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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: wade on October 12, 2018, 01:12:12 PM

Title: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on October 12, 2018, 01:12:12 PM
Tomorrow is opening day of deer season in my neck of the woods. But my mind is on the turkeys in Florida. Camp, enter WMA drawing, hire a guide? I got plenty of time or do I?

Thanks for listening
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: outdoors on October 12, 2018, 02:10:09 PM
Yup plenty of time
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: Oljamo on December 20, 2018, 06:41:21 AM
well did you pull any turkey permits ? i know a guy that can put you on an osceola, been lving down here my whole life
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: Devastator on December 22, 2018, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(

Really,not even on private land,that's crazy
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: Spurs Up on December 24, 2018, 08:21:27 PM
Quote from: Devastator on December 22, 2018, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(

Really,not even on private land,that's crazy

I'm pretty sure you don't have to draw a quota permit for private lands in Florida.  Last I knew, you could hunt quite a few public areas—millions of acres—without drawing a limited entry permit. Now whether you'd want to hunt those areas is a whole different matter...
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: squidd on December 25, 2018, 07:23:26 AM
You'll need to keep trying as it takes 4-5 preference points to get a good WMA draw.

Burnt my four points last year trying to get a newbie his first Turkey - birds hung up just outside of WMA and had other hunters coming in from all directions.

Plenty of WMAs that do not require a permit and plenty of related article/youtubers to do some cyber-scouting.

Saw a few Turkeys out Snipe hunting this past weekend, so I'm dreaming about the March opener as well!
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: buzzardroost on December 25, 2018, 10:54:12 AM
I drew Camp Blanding this year. I know that's on the far North of the map range though.


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Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: born2hunt on December 25, 2018, 09:44:41 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(

One of the great joys we share for living in the treasured Osceola territory. I drew my favorite local WMA last year with 5 points. 5 years of waiting and was done right after daylight the first day. Almost regretted pulling the trigger. I will definitely be hunting just not where I would like too. 
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 02, 2019, 06:41:29 PM
Quote from: Devastator on December 22, 2018, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(

Really,not even on private land,that's crazy
Quote from: Spurs Up on December 24, 2018, 08:21:27 PM
Quote from: Devastator on December 22, 2018, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(
Really,not even on private land,that's crazy
I'm pretty sure you don't have to draw a quota permit for private lands in Florida.  Last I knew, you could hunt quite a few public areas—millions of acres—without drawing a limited entry permit. Now whether you'd want to hunt those areas is a whole different matter...
I never said anything about needing a permit for private land in FLA. However, if you want to hunt private land in FLA, you'd better own it, have a good friend to invite you, or have a lot of money. Between all the wealthy business men in FLA, and the outfitters gobbling up all the Osceola land, you can't afford to hunt private land if you're an average Joe, like me.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 02, 2019, 07:11:39 PM
Quote from: born2hunt on December 25, 2018, 09:44:41 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on December 22, 2018, 12:55:27 PM
Quote from: wade on December 01, 2018, 07:50:57 AM
I entered the drawing for several wmas we'll see how it goes.
How'd you do? You get drawn for anything? I got skunked. Again.
It's so wonderful to not be able to hunt in your own state.  ::) >:(
One of the great joys we share for living in the treasured Osceola territory. I drew my favorite local WMA last year with 5 points. 5 years of waiting and was done right after daylight the first day. Almost regretted pulling the trigger. I will definitely be hunting just not where I would like too. 
The other part of the equation is FWC keeping hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine lands closed to hunting. Yet hikers, bikers, campers and equestrians all get to recreate on these "public" lands for free. It's very aggravating.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: camotoe on January 04, 2019, 06:08:11 PM
Big cypress , Corbett , Hungryland, open public hunting all have birds in the south a lil north 3 lakes. , bull creek . Very do able if u have a week .


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Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 04, 2019, 09:19:50 PM
Don't know anything about those S. FLA places, but Bull Creek and 3 Lakes are romp and stomp hunts with hundreds of hunters. I won't waste my time there, and they're 1-1/2 hours from my house anyway. I hunt, when I can get drawn, at higher percentage areas close to home.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: camotoe on January 07, 2019, 09:27:40 AM
Yup there all romp and stomp but we take birds out of them every year. By the time we go  to three lakes it's always the last two weeks of the season and it's nice . Not many hunters then . I start in the cypress which is easy to get away from people it's big country . But this year I have an okaloosa quota to start so we shall see .


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Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: outdoors on January 07, 2019, 09:36:29 AM
I'm supposed to see a lot, trying too get a quote
When opening isn't the best way to go
The last few WEAKS  is the better time fram to go after the turkeys
That's in public land that is
Best of luck to all ......
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: ChiefBubba on January 07, 2019, 10:04:13 AM
Quote from: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.

That means you better make other plans. Lol. That's how far down the list of hunters that'll not pick up their permit. Bubba
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 07, 2019, 11:11:06 AM
Quote from: ChiefBubba on January 07, 2019, 10:04:13 AM
Quote from: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.
That means you better make other plans. Lol. That's how far down the list of hunters that'll not pick up their permit. Bubba
Wade, Bubba is exactly right. Those are your places in line for the permit for the hunt you chose, IF the guys ahead of you that actually did get drawn don't pay for their permits. I can't tell you how many times I've been #1 waiting in line, and never got drawn for the permit. As a matter of fact, on one of the hunts I put in for, I'm #1 in line again this year. ::) FWC's permit system absolutely sucks. >:(
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on January 07, 2019, 01:22:20 PM
Quote from: ChiefBubba on January 07, 2019, 10:04:13 AM
Quote from: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.

That means you better make other plans. Lol. That's how far down the list of hunters that'll not pick up their permit. Bubba

That is exactly what I thought.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: squidd on January 07, 2019, 07:17:31 PM
Ha - I'm 65, 111 and 165 so you have me beat to include making it feel like I wasted $15
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: ddturkeyhunter on January 08, 2019, 12:00:18 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 04, 2019, 09:19:50 PM
Don't know anything about those S. FLA places, but Bull Creek and 3 Lakes are romp and stomp hunts with hundreds of hunters. I won't waste my time there, and they're 1-1/2 hours from my house anyway. I hunt, when I can get drawn, at higher percentage areas close to home.
I Know what you mean about hunters thats where I hunt, last year opener 188 hunters two birds shot. Second day 134 hunters six birds shot one was mine. It can be done but it is a real ZOO. My first trip down to Florida was in 2009 I shipped a tent down to a UPS store for in store pickup. Got onto a plane flew into Tampa, rented a car drove to Three Lakes and started the learning process. The second day out a guy shot my Jack decoy, learning process no more male decoys on public land. I hunted till one oclock (end of legal shooting time) each day and walked all afternoon till dark scouting. I learned what the North fence, and south fence property looked like, and many spots in-between. I missed my opportunity the last day I was there, and didn't shoot a bird that year. In 2010 I was back and filled one tag, been back every other year since. And I have been more successful with at least one bird every time since. But thats partly because I now know how to hunt pressured birds. But I also have met a terrific bunch of people down there, that keep me filled in as to what going on in Three Lakes. So now I spend my afternoon and evening sitting around a campfire and telling stories. So if some day I dont fill a tag again down there, I still will be going home with a lot of new stories and great Memories.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 09, 2019, 11:13:29 AM
Quote from: ddturkeyhunter on January 08, 2019, 12:00:18 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 04, 2019, 09:19:50 PM
Don't know anything about those S. FLA places, but Bull Creek and 3 Lakes are romp and stomp hunts with hundreds of hunters. I won't waste my time there, and they're 1-1/2 hours from my house anyway. I hunt, when I can get drawn, at higher percentage areas close to home.
I Know what you mean about hunters thats where I hunt, last year opener 188 hunters two birds shot. Second day 134 hunters six birds shot one was mine. It can be done but it is a real ZOO. My first trip down to Florida was in 2009 I shipped a tent down to a UPS store for in store pickup. Got onto a plane flew into Tampa, rented a car drove to Three Lakes and started the learning process. The second day out a guy shot my Jack decoy, learning process no more male decoys on public land. I hunted till one oclock (end of legal shooting time) each day and walked all afternoon till dark scouting. I learned what the North fence, and south fence property looked like, and many spots in-between. I missed my opportunity the last day I was there, and didn't shoot a bird that year. In 2010 I was back and filled one tag, been back every other year since. And I have been more successful with at least one bird every time since. But thats partly because I now know how to hunt pressured birds. But I also have met a terrific bunch of people down there, that keep me filled in as to what going on in Three Lakes. So now I spend my afternoon and evening sitting around a campfire and telling stories. So if some day I dont fill a tag again down there, I still will be going home with a lot of new stories and great Memories.
Yes, that's correct!! I used to hunt like that until I learned the WMA's and honed in quality places that were within an hour drive from my house. I've killed birds and guided friends successfully there. Nowadays, I'm not so keen on driving, camping and hunting romp and stomps. Good luck to you if you come back this season!! :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: sasquatch1 on January 09, 2019, 03:33:32 PM
For those of y'all who have hunted the cypress, how is the terrain. The Ariel is hard for me to decipher what's what as I've never been in any woods that appear like that on a a map. And can you legit get to places that'll have birds by foot? Walking miles don't bother me but from what you read there's a lot of people who say you need swamp buggies and such?

Pms are fine if not wanting to post to the open net.

Trying to figure out what's what so if/when I make the trip I don't waste a week just driving around trying to find a place one could hike in on foot


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Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 09, 2019, 11:59:48 PM
Quote from: sasquatch1 on January 09, 2019, 03:33:32 PM
For those of y'all who have hunted the cypress, how is the terrain.
I've never hunted the Big Cypress. But several of my friends have for years. If you want to hunt there successfully, you'd best be prepared!! :o It's tough to get in there. 4 wheelers with snorkels and big mud tires, or monster swamp buggies just to get in. Camping gear to spend the nights out there. Be ready to deal with gators, panthers, bears and pythons. That's a real man's hunt!!
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: sasquatch1 on January 10, 2019, 12:17:02 AM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 09, 2019, 11:59:48 PM
Quote from: sasquatch1 on January 09, 2019, 03:33:32 PM
For those of y'all who have hunted the cypress, how is the terrain.
I've never hunted the Big Cypress. But several of my friends have for years. If you want to hunt there successfully, you'd best be prepared!! :o It's tough to get in there. 4 wheelers with snorkels and big mud tires, or monster swamp buggies just to get in. Camping gear to spend the nights out there. Be ready to deal with gators, panthers, bears and pythons. That's a real man's hunt!!


That's what I've always heard. If that's how it really is it'd cost me a fortune to just make it down there with all that gear. Sounds logistically like my elk hunts. I'd chase them on the other romp and stomps I guess.

Draw hunt wise. Is there anyway to check how many preference points it's taking to get drawn?

I've won some hunts that I've had to turn in for a point due to work, and this year applied with 3 points to a diff area unsuccessfully. Was just curios if there's a way to see what certain places are taking to be successful


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Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: camotoe on January 10, 2019, 11:16:32 AM
Depends on the year , this year its as dry as can .Was there 2 weeks ago and I could walk thru the cypress heads with out getting my feet wet . Saw plenty of turkey sign some bear  and panther tracks . You do not need a swamp buggy if you like to walk they have to stay on marked trails easy enough to get away from them. Walk the trails till you see sign and you probably will find some water in a head. I like to set up close to the cypress or right in it . good luck
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on January 10, 2019, 11:30:04 AM
My camping and hunting a WMA plans are not working out. Now thinking about a guided hunt. Anyone heard of or have experience with Rick Hebel?
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: wade on January 18, 2019, 09:56:08 AM
I didn't mean to kill the thread with my question. But let's finish it off. What about West Shore Outfitters?
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 18, 2019, 01:32:13 PM
Quote from: sasquatch1 on January 10, 2019, 12:17:02 AMDraw hunt wise. Is there anyway to check how many preference points it's taking to get drawn?
Not that I know of. I know that you can check is how many preference points you have. What I can tell you is that most good and popular hunts take 2 preference points minimum to get drawn. Hunts that have a really good reputation, with a good turkey population and let in very few hunters can take 5 or more preference points to get drawn.
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 18, 2019, 01:40:57 PM
Quote from: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.
Looks like I must be living right!! I FINALLY got lucky!! I've been first in line waiting many times, but never gotten the opportunity at the permit. This time I once again was #1 in line waiting on one of the hunts I put in for. Amazingly, one of the guys didn't pick up his permit, so after the deadline passed, I snatched it up!!  ;D
So it looks like I get to hunt my own state after all this year, and on my favorite hunt at that!! :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: It's a 3rd hunt, but I've been successful on 3rd hunts there before. I'm just happy to have gotten drawn!! For a change.
Title: Osceola dreaming
Post by: Dr Juice on January 18, 2019, 04:34:34 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 18, 2019, 01:40:57 PM
Quote from: wade on December 28, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
I'm waiting, my place in line is 19 for one and 28 on another. Not real sure exactly what that means.
Looks like I must be living right!! I FINALLY got lucky!! I've been first in line waiting many times, but never gotten the opportunity at the permit. This time I once again was #1 in line waiting on one of the hunts I put in for. Amazingly, one of the guys didn't pick up his permit, so after the deadline passed, I snatched it up!!  ;D
So it looks like I get to hunt my own state after all this year, and on my favorite hunt at that!! :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: It's a 3rd hunt, but I've been successful on 3rd hunts there before. I'm just happy to have gotten drawn!! For a change.
Congrats brother and good luck slaying one!
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: guesswho on January 18, 2019, 05:16:50 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 18, 2019, 01:40:57 PM
Looks like I must be living right!! I FINALLY got lucky!! I've been first in line waiting many times, but never gotten the opportunity at the permit. This time I once again was #1 in line waiting on one of the hunts I put in for. Amazingly, one of the guys didn't pick up his permit, so after the deadline passed, I snatched it up!!  ;D
So it looks like I get to hunt my own state after all this year, and on my favorite hunt at that!! :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: It's a 3rd hunt, but I've been successful on 3rd hunts there before. I'm just happy to have gotten drawn!! For a change.
Yep, a Florida turkey farm :TooFunny:  Good luck ;D
Title: Re: Osceola dreaming
Post by: RutnNStrutn on January 19, 2019, 02:10:08 PM
Quote from: guesswho on January 18, 2019, 05:16:50 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on January 18, 2019, 01:40:57 PM
Looks like I must be living right!! I FINALLY got lucky!! I've been first in line waiting many times, but never gotten the opportunity at the permit. This time I once again was #1 in line waiting on one of the hunts I put in for. Amazingly, one of the guys didn't pick up his permit, so after the deadline passed, I snatched it up!!  ;D
So it looks like I get to hunt my own state after all this year, and on my favorite hunt at that!! :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: It's a 3rd hunt, but I've been successful on 3rd hunts there before. I'm just happy to have gotten drawn!! For a change.
Yep, a Florida turkey farm :TooFunny:  Good luck ;D
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
I'm taking a lesson out of your playbook!! ;) Hunt turkey farms!!! ;D