Turkey Hunt Help

[Hick727]

Alright so I wanna go Turkey hunting this spring. I understand there is a Lottery for it but is that only for adults? What is the lottery for? What does it do? Whats late season surplus?

Seeing im 16, can I still get a firearm turkey license or only a archery one?

Also, what is some good public land for turkeys? I still plan on buying that big atlas book at Gander Mountain that has all the land marked out but how do you know where each species is?

Im still new to hunting and really wish my family had been huge hunters. Sadly, my cousin is the only family member that wants to hunt too and he is 14.

[Billy_Burbout]

With you only being 16 yrs old you dont have to worry about any lottery. All you have to do is go buy a license for the time period you want. IMO i would use a shotgun. If you go to the dnr HSOforum you will be able to get a lot more info there. Dont be afraid to call them also. Check around with your familys friends. You might be suprised that there is a hunter among them to help you and your cousin. If not keep checking on here, iam sure someone else could help you! Good Luck!

[Borch]

The DNR also offeres several turkey hunting seminars. Also places like Gander Mountain and Cabelas offer turkey hunting seminars. These offer great information for all hunters but especially those who are new to turkey hunting.

[Archerysniper]

Also check into landowner tags, they get a license but have to allow hunting on there land they are listed on the dnr HSOforum. They have the right to limit the hunters on their land so now would be the time to start calling them.

[Crm7290]

Did you already take hunters safety? If not you should.

[Hick727]

Yeah I took hunters safety. I'm not that new haha

[DonBo]

Here's a list of all the scheduled turkey hunting clinics:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/wildlifeclinics/index.html

Most are taught by experienced turkey hunters and are very worthwhile for a new hunter. Lots of good information on everything from decoys and calling to tips on where to go and how to get permission.

Good luck!

[IlliniWalli]

first and foremost, obviously, is find a place, or 2 or 3 or more, to hunt.

all i can suggest there is to ask around. its easier to find a place to turkey hunt than a place to deer hunt.

clinics are a great idea but also read as much as you can. lots of great sites out there with excellent turkey info. i'd list some but dont know if thats allowed. definitely read all the new and old threads here if you havent already.

finally, get a call - i think a slate or glass are the easiest to learn - and practice, practice, practice.

when you hear that first gobble as the sun rises on a beautiful spring morning, you will be hooked. good luck!!

[1eyeReD]

Also check into landowner tags, they get a license but have to allow hunting on there land they are listed on the dnr HSOforum. They have the right to limit the hunters on their land so now would be the time to start calling them.

Do ya just look em up in the phone book? The Landowner Licenses that's posted on the MNDNR site doesn't have phone numbers which is understandable. I'm plannin on getting a surplus tag and this zone/season I'm aiming for has a few landowners listed.

Thanks in advance,

1ER

[DonBo]

Just be aware, the landowners still have a say as to how many can hunt their property. Most I have spoken too claim "my son's friends neighbors postman is already hunting here, so...." bla, bla, bla. It may be wrong, but there's really no recourse if they say no.

And for what it's worth, I would never just "look em up in the book". It's very easy to say no over the phone, and most landowners would feel much better about granting permission with an old fashioned hand shake, as opposed to trolling with random phone calls. Get off the couch and go knock on doors.

[sticknstring]

I've found the advice above to be spot-on. I haven't been granted permission from the landowner list once. Eventually, I just quit asking. Buy a county plat book and take a drive in the area you plan on hunting. Start knocking on doors. Once you find a farm to hunt, keep in touch, and respect the land as if it were your own. Give a gift certificate or help out. Finding a good place to turkey hunt is these parts is getting hard to come by.

[Borch]

I've had good luck with the landowner list and still hunt one of the properties 10 years after it was part of the landowner list. It can be hit or miss and just because they list the property doesn't mean they have any turkeys on it.

[Archerysniper]

I get their address off the HSOforum and use the plat map and knock on doors. I also just go and knock on doors in areas where I see alot of turkeys.

[MJ1657]

A tip I have is if the farmer has hay ground and there are pocket gophers in your area offer to trap them. The dirt piles they leave are murder on their expensive hay equipment.