Turkey Newbie Needs Help

[WalleyeDundee]

Hello fellow FM'ers. I have been wanting to hunt the turkey seasons for the last several years, but my lack of land and knowledge for turkey hunting has stopped me from trying. I entered the lottery for a permit last year and got declined . I'm going to apply again for the spring 2005 season. If I don't get a permit, I'm going to try and get a permit in a zone with leftover permits.

Here are my questions...

How do I choose a zone to apply for my permit? Is one better than others for non-landowners? I was thinking about applying for the Carlos Avery zone but I'm not sure if there are turkeys there and am a bit nervous about getting shot at by other unethical hunters looking for something to shoot at. (This has been an issue lately in Carlos Avery WMA). Otherwise I was going to pick a zone in the SE section of MN with a WMA on it. Thoughts?

Once (if) I get a permit, what's next? I suppose I'll buy a video or something at Gander, a slate call, and some turkey shot. I'll try to find some public land within my zone.

In order to have a safe trial of this sport, with a decent chance of seeing a bird, what would you recommend?

Tactics?

Thanks in advance.

WD

[riverrat56]

I started hunting turkeys 4 years ago, i applied for a zone and once i got notified that i was drawn i started calling land owners very soon, also scout of public land. I would buy a slate and box calls, also buy a few differnt strikers for the slate to change the tones and i wouldnt wait till you get drawn for a permit to buy them, get them now and practice so you can get better at it. im from southern minnesota so i cant help you with you Carlos Avrey question but im sure someone else can.

RR56

[TomBow]

Carlos Avery may be too heavy on the pressure, unless you like seeing other hunters. There are other areas, WMA's can be found online at the MN DNR HSOforum. Take advantage of the Landowner/Tenant list when you get your tag. Last year, I found out in Late February that I had a license so I got the Landowner/Tenant list ASAP and started writing letters explaining I was, "I'm an ethical hunter requesting permission to hunt on your property. I will abide by your rules when hunting and let you know IN ADVANCE when I plan to be there". If they grant you permission, show ALOT of appreciation for the chance to hunt there and treat them like kings. I look for landowners that have tags for seasons that are a week or two before mine, that way your not competing with them in the same hunt period. Other than that, if you know nothing about turkey hunting, go now and get turkey calls (slates are great to start with) and a few instructional videos and learn calls etc. You can find really good deals at G.Mtn, Fleet Farm on turkey calls leftover from last spring and this fall, some will be on clearance, save some bucks! BEst of Luck.

[Hotspotter]

Great advice. In addition, it'd be nice if you could find an area that you're already familiar with or nearby. This would aid in maximizing quality time afield. Learning turkey hunting never stops, but you go the farthest by spending as much time out there with the turkeys as possible. This may include scouting trips or spending time in the early morning observing/listening to them (with or without a gun).

Good luck!

Joel

[Powerstroke]

Great thread! I'm also planning on applying for the first time this year. I ordered a box call with a learning to call vadeo from bass pro and I've been reading some magazines.

How well do people do on public land? Is it usually pretty busy in general? I don't hunt at any of the big ones near the cities because of the crowds, but I'm thinking W or SW of the cities.

Where is the landowner list posted? Is this something most people do?

[Hotspotter]

Powerstroke:

From what I hear about turkey hunting on public land in MN, success is extremely variable. Depends not only on the pressure it receives, but on the size/habitat and time of season you're hunting it. That said, I've never hunted on any myself, but have friends that do.

The landowner/tennant list is sent to you in the mail provided you were successful in the lottery drawing. Unsuccessful applicants don't get the booklet and list, or notification. However, when the notification period is near, you can go to the DNR HSOforum and punch in your driver's license number. It'll tell you whether or not you were successful.

When you ask, "Is this something most people do?," are you asking if most landowners apply for the drawing, or if most people try and hunt these lands?

Thanks,

Joel

[TomBow]

Public land is like most public land hunting, get in far as you can, try accessing from the backside if you can find a landowner that will let you cross their property. The birds will be pressured, no doubt so they WILL be tougher to get to come to the call. If you get a permit area picked (get 'er done before Dec.3--application deadline), get a plat book and start knocking on doors this winter around lunch time when most of the farmers have less to do (vs. now when crops are still coming out or being sold) and ask for either permission to hunt their land or access to public that is adjacent to their land. Be courteous, dress casual but not sloppy and talk to them as much as they want to, don't be in a hurry and thank them for their time, EVEN if they say no. If they do say no, give them your name and number and ask them to give you a call if they change their minds. I have a Landowner/Hunter agreement I worked up that has my information on it, an explanation of my hunting history (hunter's safety, ethical, law abiding, respectful) and a section to fill in info about the property, a non-liability clause (you are hunting his or her land at your own risk and they are not liable if anything happens), and a section for any special requests they have while you hunt their property. Let them know you're coming down IN ADVANCE when you have permission to hunt there. Remember it's a privilege not a right.

Public land is tough but not impossible, there are safety issues to consider. I always have a blaze orange hat or vest on when I am moving around public land. Another suggestion, take the Turkey hunting course offered by the state (see the HSOforum). You'll get turkey education plus the chance to talk to seasoned veterans one on one. Best of Luck!

[Powerstroke]

Fantastic information both of you. I will definately be looking into that course through the DNR.

I meant do most people make lots of calls towards the landowner list. DOes every landowner have to provide access to everyone that calls or can they pick and choose. It would seem to me that the list of landowner/tenants might almost be mroe scary than hunting public land.

[Powerstroke]

JUst checked and there aren't any turkey courses scheduled, but I'm sure that will change.

[Borch]

Quote:

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JUst checked and there aren't any turkey courses scheduled, but I'm sure that will change.

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The turkey hunting classes are usually announced when the lottery notifications are made to those that are successful. The land owner info is posted on the DNR website about the same time.

As far as public land goes I have shot several turkeys on it. Pressure varies greatly depending on the permit area and time period. Soft, subtle calling and leaf scratching are usually the way to go when hunting there. As the turkeys have usually heard just about everything within the first couple of weeks.

Good Luck!