Turkeys!

[SCCO9803]

Is anyone getting excited for Spring gobblers? There isn't too muchtalk on this site yet.

[Borch]

Oh yeah it's getting to me.

Just found out that I will be able to make my annual trip to the Black Hills to chase those Merriams in addition to the Easterns here in MN.

Plus the gobblers are startiing to feel a little spring around here. They've been strutting and doing some gobbling this past week.

[CornPirateKiller]

Been practicing my calls (which drives my family crazy) and watching videos a lot lately. Did a little scouting over the weekend. As soon as it dries up a little, I'm headed to the range to start checking shotgun patterns. Only two months until I hunt... I better get busy!

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Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati (When all else fails, play dead)

[strat-o-caster]

Say Borch, I'm heading out there this spring also..(Black Hills) I could use some extra info though...Best areas, Lodging, weather, etc.. What week are you going?? Thanks Strat

[TomBow]

Turkeys...did someone say t-t-t-Turkeys!?!?!?

I keep hitting people up for a time machine so I can skip 2 months and get May here, but ain't one of 'em whats got one!! I'm already babbling incoherently...er, more than usual..., remembering to check my equipment, leaf through the catalogs, read every durn story I can get my greedy paws on, nailing the kill zone on the pictures I put up at the bow range and yelpin' or cluckin' every other word or so! And the saddest thing of all? 71 DAYS to wait for my season!!

I'll be getting myself outta bed early on Sunday, just to see if I can't spy a few birds, maybe find a shed, and, hopefully, getting permission to access some private land come May. Maybe that'll get me out of the this turkey-psychosis!

(i hope not!)

Best of Luck, can't wait for the hair to stand up on the back of my neck when Mr. Gobbles cuts loose!!

[Borch]

Say Borch, I'm heading out there this spring also..(Black Hills) I could use some extra info though...Best areas, Lodging, weather, etc.. What week are you going?? Thanks Strat

There's lots of reasonable lodging based on where you want to hunt out of. As far as where to hunt? Lots of people hunt out of deadwood, sturgis area, Hill City, Custer, Hot Springs. It's all good. we usually hunt the Hill City, Custer, Deerfield areas. We are heading out there May 5-9. We usually headed out there around April 23-30 give or take but the last two springs were so late that the birds were really tough then. So we're going a little later this year.

There are literally thousands of acres to hunt over there. I have had my best luck running and gunning these birds. Using a boxcall, crow call or coyote howler as a locator and then get to a good setup and start calling. Hunting is good all day long. They cover a lot more ground than our easterns do here. Radio tracking studies have shown 10-14 miles is not unusual. So don't get too hung up on sign if you're not working birds. They may not be there anymore. But make a mental note and hit the spot again later.

Get yourself in shape. These birds love to go up and over the top of these mountains. Being part billygoat helps.

As far as the weather be prepared for anything. You might see blizzards and then 95 degree days within the same week. Our first two years out there we missed major blizzards by less than 3 days. The second year the temps were 80 - 95 degrees with snow still on the ground in many places. The wind is blowing all the time.

The country sure is beatiful. And there are lots of birds around. You just have to go and find them.

Borch

[This message has been edited by Borch (edited 03-04-2004).]

[strat-o-caster]

Say, Thanks for the reply Borch, I apprecate the info..We are heading out April 13-18, hope this is'nt to early!! Take care, Strat

[Hotspotter]

Man, everytime I look at the forum we've got dog-stuff on the top Let's make an effort to talk turkeys so much, that we compete with the guys that chase after those other upland birds! Just kidding....I love hunting pheasants and grouse too, and I'm sure they'd much rather have me chasing them than some of you other guys.....I'm a lousy wing-shot!

All this Black Hills talk is getting me excited, though I think I won't try it out until next year. What a guy should do, is take the whole week off, bring your rod and gun/bow. I've heard of a few streams out there that are phenomenal for trout.

It also makes me think about those gorgeous Merriams! Check out the next post!

Joel

[Borch]

Jnelson,

There are definitely no shortage of fantastic trout streans to fish while your there. Between the scenery, the turkeys and all the other game out there it's a very worthwhile trip.

[Borch]

Say, Thanks for the reply Borch, I apprecate the info..We are heading out April 13-18, hope this is'nt to early!! Take care, Strat

A lot depends on the spring. I'd focus on hunting the lower elevations during that time of year. Usually things start up there a bit earlier than up high.

P.S.

Be prepared for snow. You may not get it. But there a pretty good chance that you'll see some on your trip.

Borch.

[strat-o-caster]

just thought I'd bring this post back up, Quiet day on the post's I see. Borch we chaged the dates out to the Black Hill's. Now it's April 21-25. Strat

[Borch]

Strat o caster,

Where are you staying? If your still looking for a place let me know. I know of several places that will treat you right for not much $. Also contact the US Forestry Dept. for a map. It's $4-5 and worth every penny. There's info on the SD Parks & Wildlife site.

Borch

[strat-o-caster]

Borch, we have'nt made any reservation's as of yet. Please send me a e-mail I would apreciate (sp).. I'll get a map, I've been to the web site a few times. [email protected] Thanks John

[Borch]

The info is on my computer at home. I'll send you the info later tonight.

Borch

[FOOT]

I am looking for the wing bones of wild turkeys to make turkey calls. I can make 1 call from each wing. If you get me both wings I will make 2 calls, giving you 1 and I will keep the other.
Simply skin the wing and remove it from the body where wing and body connect.
If you want to send them to me make sure they are frozen on ice so they dont rot.
I will also teach you how to use the call when they are done.
These calls work. I have 2 in my turkey vest along with several other different calls. I find these sometimes can make the difference when an old Tom hangs up.