deer hunting. Let's not talk about ethics.

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I hunt a stream bordering 2 properties...the roost is huge there.. and split evenly between the 2 property lines... guys on the other side routinely do this and are successful. But it ruined several hunt for me ..and was becoming a safety issue as well..... the birds relocated fast after this... I get what your saying.. but hearing them blasting at barely legal if legal at all on the roost... after a 330 am wakeup and trying to teach my young lad about the process was brutal..lol. He learned something that day(s). Given up on it now at that locale... good luck!

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Originally Posted by GW11

If you spent less time posting about topics you don't have any practical knowledge on you could free up some time to turkey hunt and gain practical knowledge.

You're welcome.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

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This is why the forum has gone down hill.

He is asking a question and you are talking him down for asking that question, stop being a jerk.

You're welcome

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Originally Posted by Fox

This is why the forum has gone down hill.

He is asking a question and you are talking him down for asking that question, stop being a jerk.

You're welcome

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Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

My post to greatwhite carried over from another thread where I pointed out some of the merits of the turkey course. He repeatedly attempted to discredit any claims that the course had value at all, even though he has never taken the course or been turkey hunting at all. He has 17000 posts on an outdoors forum and no time for turkey hunting!

You can go ahead and respond, I know you'll have to, but I'm done wasting my time.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

Actually I think I said I am not really interested in it and as well since I am doing different work right now working 7 days a week I don't have much time.

For your info I do Deer Hunt, grouse, rabbit and waterfowl. I also camp in the bush during the Summer and fish with m y son and best friend.

Now I am unsure what hunting course you took if any but when I took the hunter safety we were taught to be sure of our targets and I think but I could be wrong but rehardless of the type of hunting you should always be sure of where you are shooting. I am guessing you are only safe when Turkey hunting and during any other season you could care less I suspect I am correct 100%.

You should always be a safe hunter regardless of what you are hunting.

If we really need a Turkey Course than you must agree we need a course for every species

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Originally Posted by GW11

Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

My post to greatwhite carried over from another thread where I pointed out some of the merits of the turkey course. He repeatedly attempted to discredit any claims that the course had value at all, even though he has never taken the course or been turkey hunting at all. He has 17000 posts on an outdoors forum and no time for turkey hunting!

You can go ahead and respond, I know you'll have to, but I'm done wasting my time.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by GW11

Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

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I’m glad someone finally said it. So many threads descending into stupid disagreements usually all over poorly sourced personal opinions. Always the same few people chiming in like experts on every topic. Let it go.

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Originally Posted by dilly

I’m glad someone finally said it. So many threads descending into stupid disagreements usually all over poorly sourced personal opinions. Always the same few people chiming in like experts on every topic. Let it go.

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I will second that statement !:thumbup:
motion seconded , approved , voted on , and carried.
Thank you very much!:goodstuff:

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Originally Posted by GW11

Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

My post to greatwhite carried over from another thread where I pointed out some of the merits of the turkey course. He repeatedly attempted to discredit any claims that the course had value at all, even though he has never taken the course or been turkey hunting at all. He has 17000 posts on an outdoors forum and no time for turkey hunting!

You can go ahead and respond, I know you'll have to, but I'm done wasting my time.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

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well said GW11....

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Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

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Well said, over the years I have seen this site lose some good members because of this BS, and I bet it discourages a lot of new members from posting.

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Originally Posted by GW11

Couldn't resist could ya?

Actually no, the problem with this forum is there's a certain group of posters, you included, who cannot resist posting on nearly every thread and every topic, regardless of whether or not they have any actual knowledge on it. In many cases they will argue and question those who actually do have obvious knowledge because they cannot and will not ever admit to being incorrect on anything. Sound familiar?

My post to greatwhite carried over from another thread where I pointed out some of the merits of the turkey course. He repeatedly attempted to discredit any claims that the course had value at all, even though he has never taken the course or been turkey hunting at all. He has 17000 posts on an outdoors forum and no time for turkey hunting!

You can go ahead and respond, I know you'll have to, but I'm done wasting my time.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

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Like several others I totally agree and well said...............problem is he has been called out so many times but he just won’t stop spewing his crap...............as well as all his buddies who are in the same boat, no time to hunt but sure do know everything and anything about it!!!! Enough is enough...........GO AWAY!

x 6 well said

What has always amazed me is when I see people with like 20K posts. Sweet jesus. There is no way you are getting any hunting in to get those kinds of numbers or doing anything for that matter. It's like all they do is sit there with this form open waiting for someone to say anything really so they have something to write about. Lololol.
I will admit I do tend to read posts at night before going to bed. I skim through looking for a good read then I go to bed. But there are lots of times I want to respond or ask something but I'm nervice because I know there's a couple as%$ho%€ with no life just waiting to pounce on someone.

I have a few buddies like that as well, know everything about hunting but never go hunting. I call them "magazine hunters"

Not sure how I HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT. I have asked a simple question as to why some get upset about shooting a Turkey off the roost. One person essentially said I was not a hunter because I have not gotten out much the past year. Do some of us post a lot yes we do, and I can tell you are inferring to many he in Ottawa area. I have looked at thousands of posts on here from those you are referencing and I cannot seem to find a really bad post.

You do realize that if you do not want to be involved in the discussion you don't have to be, I am guessing, no sorry I know as a fact that you are obviously being forced to respond or you would not be so rude nor would you waste your time.

Why is it some people FEEL that if somebody does not follow their ETHICS then they are wrong.

If you want to CALL me out then do it I have nothing to hide or fear!

Interesting!

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Originally Posted by Big Gunner

What has always amazed me is when I see people with like 20K posts. Sweet jesus. There is no way you are getting any hunting in to get those kinds of numbers or doing anything for that matter. It's like all they do is sit there with this form open waiting for someone to say anything really so they have something to write about. Lololol.
I will admit I do tend to read posts at night before going to bed. I skim through looking for a good read then I go to bed. But there are lots of times I want to respond or ask something but I'm nervice because I know there's a couple as%$ho%€ with no life just waiting to pounce on someone.

I have a few buddies like that as well, know everything about hunting but never go hunting. I call them "magazine hunters"

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You got it right, they read a lot and then imagine themselves being great hunters and talk to anyone anywhere where they hope to have an audience.
The more talking/posting they do the more enamored they are about themselves and believe everyone else thinks they are the smartest around , NOT.
Most of us can see through this BS and see that all they are very insecure persons, as with all the knowledge that they post on here, they periodically come up with some very stupid questions.

It appears I’ve become the brunt of some uncalled for criticism for my being an active member on this forum. It is beyond my reasoning why fellow sportsman belonging to a community forum feel to need to disrespect and demean each other constantly.

To set the record straight…

I’ve been on this forum long before it’s present birth, if I remember correctly I hit the gate running with a bunch of posts transferred across from the old forum in 2008.

My forum statistics say I have a 5.8 posts per day average….After 10 yrs those add but in reality is I pretty much only post in the early morning and if I'm participating in a good debate. . I get up at 4:00 and read the news papers (5-6 daily) and if I see something of interest, I’ll start a thread and post it with the hope some members find it interesting and it stimulates conversation and hopefully keeps the forum alive and active.

Since I’m retired and at home 24/7, I have lots of time to do things I like, but thanks for your concern as to how I spend my time, although it’s none of your business and baffles me why you think it is.

As for being a ‘wannabe’…

I retired to a 100 acre hobby farm in 2001 that gives me access 24/7 to over 400 acres of prime hunting land in by back yard and I’ve built a nice 200 yd shooting range just outside my kitchen door.

I hunt every season, fill all my own tags every year as well as put the majority of the deer up on the pole at camp. I hunt, a lot…my wife will attest to it in writing if you want. :)

I’m on my range 2-3 time a week shooting this time of the year. I make my own bullets, I reload and I just plain like shooting so I’m active and like to participate in topics that involve those hobbies.

As for being an ‘insecure person’ needing “validation”;

Since you don’t know me , I don’t see how you feel justified in making that call…there are a bunch of members on the forum who have meet me and shared breakfast with GW and I over the past few years. I don’t think anyone who’d categorize either him or I as being insecure or requiring any validation :)


Apparently long posts offend some of you , so I’ll end it here by saying.

This forum is a community of outdoors people who are here to share our ideas and have healthy conversations and respectful debates on the topics we have common interest in. If you don’t want to contribute positively and find you don’t like those who you’re sitting at the table with, do us all a favour just excuse yourself and leave quietly.

To add:

There have been a few threads lately that have said the forum is failing. I agree…and it’s because of people like the ones on this thread who feel the need to slam each other constantly. The same ones who don’t actively participate in the forum (two of you haven’t even started 10 threads between you in the past 2 yrs) and post primarily derogatory and antagonistic comments.

I think you should be looking in the mirror to see who has inadequacies and feel the need to sit behind a keyboard and make demeaning and disparaging comments to other members.

Greatwhite, Mike, anytime you guys want to do breakfast you are more than welcome at my table. Lots of eggs here (sorry Mike :) ), and good stories about hunting, family and quite a few heated debates. Line052, you can join us too, the little one will be more than happy to spend time with you and your beard.

on second thought...I'm out

Working 80 and 90 hour weeks right now but taking time off the long weekend to do some camping and fishing on the long weekend. Working and cutting fire wood in the evening.

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Originally Posted by Fox

Greatwhite, Mike, anytime you guys want to do breakfast you are more than welcome at my table. Lots of eggs here (sorry Mike :) ), and good stories about hunting, family and quite a few heated debates. Line052, you can join us too, the little one will be more than happy to spend time with you and your beard.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

It appears I’ve become the brunt of some uncalled for criticism for my being an active member on this forum. It is beyond my reasoning why fellow sportsman belonging to a community forum feel to need to disrespect and demean each other constantly.

To set the record straight…

I’ve been on this forum long before it’s present birth, if I remember correctly I hit the gate running with a bunch of posts transferred across from the old forum in 2008.

My forum statistics say I have a 5.8 posts per day average….After 10 yrs those add but in reality is I pretty much only post in the early morning and if I'm participating in a good debate. . I get up at 4:00 and read the news papers (5-6 daily) and if I see something of interest, I’ll start a thread and post it with the hope some members find it interesting and it stimulates conversation and hopefully keeps the forum alive and active.

Since I’m retired and at home 24/7, I have lots of time to do things I like, but thanks for your concern as to how I spend my time, although it’s none of your business and baffles me why you think it is.

As for being a ‘wannabe’…

I retired to a 100 acre hobby farm in 2001 that gives me access 24/7 to over 400 acres of prime hunting land in by back yard and I’ve built a nice 200 yd shooting range just outside my kitchen door.

I hunt every season, fill all my own tags every year as well as put the majority of the deer up on the pole at camp. I hunt, a lot…my wife will attest to it in writing if you want. :)

I’m on my range 2-3 time a week shooting this time of the year. I make my own bullets, I reload and I just plain like shooting so I’m active and like to participate in topics that involve those hobbies.

As for being an ‘insecure person’ needing “validation”;

Since you don’t know me , I don’t see how you feel justified in making that call…there are a bunch of members on the forum who have meet me and shared breakfast with GW and I over the past few years. I don’t think anyone who’d categorize either him or I as being insecure or requiring any validation :)


Apparently long posts offend some of you , so I’ll end it here by saying.

This forum is a community of outdoors people who are here to share our ideas and have healthy conversations and respectful debates on the topics we have common interest in. If you don’t want to contribute positively and find you don’t like those who you’re sitting at the table with, do us all a favour just excuse yourself and leave quietly.

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no one disagrees with the fact that you could know what youre doing, or how you can pack your own bullets, shoot the biggest deer catch the most fish... sure I bet you can... but in my experience with your posts over the years you like to pat yourself on the back a lot, and let everyone know how good you really are... some people need that whether its lack of self confidence or simply low self esteem... this site is a great booster for people like that...

keep on posting what you know and what you can do... i'm super interested!

cheers!

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Originally Posted by I_cant_fish

but in my experience with your posts over the years you like to pat yourself on the back a lot, and let everyone know how good you really are... some people need that whether its lack of self confidence or simply low self esteem... this site is a great booster for people like that...

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...are you saying all those quys that are posting their 'Hunt Success' threads in the Turkey Forum are lacking self esteem and just looking for a pat on the back ??

If you knew me, you'd know I haven't got in issue with low confidence or self esteem, quit the contrary, so I think you read that wrong...LOL

edit add: I mentioned your comment to my wife, she got a good chuckle, she figures it the Dr Phil influence...everyone nowadays is a wannabe, like to give people labels...definitely a generational thing.

She's right; when you're at camp and there was that one guy who likes to tell his stories a lot you just accept that he is talkative....no one every suggested that he lacked self confidence and suffered from low self esteem....LOL..

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Originally Posted by MikePal

...are you saying all those quys that are posting their 'Hunt Success' threads in the Turkey Forum are lacking self esteem and just looking for a pat on the back ??

If you knew me, you'd know I haven't got in issue with low confidence or self esteem, quit the contrary, so I think you read that wrong...LOL

edit add: I mentioned your comment to my wife, she got a good chuckle, she figures it the Dr Phil influence...everyone nowadays is a wannabe, like to give people labels...definitely a generational thing.

She's right; when you're at camp and there was that one guy who likes to tell his stories a lot you just accept that he is talkative....no one every suggested that he lacked self confidence and suffered from low self esteem....LOL..

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just an observation... if you were confident you really have no need to explain yourself.... just keep doin what you're doin fella!

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Not sure how I HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT. I have asked a simple question as to why some get upset about shooting a Turkey off the roost. One person essentially said I was not a hunter because I have not gotten out much the past year. Do some of us post a lot yes we do, and I can tell you are inferring to many he in Ottawa area. I have looked at thousands of posts on here from those you are referencing and I cannot seem to find a really bad post.

You do realize that if you do not want to be involved in the discussion you don't have to be, I am guessing, no sorry I know as a fact that you are obviously being forced to respond or you would not be so rude nor would you waste your time.

Why is it some people FEEL that if somebody does not follow their ETHICS then they are wrong.

If you want to CALL me out then do it I have nothing to hide or fear!

Interesting!

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IMO, you have been called out because of this thread (for example):
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...y-Course/page5

Despite the fact that many of us gave you some valid reasons with very detailed examples you kept coming back with some very unintelligent replies (i.e. Rabbit course and such....). I couldn't believe it....

We don't have to all agree but when someone as a valid point it's not a bad thing to take it, zip it and move on.

No hard feeling at all, life goes on to the next thread. Lots of good guys around here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikePal

It appears I’ve become the brunt of some uncalled for criticism for my being an active member on this forum. It is beyond my reasoning why fellow sportsman belonging to a community forum feel to need to disrespect and demean each other constantly.

To set the record straight…

I’ve been on this forum long before it’s present birth, if I remember correctly I hit the gate running with a bunch of posts transferred across from the old forum in 2008.

My forum statistics say I have a 5.8 posts per day average….After 10 yrs those add but in reality is I pretty much only post in the early morning and if I'm participating in a good debate. . I get up at 4:00 and read the news papers (5-6 daily) and if I see something of interest, I’ll start a thread and post it with the hope some members find it interesting and it stimulates conversation and hopefully keeps the forum alive and active.

Since I’m retired and at home 24/7, I have lots of time to do things I like, but thanks for your concern as to how I spend my time, although it’s none of your business and baffles me why you think it is.

As for being a ‘wannabe’…

I retired to a 100 acre hobby farm in 2001 that gives me access 24/7 to over 400 acres of prime hunting land in by back yard and I’ve built a nice 200 yd shooting range just outside my kitchen door.

I hunt every season, fill all my own tags every year as well as put the majority of the deer up on the pole at camp. I hunt, a lot…my wife will attest to it in writing if you want. :)

I’m on my range 2-3 time a week shooting this time of the year. I make my own bullets, I reload and I just plain like shooting so I’m active and like to participate in topics that involve those hobbies.

As for being an ‘insecure person’ needing “validation”;

Since you don’t know me , I don’t see how you feel justified in making that call…there are a bunch of members on the forum who have meet me and shared breakfast with GW and I over the past few years. I don’t think anyone who’d categorize either him or I as being insecure or requiring any validation :)


Apparently long posts offend some of you , so I’ll end it here by saying.

This forum is a community of outdoors people who are here to share our ideas and have healthy conversations and respectful debates on the topics we have common interest in. If you don’t want to contribute positively and find you don’t like those who you’re sitting at the table with, do us all a favour just excuse yourself and leave quietly.

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I don't always agree with you but I think you are a respectable guys. I would think most of us think so....

By the same token as I said then maybe we need a Deer and Bear Course. I have heard many times of people being shot during deer hunting and bear in Canada but rarely Turkey.

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Originally Posted by seabast

IMO, you have been called out because of this thread (for example):
https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...y-Course/page5

Despite the fact that many of us gave you some valid reasons with very detailed examples you kept coming back with some very unintelligent replies (i.e. Rabbit course and such....). I couldn't believe it....

We don't have to all agree but when someone as a valid point it's not a bad thing to take it, zip it and move on.

No hard feeling at all, life goes on to the next thread. Lots of good guys around here.

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I am an infrequent visitor to this forum. As a die hard Ontario hunter and fisherman for 50+ years I would really like to feel comfortable here but I don't. To me an internet forum should be like a friendly pub where you can drop by and enjoy a pint and a friendly conversation with like minded individuals. Unfortunately way too often this feels more like a hostile roadhouse where others are just looking for an excuse to punch your lights out. I tend to avoid those places in real life and on the internet.

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Originally Posted by singlemalt

To me an internet forum should be like a friendly pub where you can drop by and enjoy a pint and a friendly conversation with like minded individuals.

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That's very true and for the most part this forum was like that years ago. I used to equate it what we used to do before the internet; sit at the regular's table at Tim's in the morning and have coffee with a bunch of the local lads; Chat, tell stories, discuss the events of the day, have a few laughs and most of all respect each others opinions. I always liked a social 'Face to Face' conversation, one can see the 'wink' or 'smile' to let you know the comments are made in good fun.

That nuance is lost nowadays with social media, with a keyboard to hide behind and not being held accountable to what they say has, like you said, made it a hostile environment.

In Ottawa there are a bunch of us that actually get together and have breakfast together. We don't all agree on the same things but we have a civil discussions.

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Originally Posted by singlemalt

I am an infrequent visitor to this forum. As a die hard Ontario hunter and fisherman for 50+ years I would really like to feel comfortable here but I don't. To me an internet forum should be like a friendly pub where you can drop by and enjoy a pint and a friendly conversation with like minded individuals. Unfortunately way too often this feels more like a hostile roadhouse where others are just looking for an excuse to punch your lights out. I tend to avoid those places in real life and on the internet.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

By the same token as I said then maybe we need a Deer and Bear Course. I have heard many times of people being shot during deer hunting and bear in Canada but rarely Turkey.

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GW,

The only reason a turkey course was/is necessary its because it's a fairly new game that neither our parents or grand parents have hunted so no one could teach them and us the way we have been taught deer or rabbit hunting. On top of that the safety requirements are somewhat higher if you don't use your brain (and who does?). Turkey are a 20lbs birds that are tougher to kill with a shot gun (#4, 5 or 6 only, that's not really big) so I think it makes sense to have we need some kind of special course.

If now it's taught in the regular hunting course, great its not necessary but a bunch of older new turkey hunters will have no clue of what not to do.

I found the course pretty entertaining too....

Turkey hunting is now 30 years old.

My other point was there will be more people shot hunting Big Game next year then will be shot hunting Turkey in the next 5 years. What it comes down to is being a safe hunter.

In the past I have seen unsafe Waterfowl hunters, Deer hunters and even small game. I have been accidentally shot at by a deer hunter before and small game hunters who didn't see me, yes I even wear hunters orange when hunting small game.

You always need to know your target and what is beyond your target. I have even heard of people using their scopes instead of binoculars to look for deer. What we really need is maybe emphasize safety even more for all types of hunting and the key is knowing your surroundings.

Next year I will probably go Turkey with my son and assuming I have a new Job as currently I get home to late and right now I am working 7 days a week. There are quite a few Turkey around my area in fact right behind my house (The one place I do not have permission to hunt LOL the Turkeys probably know that to)

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Originally Posted by seabast

GW,

The only reason a turkey course was/is necessary its because it's a fairly new game that neither our parents or grand parents have hunted so no one could teach them and us the way we have been taught deer or rabbit hunting. On top of that the safety requirements are somewhat higher if you don't use your brain (and who does?). Turkey are a 20lbs birds that are tougher to kill with a shot gun (#4, 5 or 6 only, that's not really big) so I think it makes sense to have we need some kind of special course.

If now it's taught in the regular hunting course, great its not necessary but a bunch of older new turkey hunters will have no clue of what not to do.

I found the course pretty entertaining too....

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by seabast

(#4, 5 or 6 only, that's not really big)

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And #7s...

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

In Ottawa there are a bunch of us that actually get together and have breakfast together. We don't all agree on the same things but we have a civil discussions.

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One of the reasons I'm looking forward to the move! Two weeks from today guys.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by singlemalt

I am an infrequent visitor to this forum. As a die hard Ontario hunter and fisherman for 50+ years I would really like to feel comfortable here but I don't. To me an internet forum should be like a friendly pub where you can drop by and enjoy a pint and a friendly conversation with like minded individuals. Unfortunately way too often this feels more like a hostile roadhouse where others are just looking for an excuse to punch your lights out. I tend to avoid those places in real life and on the internet.

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This place still is. There will always be trolls, and a-holes everywhere. The key is to be forthright, open, genuine, and don't engage those who seem to think it's their place to ruin your day.

Even when I disagree on here, I am always polite. It pays.

Welcome to the internet! The land of ruled by anonymous trolls....No matter the level of education or common sense, mistakes can always happen whether it is big or small game. I was "shot" by my uncle when I was 16 years old while turkey hunting. We had watched the birds roost the night before so we had a pretty good idea where they would come out the next morning. We setup in a large field in opposite corners hoping to be able to cover as much of the field as possible while not putting ourselves in danger. My uncle said he wouldn't shoot a certain direction and I agreed to do the same. He was probably 150-200 meters away but the field rose in the middle so as it turns out your aiming fairly high if the turkeys are a certain distance away ..Turkeys came out in the exact spot where he said he would not shoot, and guess what he did...I was far enough away that the shot essentially bounced off my jacket but the point is, he made a terrible mistake which could have been a lot worse. We had recently taken the turkey hunting course, but sometimes you just can't account for stupid...