I'm just curious what everyone's thoughts are on killing doubles. I'm not talking about separated kills in different areas the same say, I'm talking about the same set. Anymore I really feel like if multiple birds get called in, only 1 should be shot. I just have such mixed feelings anymore about hearing stories and watching videos where hunters shoot a bird, then they quickly start calling again to try and bring the second or how ever many birds are still there back into range for a shot. It just seems excessive to me.
I think for me so much of it is protecting the population, but it's also like they deserve to see another day. I recognize that the population in the area dictates the decision to shoot more than one bird.
Im sure some will disagree and that's fine. Just curious on your thoughts.
It's no longer legal in the states I hunt, but when I'm hunting with a partner we won't shoot doubles either. I also won't hunt the same area where I've already taken a gobbler earlier in the season. Those are just personal choices. A lot of states with two bird limits, ethics aside, I can't imagine wanting my season to end that quickly.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I will do whatever is legal.
Yeah brother, I'm with you. My simple thought is two birds in one hunt, doesn't make it any more of a thrill. I get the same excitement from killing one as i do two. Id rather leave the other and hunt him another day, or leave him for someone else. Plus, like you said, for the sake of conservation, in a time where turkey numbers are on a downward trend, killing two in one very moment like that is just ridiculous. I think that for a lot of people, its a status thing, and killing more birds is more important to them then hunting. I say this coming from myself, who once thought in a similar way. I actually stopped posting social media pictures a couple years ago, because 'killing' was becoming more important to me than hunting, and 'status' was effecting my pride. Im not saying this to boast, as I still struggle with this, and im no better a person than the rest. However, every year the turkey humbles me a little more.
Anyways, bit of a ramble, and a bit off topic, so to summarize: i agree with you, and also feel strongly about this topic. I think you and i are probably a minority, as a lot of turkey hunters today (95% of the ones ive met) pride themselves in long range shooting and slaughter. Im interested to see if your post gets much feedback. I guess that the decisions and opinions of others dont necessarily effect us, and theyre free to do what they want, so, beyond sharing our opinion, nothing good comes from disrespecting others.
Sent from my moto g 5G (2022) using Tapatalk
I think if you lived in a place with very high densities, fine. Likewise, if you only hunt one particular piece of private and plan to kill two birds off that space in the same season, I don't know that it would affect much to shoot both at one time, outside of the fact that you might not get a bird called up again and may burn that tag if you held off (a potentially good thing for turkeys). Again, I wouldn't do it but that's just me. I live in a place with very low densities, particularly on public, and with a population that is trending downward noticeably. We always talk about the decline and that's because the majority of us are hunting the southeast, but there are places in the country that still have exploding populations and very high numbers. I don't get to travel so that's not my scenario. All becomes highly situational I guess is what I'm trying to say.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've done it several times out of pure greed as a younger man. I no longer want my season to end that soon (if early season).
Real talk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: ManfromGreenSwamp on May 10, 2023, 07:32:46 AM
I've done it several times out of pure greed as a younger man. I no longer want my season to end that soon (if early season).
Real talk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well put. Im with you on that, which is why i feel the way i feel. Ive been there.
Sent from my moto g 5G (2022) using Tapatalk
Can be a big difference between what is ethical, in some people's mind, and legal. Myself and my usual hunting partner, when hunting together, have shot a few doubles over 17 Florida seasons. I'm remembering four. Never really gave it much thought. Nothing I intend to fret about. I'll leave this discussion and watch the replies. This forum is a hoot at times. IMO some of you have way too much time on your hands. LOL.
I agree....killing one is as exciting as killing two. I've doubled many times over the years. And I may again one day. But I've passed multiple opportunities this season. With the current pressure situation I think some need to be left for seed more than ever
Sorry I'm talking specifically about two hunters sitting together.
* Killing doubles as a group / with a hunting partner ...
all day if presented that opportunity
Just no longer as a solo hunter
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Mountainburd on May 10, 2023, 07:43:19 AM
Sorry I'm talking specifically about two hunters sitting together.
If theres two hunters, and im one of them, i wont shoot a double. Ill just let my partner shoot. However, if im guiding 2 new hunters, and a double presents itself, 'whoop em boys'. Again, location and context plays a big role too tho. Again, as the second hunter, i wont shoot a double. Am i ok with others doing it? Probably.
Sent from my moto g 5G (2022) using Tapatalk
Where killing two birds at the same time is legal I think it becomes a personal, ethical matter and each person has to make up their own mind if they want to kill one or two. Just because its legal does not make it "the right thing to do". Again, that's a personal decision we all have to make. Over the years I have had many opportunities to kill two birds at the same time but have always decided not to do so, I don't need to kill two and had rather save the other bird to hunt next season or for someone else to hunt this year or next. I have also not taken shots on birds when calling in multiple birds because I could not get a clean shot without one bird being too close to the other in fear of killing or wounding the other bird. That's why they call it turkey hunting, not turkey killing. Please understand that I do not hold any animosity with anyone who does shoot two birds where legal,like i said, it's a personal matter and that's cool if that's what they choose to do.
When I partner up on a hunt I'm never #1 trigger man. I won't double, period. But don't have an issue with people who do so. Now I have no problem giving the survivor and hour or so then try to kill him in another location.
I've done it twice. Once many years ago with the friend i hunted the most with at the time. It was the classic 1-2-3 BOOM. It was a very memorable moment.
The 2nd was an accident. Gobbler flew down, peaked over small rise in hill. I shot him. When i walked up to him there were 2 flopping. I felt bad about that but was an honest mistake.
Not into killing more than one per sit. I prefer to stretch my hunting out. However, I have killed two gobblers in two different states on the same day on multiple occasions
If presented with the opportunity, I would double with a partner-no qualms. Makes no difference to the population if you go out and kill another one on the same day at a different set up (or season for that matter). With that said, I have had numerous opportunities over the years where I did not even raise my gun, but mostly because I wanted the person I was hunting with to get a bird as the primary objective.
Two at the same time by myself? I guess it will be a game time decision, but I doubt it. Maybe. I don't know. Have not had that many years where it was legal, so I have had plenty of chances, just not legal. Not sure what I will do but honestly, if it is late season, I have an extra to kill and I am hunting a good population, I might. It would only end my solo season, but I hunt with others a lot and would have just as much fun leaving the gun at home.
Myself and a hunting buddy shot a double this year . I really didn't see it as a harm to the population due to the fact that we Oklahomans have a one bird limit. We drive 3 1/2 hours to hunt that area due to the fact that the population in that county is pretty high. We didn't hunt another of our spots this year at all as our cameras could only verify 3 Toms and 2 Jake's on that property . It would have been over 2 hours closer but we felt it was best to wait and see if the population expands . Nevertheless I get just as excited hunting them with the game camera . I will conclude by saying that is the first time we have shot a double in our 30+ years of hunting .
I hunt with my wife a lot. If we can double, we do. If one comes in, it's her shot. Just our way. Z
Exclusively hunting public land, this year I've yet to run into another solo hunter. Multiple pairs and one of them did double.up on some birds they roosted.
On public land...it feels like a real quick population drop.
I get the appeal of hunting with a buddy and sharing the experience. But man it hurts seeing two go down at once on public.
Quote from: ruination on May 10, 2023, 08:56:25 PM
Exclusively hunting public land, this year I've yet to run into another solo hunter. Multiple pairs and one of them did double.up on some birds they roosted.
On public land...it feels like a real quick population drop.
I get the appeal of hunting with a buddy and sharing the experience. But man it hurts seeing two go down at once on public.
I'd bet most people hunting like that help the population more than hurt it (aka spook/save more birds)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
For the tandem hunters to each take one then go for it. For the one guy to take more than one im not into it. I've done it and honestly in hindsight I felt like I cheated myself. I've also taken doubles with friends when we both shot one and I enjoyed our accomplishment.
Two hunters, two tags, two downed birds.
I have no problem with that.
Mixed feelings to be honest, if it is the same person shooting two birds then no, I do not like it at all but if it is two friends and they each get one then that is a bit easier to tolerate but I still feel uneasy about it I guess. It is illegal here for a hunter to take two birds in the same day by the way.
Me and my father usually aim to get a double together every season. To be fair where the hunt takes place is a revolving door. High density, there are always 4-5+ longbeards in the area with a bumper crop of jakes yearly. Doesn't feel like we are hurting the area any by doing it and it's usually the most memorable hunt of the year for both of us.
Quote from: Coop1082 on May 11, 2023, 09:11:48 AM
Me and my father usually aim to get a double together every season. To be fair where the hunt takes place is a revolving door. High density, there are always 4-5+ longbeards in the area with a bumper crop of jakes yearly. Doesn't feel like we are hurting the area any by doing it and it's usually the most memorable hunt of the year for both of us.
That's the kind of situation where I say lay with it. Not like if you noticed a population suffering you wouldn't back off. Not like knowing a population is suffering and going in and shooting a pair of grouped up two year olds in a large public tract that might hold three birds. Its all situational. Glad you and your dad are still able to hunt together and enjoy the time spent afield. Hope you double up this year as well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on May 11, 2023, 09:22:39 AM
Quote from: Coop1082 on May 11, 2023, 09:11:48 AM
Me and my father usually aim to get a double together every season. To be fair where the hunt takes place is a revolving door. High density, there are always 4-5+ longbeards in the area with a bumper crop of jakes yearly. Doesn't feel like we are hurting the area any by doing it and it's usually the most memorable hunt of the year for both of us.
That's the kind of situation where I say lay with it. Not like if you noticed a population suffering you wouldn't back off. Not like knowing a population is suffering and going in and shooting a pair of grouped up two year olds in a large public tract that might hold three birds. Its all situational. Glad you and your dad are still able to hunt together and enjoy the time spent afield. Hope you double up this year as well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I concur and we did on 2nd morning of the season this year already! We've been hunting it for about 6 or so years now and it's just one of those spots that somehow always seems to have a great hatch, birds survive and flourish, and there aren't any other hunters in the area. Perfect storm. If we ever felt it was dipping in numbers or we were taking too many, we would back off in a heartbeat. It's a great slump spot. If your short on gobbles and just need to remember what one sounds like, it's the place to be. Lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: sasquatch1 on May 10, 2023, 10:38:41 PM
Quote from: ruination on May 10, 2023, 08:56:25 PM
Exclusively hunting public land, this year I've yet to run into another solo hunter. Multiple pairs and one of them did double.up on some birds they roosted.
On public land...it feels like a real quick population drop.
I get the appeal of hunting with a buddy and sharing the experience. But man it hurts seeing two go down at once on public.
I'd bet most people hunting like that help the population more than hurt it (aka spook/save more birds)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
You're probably right in the long run. And two chuckleheads did exactly that opening morning with their spotlights.
And I really have no idea why it bothers me other than two birds dying instead of one.
Strictly on killing more on a public resource than really should have been in my mind I suppose.
Here it is illegal for one person to kill more than one bird a day/season. The only exceptions to that rule is if you have 2 archery only tags or 2 gun/bow 4th season tags. If you can kill 2 birds in the same day with a bow all I can say is congrats and good job! The same goes for for killing 2 birds in the same day during 4th season after they have been chased for at least 3 weeks. Again, congrats & good job.
My buddy and I have doubled several times. If we both have tags, both are carry a gun and 2 birds come in, more than likely 2 birds are going for a truck ride. The same goes if I'm hunting with my wife.
I guess I don't see the issue with killing 2 birds at one sit or you kill the second one an hour or 2 later, maybe even the next day...they are both dead. Around here, if some hunts a timber 1st season, more than likely some else will hunt that same timber 2nd season and then someone else 3rd season. Lets say my buddy & I pass on a double in 1st season and don't hunt that timber again. There is a good chance that the people hunting 2nd or 3rd season will kill the "survivor". Not to sound greedy, but if both birds are going to be dead anyway, why wouldn't we fill both of our tags?
Last year my buddy I shot a double 1st season. There were 3 other people that hunted the same timber during 2nd season and 2 other people hunted it 3rd season.
I don't have a problem with two hunters in the same setup or blind each shooting a turkey.
Your both hunting, you both have a tag so what does it matter?
I'm opposed to somebody shooting two birds in one sit. Take your time, enjoy the game and come back tomorrow or the next day and play again.
I kind of feel the same way. I also feel bad when too many birds get killed in the same drainage or area. To me one of the saddest parts of turkey hunting is going into an area that used to always have gobblers and there not being turkeys there anymore. I don't know if they all get killed or just move on to different areas but it's a bummer. I want those hills and hollows to be ringing with gobbles.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That being said if I'm on a farm with lots of turkeys and me and my son get a chance to double I think we'll go for it. It would be a fun memory for sure.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've been fortunate to do it a few times with a partner. I Choose not to do it hunting by myself. One a day is fine.
But I have had the privilege to double with one of my kids and that is 100% my best hunting memory. If I could repeat it I would.
I hope to have a chance to double with the other kids as well and I think I would not miss the chance to try and make the same memory with the others as I have the oldest.
Two hunters........... two tags........... No problemo with me.
Me and my Cuz a week ago today..........
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52872905091_5e08db6c9d_c.jpg)
In each situation, the population controls what I would do. The hunters who are involved, if legal and there's good numbers, go for it. Just got back from a hunt where I was involved in a double. The Hunters were me and my Daddy. My Daddy is 71 years old and he is in bad health. Oh man the emotions!!!!
I plan on trying to do a little write up in the near future, oh man it's not going to be easy but I really want to share it with y'all. Just writing this little bit is rough.
Have a good one and May God bless y'all, Bo
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
Everything being legal, then I say 1,2,3,shoot. Or is it shoot on 3, or is your buddy gonna shoot on 2 so he get's his for sure. Haven't actually had that opportunity yet, but if it reared it's red head, then so be it. Birds down!
Heck, in my area I can't strike up one bird anymore! We are only allowed one and the hunting is getting worse! The rest of you hunters shoot them all until you end up like me. Its legal, have at it.
Really depends on the situation.
If I am hunting an area that has a high population of birds, and I call a bachelor group of toms in while hunting with my daughter.... Yes, I will take the double.
Hunting the area I was this season... Large area, sparsely populated with birds that are spread out... I would probably not opt to take that double, so that I have birds being raised to shoot in future hunting seasons.
It has been my impression, that if too many toms are taken from an area, the hens move out to new areas as well... And maybe they do not return next year either. A good property can turn into a poor one the following season, by overharvesting.
I do tire of hearing "If it is legal, it is OK..." We should be the stewards of our sport. Hunt ethically, responsibly, with conservation in mind... Just cause it would be legal to shoot the last breeding tom on a property, does not mean it would be the right thing to do.
My reasons for conservation, or harvesting animals are completely selfish. Of course I want to go home with a bird, but I also want somewhere that holds game in the future.
Bang bang dinner dinner!!
No issue here. My son and I did that last Sunday. I let him drop a tom first, but another one decided to stick around and hump the flopping corpse, so I shot him.
I don't have an issue with it. I was going to do it once with a buddy but he got greedy and was checking each out looking for the best one and let every one walk across until the last one hit the logging road. After he shot, they ran off but one eased back out to look from the thicket and my buddy was in the way so I couldn't shoot.
Now, here's a thing none of you have considered..there is no guarantee that the birds you let walk will be there next year. B (my partner) let several jakes walk one year...I'm talking like 10 to 12 in a couple of spots. We thought we were going to really enjoy the next season. Only problem was the next year; there didn't seem to be a bird within miles of either of those spots. No gobbles, no tracks..nothing. No idea what happened but we think the birds either had a die off or were trapped and relocated.
I have no problem with two hunters doubling. If it were legal to take two a day with a single hunter I personally would not.
I'm against killing even one hunter, let alone two hunters together! :TooFunny:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/6d5ea503d4141326b8f73d07090d0618.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/732cb07a1e313acfd1221e963646def3.jpg)
My son and I have doubled twice now, both were very close encounters. First was 14 yds the next was 22 both were amazing experiences.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: justin.arps on May 11, 2023, 09:14:05 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/6d5ea503d4141326b8f73d07090d0618.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/732cb07a1e313acfd1221e963646def3.jpg)
My son and I have doubled twice now, both were very close encounters. First was 14 yds the next was 22 both were amazing experiences.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Beautiful! Congratulations!!!!
Quote from: Zobo on May 11, 2023, 09:24:55 PM
Quote from: justin.arps on May 11, 2023, 09:14:05 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/6d5ea503d4141326b8f73d07090d0618.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/732cb07a1e313acfd1221e963646def3.jpg)
My son and I have doubled twice now, both were very close encounters. First was 14 yds the next was 22 both were amazing experiences.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Beautiful! Congratulations!!!!
Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Marc on May 11, 2023, 01:32:37 PM
Really depends on the situation.
If I am hunting an area that has a high population of birds, and I call a bachelor group of toms in while hunting with my daughter.... Yes, I will take the double.
Hunting the area I was this season... Large area, sparsely populated with birds that are spread out... I would probably not opt to take that double, so that I have birds being raised to shoot in future hunting seasons.
It has been my impression, that if too many toms are taken from an area, the hens move out to new areas as well... And maybe they do not return next year either. A good property can turn into a poor one the following season, by overharvesting.
I do tire of hearing "If it is legal, it is OK..." We should be the stewards of our sport. Hunt ethically, responsibly, with conservation in mind... Just cause it would be legal to shoot the last breeding tom on a property, does not mean it would be the right thing to do.
My reasons for conservation, or harvesting animals are completely selfish. Of course I want to go home with a bird, but I also want somewhere that holds game in the future.
Well stated, Marc. Completely agree. Per the original question posed, I have no problem with two hunters doubling on gobblers,...IF the turkey population is healthy and is sustaining itself. Of course, that is a judgement call, but each of us needs to be conscious of the potential repercussions of our actions as hunters.
Regarding the issue of individual hunters shooting two birds at once, I am completely against that,...period,...even when the turkey population can withstand that attitude. Personally, I have passed on pulling the trigger many times and let birds walk just because I was concerned I would kill two gobblers with one shot,...even when it was perfectly legal to do so. As far as I am concerned, anybody that shoots two birds at once goes from being a "turkey hunter" after the first bird falls,...to being a "game hog" or "body counter" when the second goes down.
To me, turkey hunting is about enjoying each individual hunt to the fullest,...while still maintaining some restraint on the "blood lust". In addition, there is not one of us here that our survival is dependent upon having wild turkey meat in the freezer. In today's hunting climate, that second gobbler potentially staying alive to possibly ensure the posterity of the population is much more important than someone shooting him just to feed his ego with a filled tag.
My personal outlook is that in states with multiple bag limits, there should always be a one-bird-per-day regulation. My state allows hunters to shoot both gobblers on the same day/hunt. Every year, I petition our G&F Department to change that regulation to one-per-day. I am hoping that one day they will understand the reasoning why...
...And, as always,...just my personal opinion,...don't nobody need to get their snood in a knot... :) :angel9:
Have doubled myself a few times I can remember. Two of those were with one shot. Over the last several seasons passed on opportunities to do it again. Main reason is obviously ethical the other? Carrying two gobblers out esp a long way is at least 4X harder than one. As far as two hunters doing it? I'm cool with that. It's not easy to do sometimes. My son and I have done it once. I did see a vid one time where two guys killed like 4-5.... basically shot till their guns were empty. Not going to lie, I found that distasteful. Yet it was legal so I can't mount a huge campaign against it other than my own feelings. Nowadays I'm content with one doing the right thing at the right time and me pulling it off. The other bird or birds get the pass.... Until tomorrow anyway.
I also killed 2 in one shot several years ago. It's totally my fault, but I definitely didn't think that I would hit the 2nd one. I was shooting my Grandpa's old gun. He had passed away in 1977, and it's a Savage Bolt action 13 gauge. Definitely don't want to take 2 in 1 because I was a mile and a half from the truck , with 2 turkeys and a shotgun without a sling. WHEW!!! THAT WAS A HAUL.
Have a good one and May God bless, Bo
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
I think it's awesome and a great moment for two buddies, father and son, etc. I've never had the opportunity, usually hunt by myself but wouldn't hesitate if given the opportunity.
Sent from my moto e6 using Tapatalk
Me and my pops have done it, I did it with a good friend this year. Will do it again if given a chance. It's about the memories and none better than that
Quote from: kytrkyhntr on May 14, 2023, 08:34:19 PM
Me and my pops have done it, I did it with a good friend this year. Will do it again if given a chance. It's about the memories and none better than that
I agree with this. I have a Turkey hunting mentor if you will that got me into it. If we ever have a chance to double up we are going to take it. The reality where we live (North Florida) hunting public land does not give a lot of opportunities to take a gobbler let alone two. Since 2016 I have only seen two birds together once. That was two Jakes. Never seen two toms together in the spring unless they where strutting in a farmers field or during the off season.
Throw this one in from 2019. Not our first double or our last. Just one of the few where someone was around to take a "double" picture.
Killing doubles with hunting partners is what its all about. Now a single guy killin 2+ birds out of a group of toms i say good deal. Less intrusion into the woods the better get in and get out of the woods faster. Most people don't think about hens that are trying to nest that they are actually disturbing. I've personally shot 3 a few times and 4 a time or two. These farms still have excellent turkey numbers and have had them for many years.
When I hunt with a partner, we go over the plan in case of a true double. 3,2,1, bang.
Always have the plan, never had the opportunity to use it. I may double, depending on the situation and location. I don't think those happen real often.
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with 2 hunters doubling up on 2 gobblers. In my opinion, it doesn't happen often enough to be an issue. I've hunted a little over 30 years, and I normally hunt alone. In all that time I've only doubled with a friend twice, and doubled by myself once. 2 birds, 1 shot. I did it once, I wouldn't do it again. Especially nowadays, with the decline in populations. When I doubled alone, it was in SC back when they had a 5 bird limit. I also never took 5 birds even when it was legal.
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
What about a group of guys shooting six gobblers in one spot at a time. I saw one of our local podcast guys post the other day. They shot five gobblers in a group and had them hanging up. He made some comment about using them as decoys. They were trying to call in one more bird. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way but that's just me. I left a comment and he said there were ten more gobblers in the area. That's great but I take it as you wiped out almost 50% of the gobblers lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: aclawrence on May 20, 2023, 09:52:58 AM
What about a group of guys shooting six gobblers in one spot at a time. I saw one of our local podcast guys post the other day. They shot five gobblers in a group and had them hanging up. He made some comment about using them as decoys. They were trying to call in one more bird. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way but that's just me. I left a comment and he said there were ten more gobblers in the area. That's great but I take it as you wiped out almost 50% of the gobblers lol.
One word: INEXCUSABLE!!!
As a general rule, doubles are a terrible idea. But I think there has to be a caveat inserted there that allows consideration for the health of the turkey population in your area and the timing of the breeding cycle.
I will not take part in a double early in the season or in any place where turkey populations are not exceptionally high. Research now indicates that turkey social dynamics are complex, that a hen has to "accept" a gobbler as a suitor and that removing dominant gobblers causes a massive social restructuring that can take time.
While a lot of folks are loyal to the "If it's legal, it's OK" thought process, there is no doubt removing 2 birds simultaneously is not in the best interest of your turkey population.
Quote from: aclawrence on May 20, 2023, 09:52:58 AM
What about a group of guys shooting six gobblers in one spot at a time. I saw one of our local podcast guys post the other day. They shot five gobblers in a group and had them hanging up. He made some comment about using them as decoys. They were trying to call in one more bird. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way but that's just me. I left a comment and he said there were ten more gobblers in the area. That's great but I take it as you wiped out almost 50% of the gobblers lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A year or so ago we had a few guys drop off this forum over what was then the latest controversy over a picture someone had posted of several gobblers taken on an Indian Reservation. All were legal birds but just IMO the picture made them look piggish and the hunt almost too easy. Wack'um and stack'um photos rarely put hunters in a good light.
There is so much difference in a "buddy double" and taking 6 birds from the same spot that it shouldn't be in the same conversation. My "general rule" is that doubles are not a terrible idea in our area. We hunt private land, some which we only can access opening weekend, and have for over 16 years. The population seems stable so we will continue to take the opportunities presented without the least bit of guilt feelings.
Just to add - this is certainly turning into a sanctimonious bunch at times.
Called in two longbeards for me and my father-in-law on the PA opener. This was his first bird and maybe third ever turkey hunt, and on his own land to boot. We took these two and didn't hunt them for the remainder of the season. It was an unforgettable moment, and we took the same number of birds we hoped to, but I guess I should've read this thread first to brush up on the latest guidelines from the turkey hunting elite.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/19b154315296abeea8d9f20449ba0f41.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: aclawrence on May 20, 2023, 09:52:58 AM
What about a group of guys shooting six gobblers in one spot at a time. I saw one of our local podcast guys post the other day. They shot five gobblers in a group and had them hanging up. He made some comment about using them as decoys. They were trying to call in one more bird. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way but that's just me. I left a comment and he said there were ten more gobblers in the area. That's great but I take it as you wiped out almost 50% of the gobblers lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Those guys aren't hunters, they are straight up GAME HOGS and looking for the glory and recognition from others. Distasteful and THEY should be hung up for decoys...IMO.
Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk
Quote from: joey46 on May 21, 2023, 05:24:19 AM
Quote from: aclawrence on May 20, 2023, 09:52:58 AM
What about a group of guys shooting six gobblers in one spot at a time. I saw one of our local podcast guys post the other day. They shot five gobblers in a group and had them hanging up. He made some comment about using them as decoys. They were trying to call in one more bird. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way but that's just me. I left a comment and he said there were ten more gobblers in the area. That's great but I take it as you wiped out almost 50% of the gobblers lol.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just to add - this is certainly turning into a sanctimonious bunch at times.
I'm not sure sanctimonious is an appropriate designation. I think research, science, and the declines experienced by so many around the country warrant changes in our behaviors as turkey hunters. We know considerably more about these birds and we should all be keenly aware of how many folks are now hunting turkeys and the success they are experiencing despite declines.
3 years ago I would've never hesitated to shoot a double with a buddy or landowner in the first three weeks of the season on a lot of properties. Now, I simply won't do it because we've learned more.
Quote from: Tommy Strutsalot on May 21, 2023, 06:39:30 AM
Called in two longbeards for me and my father-in-law on the PA opener. This was his first bird and maybe third ever turkey hunt, and on his own land to boot. We took these two and didn't hunt them for the remainder of the season. It was an unforgettable moment, and we took the same number of birds we hoped to, but I guess I should've read this thread first to brush up on the latest guidelines from the turkey hunting elite.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230521/19b154315296abeea8d9f20449ba0f41.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well said. A lifetime memory.
My original comment was before it was changed to two hunters......one hunter shooting multiples isn't an ideal situation. Two hunters doubling up isn't a huge problem if the turkey population in the area can support it. If they are the only two gobblers clearly one should be left.
A few have mentioned science, research, population decline in this thread. Turkey populations are important to all of us, whether you shoot doubles or won't. Everyone who's on this forum cares a great deal. From the research and information I've gathered, selective harvest is indeed an important tool, yet we still see 6-8K hens killed in PA's fall season every year. I would rather reduce that number, which would have an obvious positive impact, than discourage people shooting legal toms after the majority of breeding has already commenced. Don't want to start a separate debate, my point is that you could get any turkey biologist in America on the horn and they will make many recommendations before telling two guys not to kill a pair of longbeards. Our forests and brooding habitats need management, our predators need management, the list goes on for a while before we get to doubles.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Tommy Strutsalot on May 21, 2023, 09:15:16 AM
A few have mentioned science, research, population decline in this thread. Turkey populations are important to all of us, whether you shoot doubles or won't. Everyone who's on this forum cares a great deal. From the research and information I've gathered, selective harvest is indeed an important tool, yet we still see 6-8K hens killed in PA's fall season every year. I would rather reduce that number, which would have an obvious positive impact, than discourage people shooting legal toms after the majority of breeding has already commenced. Don't want to start a separate debate, my point is that you could get any turkey biologist in America on the horn and they will make many recommendations before telling two guys not to kill a pair of longbeards. Our forests and brooding habitats need management, our predators need management, the list goes on for a while before we get to doubles.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You're right. Most biologists would recommend habitat management, predator management and then selective harvest.
But the majority of turkey hunters are NOT implementing habitat projects on their properties. They are NOT trapping. So the one thing that the majority of turkey hunters could do is actually be more judicious with how many turkeys they harvest, when they harvest those turkeys and where.
One of the most amazing aspects of the turkey management conversation is people's willingness to point fingers at habitat loss, habitat degradation, predator population increases and then totally absolve themselves from the equation. As if we, as hunters, aren't their most formidable predator each spring and we shouldn't need to modify our behaviors to compensate for changing times, as well. I find it simply fascinating and a little unsettling. But then again, to each their own.....
Quote from: Kyle_Ott on May 21, 2023, 04:20:49 PM
Quote from: Tommy Strutsalot on May 21, 2023, 09:15:16 AM
A few have mentioned science, research, population decline in this thread. Turkey populations are important to all of us, whether you shoot doubles or won't. Everyone who's on this forum cares a great deal. From the research and information I've gathered, selective harvest is indeed an important tool, yet we still see 6-8K hens killed in PA's fall season every year. I would rather reduce that number, which would have an obvious positive impact, than discourage people shooting legal toms after the majority of breeding has already commenced. Don't want to start a separate debate, my point is that you could get any turkey biologist in America on the horn and they will make many recommendations before telling two guys not to kill a pair of longbeards. Our forests and brooding habitats need management, our predators need management, the list goes on for a while before we get to doubles.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You're right. Most biologists would recommend habitat management, predator management and then selective harvest.
But the majority of turkey hunters are NOT implementing habitat projects on their properties. They are NOT trapping. So the one thing that the majority of turkey hunters could do is actually be more judicious with how many turkeys they harvest, when they harvest those turkeys and where.
One of the most amazing aspects of the turkey management conversation is people's willingness to point fingers at habitat loss, habitat degradation, predator population increases and then totally absolve themselves from the equation. As if we, as hunters, aren't their most formidable predator each spring and we shouldn't need to modify our behaviors to compensate for changing times, as well. I find it simply fascinating and a little unsettling. But then again, to each their own.....
Very interesting take lol. It seems you've discarded my example of fall harvests as a clear form of modifying hunter behavior and then assigned me the opposite stance. And while most hunters may or may not trap predators, I do. So I'm left to assume that either a) I'm not fascinating to you, or b) you've quoted me but then described an entirely different hunter or point of view than I've represented. I think it's both but especially "b"
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Mountainburd on May 10, 2023, 07:43:19 AM
Sorry I'm talking specifically about two hunters sitting together.
Thanks. That's kinda what I was thinking.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you are careful to not take all the toms off an area, what's the real difference if you take two at once or two in two days?
I think doubling up is uncommon enough that it's just not a real problem.
This is very situational , but 9 out of 10 times I don't tote a gun while hunting with others .
Safety is lst reason , 2nd if I think enough of you to go with , or take you hunting ? I want you to be the shooter . When I take my son , who's 9 , I'm in the teaching mode . Me having my gun is a distraction imo .
I've been chasing them a long time now , I can count on one hand the doubles I've shared
Quote from: Tail Feathers on May 22, 2023, 10:42:41 AM
If you are careful to not take all the toms off an area, what's the real difference if you take two at once or two in two days?
I think doubling up is uncommon enough that it's just not a real problem.
IMO I agree with it not being a real problem. Having hunted the big birds since the 1970s and never taken a buddy double until moving to Florida in 2005 threads such as this cause no more than an eye roll from me. Buddy doubles have not and never will cause a smidgen of difference in the overall turkey populations. So much to worry about so little time with the seasons winding down.
in 2014, my best friend and I got rights to hunt a piece of land that was going on the market and we knew it would sell quickly. The first day we went out there to scout, we threw together a brush blind on a high spot overlooking a bean field that looked pretty good, though we didn't take into account the direction of the sun rise.. I went out to scout and listen the weekend before the opener and found that the turkeys preferred a different lower part of the field, droppings, tracks, and scratching confirmed it. After the birds left, I dragged a few branches up beside a downed log in the shade. Opening Day I called in a 20.5 pound gobbler (that I saw the week before) and shot him at 26 yards. I called my buddy and told him to come set up where I was because he already had sun on him. Around 45 minutes after he got to my brush blind, I got gobbles back from random calls I'd cast out and had two more grown gobblers walk down the edge of the woods line towards us. My buddy shot the bigger bird (which turned out to be a double beard) @ 22 pounds. We were done by 9:00 a.m.. We has a celebratory bacon & eggs breakfast cooked on the Coleman stove on his tailgate. We stopped by the house to talk to the owner, but he was gone up to Virginia.
Later that evening, we got a call from the land owner asking us not to hunt for a few days because he had several perspective buyers coming to look at the land. We told him that we'd doubled and I'm not sure who was happier, him or us. That was the first and last time I ever hunted there.
Twenty or so years ago, I was the only one hunting at my old lease on Opening day. Before the season started, I'd been hearing 8-9 different gobblers on our 700 acres plus the adjoining property. I put one to bed the night before and called him in right off the roost the next morning. The next weekend, I invited my best friend out to hunt (he was my one guest for the season). I set him up by a small knoll along a power line opening where I'd heard and seen gobblers strut consistently in the mornings for a few weeks. I was sure he'd get a good chance at a gobbler. I set up 700+ yards farther up the power lines, where I killed that one on Opening day. At daybreak two gobblers fired up in the timber down where my buddy was. Even though the sound echoed up the powerlines, I could tell when they'd flown down. I knew they were on or around that knoll and I kept expecting to hear a shot any second...nothing. Then, it went to one gobble only, but I could tell it was heading my way. I called, got a response, and it kept getting closer. Finally, I saw a longbeard in full strut heading up the opening. As soon as it cleared some short pines, I'd have a clear shot and was going to drop the hammer on him. He was still in strut, so I clucked one time on my mouth call to get his head up. As soon as I pulled the trigger on my single shot, I saw movement off to the side of the gobbler. Recoil rocked me back and when I recovered, there were two gobblers flopping. The movement I saw was one running up behind the other. I never saw him coming through the small pines because I had the bead lined up on my intended target. We're only allowed 2 gobblers per season and one per day. So, that gave me 3 gobblers in 2 days of hunting. I called the land owner and told him what happened. He ended up tagging my second bird & I cleaned it for him and left it in the refrigerator in his shop. Both birds were over 22 pounds with 1.25 inch spurs, 10 inch beards, probably brothers. Only one other turkey was killed out there that season on the last day. It turns out that my best friend didn't like the spot I set him up in (!?) and he moved back into the timber, closer to the roosted birds, which flew down to the power lines and went straight to that knoll. If he'd stayed where I set him, those gobblers would have been inside 30 yards from him. Oh, well.
Jim
Quote from: joey46 on May 22, 2023, 04:06:34 PM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on May 22, 2023, 10:42:41 AM
If you are careful to not take all the toms off an area, what's the real difference if you take two at once or two in two days?
I think doubling up is uncommon enough that it's just not a real problem.
IMO I agree with it not being a real problem. Having hunted the big birds since the 1970s and never taken a buddy double until moving to Florida in 2005 threads such as this cause no more than an eye roll from me. Buddy doubles have not and never will cause a smidgen of difference in the overall turkey populations. So much to worry about so little time with the seasons winding down.
Actually Joey I started this thread a couple of weeks ago in the heart of my home season and the beginning of some other states. I can assure you my thoughts and feelings on this topic did not derive from boredom or too much time on my hands. Thank you all for your posts and insight on this.
Can't really understand the negativity. Two people, two tags, two turkeys. What difference does it make if it's simultaneous, an hour apart or different days?
Sent from my motorola edge 5G UW (2021) using Tapatalk