Planning a spring turkey trip

[Powerstroke]

Pretty straight forward. I'm planning a spring turkey trip to Nebraska. I've never been there before and don't a thing about the area. I plan on camping with a small trailer or maybe just tenting.

I'd really like to hunt a Merriams for the first time, but I'm just interested in hunting in new places.

Can anyone offer any tips or suggestions.

[prov1900]

P/s, look to the Niobrara area. I think that has been a hotspot for years. Of course, anymore, it seems like turkeys have evolved to the point of being a nuisance in the state, so finding numbers shouldn't be an issue. Ponca area is good. Another great place is the Burwell area. Lodging/campgrounds are prevalent in all the areas, as is state ground. Burwell is a neat town and has a kick 'rear' lake for walleyes, muskies, white bass, etc for an added bonus. Check out the Nebraska Game and Parks webpage as a guide. Let me know if you need anything else.

[gunmunky]

I grew up in Nebraska. There are very large numbers of turkeys around the Lincoln area, even more west of the Harlen county reservoir around the Republican river. I'm not sure how much public land is around those areas or how easy it is to get permission on private land. Good luck.

[prov1900]

I think it just comes down to a matter of where you want to stay, i.e. accomodations, along with any side ventures like fishing. Turkeys are everywhere in this state right now.

[Powerstroke]

I am starting to put my plan together. Fishing is always a great side trip. I will be checking the maps for your suggestions.

Are any of those places known for Merriams? I'd really like to get one of them as part of my trip.

[Powerstroke]

Just around the corner!!!

I should be there on April 9th and heading home sometime the following week. I will be going archery only because of the dates, but I'm looking forward to it.

Based on some tips I got, I plan on starting in the Pine Ridge area. I think I'm going to camp at Fort Robinson State park with my camper. If I can get one over there I think I might head east and hunt in the North central area for a change of scenery. Id like to cover as much ground as possible.

Any other thoughts would be great. I can't wait for it to get here.

[prov1900]

Good luck P/S. I think you should find lots of Merriams in that area. Take some pictures and keep us posted.

[Powerstroke]

I can't believe its that time of year again.

I had a poor experience last year and didn't get to put in the time that I wanted. I ended up getting chased out of town by a pretty good snowstorm so I only hunted for 3 days.

I'm planning to do it again this year, but rather than head for the Pine Ridge I think I'm gonna stay east and north central. I was blown away by the scenery last year and can't wait to come back to Nebraska. Its definitely an overlooked area in the midwest.

[prov1900]

Any specific areas you are planning on going to? Think about bringing your boat...

[Powerstroke]

I was eyeing the Norfolk area. Seems like lots of public land in the area. I only have canoes, but a couple of places I've looked at have water access which may help me get into some more interesting places so that may be worth bringing.

Last spring was honestly the first time I've ever been to Nebraska and I still don't know a thing about it. Prov if you've got other suggestions I'd be happy to listen. I love chasing turkeys but you can only get one in MN and you only get a week to do it in. Nebraska seems to be a good up and coming place for gobblers and they make it real easy for non-res hunters to hunt.

I'm hoping to start and annual tradition.

[prov1900]

Yep there is a lot of land available there. I have family (in-laws) in that area that will be hunting and if I have time this spring, will be down there too. I will get in touch with them and get the lowdown and let you know what's good.

[Powerstroke]

I appreciate the offer Prov. Right now I'm thinking I will be heading down April 5-8. Its spring break for my kids so my oldest daughter can come. She's 11 and has never come turkey hunting before so I can't wait to make the trip. Its a no brainer to bring her to Nebraska since she can hunt for just $6.

I'm hoping to get down for the bow opener, but who knows.

[prov1900]

Look at camping at Maskentine (near Stanton assuming you are looking at the Woodduck WMA), or at Willow Creek (near Pierce). Those are the two good camping areas there and both have nice lakes attached to them. I assume they would be open that time of year, at least for primitive camping. Most Nebraska campgrounds open around the first weekend of May for full services. Another prime area not as far west as Norfolk is the Ponca area. Buckskin Lake is near there and you can primitive camp and start hunting outside your tent door, so to speak. It too has a nice lake that you could take your canoe out on, paddle to a large peninsula/island like thing, and hunt from there. There are lots of turkeys there too.

[Hoyt4]

Have fun PS,

I've been going to NE for the last 10 years. Great place to hunt and bring kids.

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

You may want to checkout the Winnebego and Macy Indian reservations they both have good spring hunts with a ton of great turkey woods.