Was having a discussion with a friend about this the other day and we pretty much agreed. Where on average would you say the best turkey hunters are from, by state or region? I'm from LA and would not pick my home state as having the best turkey hunters by any stretch. We have some good ones, but a lot of the ones I've meant made me embarrassed to call myself a turkey hunter.
IMO the S.E. reigns supreme over all for producing the best turkey hunters in the country. Of the states in that region, in my mind Alabama produces the highest number of turkey slayers per capita with 2nd being a 4 way tie between Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
I hope everybody replies with their honest opinions and not just root for their home state. I'm truly interested in seeing what y'all think on this subject.
I agree that Bama is one an then I think I would say SC or Georgia. Then Ms. Not sure after that. A lot of other states just do not have the population or turkey hunting tradition of those 4 states. I know every state produces some great hunters but the knowledge passed down in those 4 just makes a larger number of great hunters, IMO.
Sent from the Strut Zone
It's hard not to be partial to where I was raised. I am originally from Louisiana as well and I would be willing to bet you aren't from Livingston or St Helena parishes or else your opinion may be a little different. I won't disagree with your assessment of Alabama considering the rich tradition down there. I also lived in North Louisiana and there wasn't nearly the tradition or as many hardcore hunters mainly because the southeast portion of the state was the area that historically held birds.
Today, I live in Missouri and there are a good number of folks that know what they are doing. My list would include Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri. But the best I would still honestly say were from Livingston Parish Louisiana.
Maybe I was just lucky enough to be raised around some old timers that were on a first name basis with some of the legendary figures of turkey hunting.
That's easy West Virginia!! Them ol mountain top gobblers ain't stupid and your are gonna work your tail off hiking those hills.
The best turkey hunters are from where you hunt Easterns and probably south of the Mason Dickson Line.
Quote from: Gooserbat on February 28, 2015, 08:47:39 PM
The best turkey hunters are from where you hunt Easterns and probably south of the Mason Dickson Line.
X2
Your are correct Hooksfan, I'm not from Livingston or St. Helena parish, but I was in a club in that area. I'm from Jefferson Parish - not a bird within 60 miles of my house.
The southeast definetly, Al,La,Ms,Ga,Sc,Fl. You dont see many oos hunters visiting these states to hunt unless they are from one of them. I have hunted easterns in Mo,NC, and Tn and though they are easterns, they are not the same bird we hunt down here. If you can get it done in the 6 I named, you can kill one anywhere! Should be called the Dixie Slam.
Easy. West Virginia has the hardest ground to hunt and not a over abundance of birds to hunt.
I am from Louisiana and there are/were some real turkey killers from Livingston Parish. The Florida Parishes have always had some great turkey hunters, but that area geographically is but an extension of Southwest Mississippi. I would have to place that area's hunters near the top.
I'll pick 10 from KY nobody has heard of and put them against anybody's else's 10... Just saying.
Quote from: hookedspur on February 28, 2015, 09:06:18 PM
Easy. West Virginia has the hardest ground to hunt and not a over abundance of birds to hunt.
We may not be the best turkey hunters but our birds will get you in shape for sure. :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
mississippi
I would go with my home state of Alabama. There are some old timers in South Alabama that are deadly in the spring woods and have passed that tradition down to their children. I live in Kentucky now and there are some good ones here too. My top 5 would be AL, MS, GA, KY, and TN.
I know some top notch turkey hunters here in missouri but would probably say the true spirited turkey hunters are from much further south.
I live in MO, but I would probably say the SE. SC, ALA, GA, MS. More old time turkey hunting and turkey knowledge and fewer birds than several other regions.
Are you talking going one on one with the turkey are blind hunting with decoys? Two different kinds of hunting with blind hunting over decoys does not require much skill as outwitting a bird with just a call and sweet talking them in.
The best turkey killers are from states that have a lot of turkeys. I don't care how good a caller/hunter you are you cannot kill a bird that does not exist. I have been in several turkey camps in different states and the best I have seen were from Arkansas and Louisiana.
I am biased but don't sleep on Arkansas
I am knew to turkey hunting so I have guess. I think this is an interesting topic though. Glad to see it has not turned into a typed version of a fist fight.
It has raised some questions for me though.
North Carolina has some good hunters also. The public land birds get hammered and if you can all one of those in you good.
I would have to say Alabama as well as the rest of the southeast. I can think of a good many big names that come from Alabama. The top 2 and the first that come to mind are Doug camp and Eddie salter. Some big names out of Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana as well.
Man im gonna have to go with Louisiana. The population of hunters to turkeys is crazy on tne public land. A good turkey hunter is one that can outsmart and consistently
Kill these pressured birds that have heard everything. The avg guy with avg woods skils can be a avg-good on a private lease with a ton of birds. I was always told "a bunch of turkeys makes
A good turkey hunter" and i agree but i still think if you can kill anything in LA be it a deer a turkey, or ducks you will be successful anywere in the country
I have hunted most of the southern states, and in my opinion those birds in southern Alabama can cause a married man to find himself in divorce court real quick like. I spent most of my nights sleeping on the couch during turkey season.
I'm from the north but would have to agree it's the southeast. We've only had a season since the 80s. Though I've hunted since than I believe the basics with no one to show you were harder to learn. The traditions and handing it down, down south I believe helped
Alabama all the way you got to be good to hunt these birds and half billy goat to walk these mountains.
Pennsylvania. I am surprised nobody knew!
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
Missouri
short season which most of the time doesn't coincide with prime gobblin.
3 weeks of henned up toms usually. 1/2 days to hunt. One bird only the first week.
Hard pressured birds. Mushroom hunters everywhere.
Population way down now.
Still put up good kills.
And maybe Alabama cuz aint no turkeys down there! UNLESS to0 good they killed them all!! ;)
I agree 100% with Gobblenut!!!
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 01, 2015, 09:03:32 AM
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
^Quoted for truth.
I think how good a turkey hunter is depends a lot on where he hunts too. Those who have access to big pieces of private property with lots of lightly pressured birds, don't face near the challenges of others who hunt crowded public land or small properties with highly pressured birds. It only takes a few know-nots who over-call, can't sit still, or take too long a shot to make gobblers more jumpy than they already are and increase their wariness up a few notches.
I have experience hunting both scenarios and I always get a greater sense of achievement by dropping a wary, tough bird than a 30 minute hunt on a gobbler who never guessed there were humans around.
Jim
I'd say AL and AR
Not flat land.
South Alabama/North West Florida, there are some real turkey killers and the birds are just a different breed of eastern's!
I've hunted and killed turkeys in several different states both south and north and both public and private. No matter where I have hunted, turkeys are turkeys. Some days it can be easy and other days it is tough to kill one. Of course the south has probably more tradition as far as turkey hunters go, but in my book that doesn't make them better hunters.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 01, 2015, 09:03:32 AM
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
Well said GobbleNut and I will add that their is high pressured public ground all across the country and I have seen it in many states. Anyone that has turkey hunted for any length of time has seen it.
I've had friends from the south draw a tag here in Southern IL and come up to hunt. Draw a tag that is only good for 5-6 days and county specific and have only a couple of days to hunt.
I know a lot that have said they wouldn't come back because of weather, low turkey numbers etc etc. The bottom line is you get out of the hunt what you put into it no matter where you are.
The simple truth is that some people have hunt instincts, calling abilities, woodsmanship etc and some don't. It seems there is more emphasis these days put on a competition format instead of the good times of camaraderie among friends and pure experience of hunting.
Hunters are a small number of the overall population and turkey hunters are an even smaller number so instead of worrying about who is better at what and where, how about we just all kick back enjoy the ride and throw another log on the campfire.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 01, 2015, 09:03:32 AM
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
:agreed: I also think that the hunting of turkeys started in the south long before it caught on up north. This being said, naturally you will have bigger names and a lot more of them coming from the south.
I duno whos are the toughest but pa game land birds are quite tricky
My opinion for what it is worth, would go to the southern turkey hunter.
Now I believe much like what has been said that there are good turkey hunters all over the country, but the south is steeped in strong traditions and a vast wealth of knowledge, that I still believe the best overall hunters come from the south.
The south. Mostly because generation after generation has been turkey hunting. It is a deep rooted tradition that had a several generation head start on the rest of the country. There are turkey slayer all over the U.S. , but if you look at the legends , they all mostly hailed from the Deep South.
If you are talking die hard hunters I say the northeast particularly Pa. If we are talking averages I would say Alabama or Missouri. States w the highest density one would think have the best turkey hunters but its the states where you may only have one or one group on the entire property that become the best and truly must learn how a turkey thinks and acts. States with dozen of gobblers although tend to have more success often it is hey lets sit in our blind in the corner of the food plot.
:drool: I also agree with GobbleNut. But, I have to defend my brothers and sisters in New England. Any one of the top 5 states you mentioned have more turkeys than all of New England. The lower numbers and hunting pressure here make it difficult to be successful all the time. Good hunters who put in the work will be rewarded just like everywhere else. Just saying that up here in the Northeast we do not have the sheer numbers that are in the south and midwest. Anybody wants to come hunt up here in Maine, I will gladly help out with your trip. Good luck to all and God Bless
I think location is irrelevant. The best turkey hunters are the ones who don't have access to prime hunting land that has ideal terrain, food, water, shelter.....are forced to hunt public lands with high pressure or sub-par private lands with minimal birds and yet hunt hard every day and take a bird each year.
Sure, some locations might have more hunters in this scenario...so lets say Alabama has 2,000 top notch hunters based on my above criteria but PA, SC, KY, TN have 500 based solely on available land. What if both states top 500 are equally as good...does that make Alabama any better?
My grandpa use to talk about the old days and I can recall him making comments about certain guys saying that old boy could flat out hunt. I don't think he meant just deer or turkey. I think he meant anything because that is what you did back then.
I think that same logic is applicable today....I think a hunter is a hunter. My dad at 74 years old decided to start turkey hunting around 8 years ago I think after being a life long deer, rabbit, squirrel hunter. He has killed a bird every year hunting in little old Indiana on a mix of private and public lands.
Unless you could drop him into a situation in Alabama where you had an old rascal of a tom who could not be called in to see if he could maneuver or call him in, how would you ever know if he was any better than that same guy in Alabama?
Instead of talking about location, I think an argument could be had for better turkey hunter (bow vs gun hunter).
Having been a long time bow hunter in the Midwest of Whitetails, I know first hand that bow hunting adds a level of skill in scouting, playing the wind, nerve control, etc...that you don't tend to need as much when using a rifle.
Getting a turkey into bow range, drawing and hitting the mark seems like the ultimate in skill.
Sorry, I hope I don't hijack the thread. Just my opinion.
:smiley-patriotic-flagwaver-an
Quote from: Gobble! on March 01, 2015, 12:02:07 PM
Not flat land.
To me hills birds are much easier. You can get in position way easier. I think colonel Kelly said something to the affect of God bless the hills turkeys! We have a group of guys that do really well in the ozarks every year.
PA has some great turkey hunters! I'd put them up against anyone / anywhere and feel confident about it!
Agree...cause its one tough state to kill birds...
The "best" turkey hunters can be relative.....relative to where one hunts (not all properties are the equal. Prime private ground with no pressure isn't equal to heavily pressured public land), relative to how many days hunted, etc. Therefore in my opinion, the best or greatest isn't always measured in #s. With that said, there are always a few that are better than the majority. There are great turkey hunters from all states who could kill turkeys no matter where. I don't care who it is, 99.9% of the best won't kill turkeys 100% of the time on poor properties, under bad conditions, etc. If they claim to do so, either they don't hunt much, or they are not being truthful.
Big names and even some legends may not equate to the "best". I use his name as an example only because he is one of the more recognized, but even say Micheal Waddell, whom I'm sure is a great turkey hunter, may not be as good as many others. Let some of these guys come hunt high pressure, low density turkey areas and see if they are held in as high a standard. Even as talented as championship callers are, doesn't mean they are better hunters, so I don't get too caught up in the big names.
I have hunted several states over the years, and have hunted mostly public, but some lease and private ground as well in most of those I have hunted. Overall, I have had some good success early season in AL and MS on public land, and would consider those challenging most of the time, but have never hunted later when turkeys are gobbling real well and as we like to say, acting right. They always seem to gobble less for the most part, but it has always been early. I'm not convinced in comparing a 45 day season in those is more difficult than getting it done in a later opening 16 day season in AR, because it isn't. It all depends on timing and have struggled on certain days to connect in more turkey-rich places like MO on shorter time frame trips.
So, in conclusion, it is all relative in my opinion. It's hard to rate the best or crown any state of hunters as such. Plus, we are all a little biased. Great for conversation though.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 01, 2015, 09:03:32 AM
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
This for sure
Northern hunters are the best for sure! We wiped out our population of turkeys, then we restocked with southern birds cause you guys couldn't kill 'em all! Lol! just joking of course! Of all the good turkey hunters around the country, I think the best ones are right here on O.G.!!
The best turkey hunters are from hard hunted public land, wherever that may be.
Quote from: fldoghunter on March 02, 2015, 08:23:54 AM
The best turkey hunters are from hard hunted public land, wherever that may be.
I would modify that statement to say that those hunters that hunt "hard-hunted public lands" are likely to be more successful in certain hunting situations than those hunters that hunt less-hard-hunted areas.
However, people that hunt in areas where the birds are easier to kill often will get to observe turkey behavior much more than the guy who hunts the hard places where interactions with gobblers are much less frequent. Those observations, and the conclusions that can be drawn from them, can be valuable when applied in even the hardest hunted areas.
Generally speaking, though, I think your statement is correct.
The guy that tags out every year in Alaska is the best.
+1
Quote from: El Pavo Grande on March 01, 2015, 09:03:41 PM
The "best" turkey hunters can be relative.....relative to where one hunts (not all properties are the equal. Prime private ground with no pressure isn't equal to heavily pressured public land), relative to how many days hunted, etc. Therefore in my opinion, the best or greatest isn't always measured in #s. With that said, there are always a few that are better than the majority. There are great turkey hunters from all states who could kill turkeys no matter where. I don't care who it is, 99.9% of the best won't kill turkeys 100% of the time on poor properties, under bad conditions, etc. If they claim to do so, either they don't hunt much, or they are not being truthful.
Big names and even some legends may not equate to the "best". I use his name as an example only because he is one of the more recognized, but even say Micheal Waddell, whom I'm sure is a great turkey hunter, may not be as good as many others. Let some of these guys come hunt high pressure, low density turkey areas and see if they are held in as high a standard. Even as talented as championship callers are, doesn't mean they are better hunters, so I don't get too caught up in the big names.
I have hunted several states over the years, and have hunted mostly public, but some lease and private ground as well in most of those I have hunted. Overall, I have had some good success early season in AL and MS on public land, and would consider those challenging most of the time, but have never hunted later when turkeys are gobbling real well and as we like to say, acting right. They always seem to gobble less for the most part, but it has always been early. I'm not convinced in comparing a 45 day season in those is more difficult than getting it done in a later opening 16 day season in AR, because it isn't. It all depends on timing and have struggled on certain days to connect in more turkey-rich places like MO on shorter time frame trips.
So, in conclusion, it is all relative in my opinion. It's hard to rate the best or crown any state of hunters as such. Plus, we are all a little biased. Great for conversation though.
Quote from: Ruger M77 on March 01, 2015, 02:50:48 PM
Quote from: WildSpur on March 01, 2015, 07:39:12 AM
Pennsylvania. I am surprised nobody knew!
X2
X3 I don't think ANY other turkey hunting state has the amount of hunting pressure applied to their wild turkeys as Pennsylvania. They are tough here and even more so on public land. Kill'em here on public, kill'em anywhere.
I'd definitely have to say New Joisey...Garden State Palkway Exit 140A...absolutely the best 8)
The south east.
Those hunters get more exposure to the birds throughout the entire breeding cycle. When the seasons open the birds are often still in late winter patterns and when the season closes they have completed the breeding cycles am are often back together.
The habitat there is also much more difficult to hunt with all the swamps, thickets and high hen numbers.
The south is tougher hunting, higher bag limits (which allows a guy to get more experience in the killing department), and longer seasons. The boys that lay the hammer to them in the south are versatile and knowledgeable enough to murder birds anywhere.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 01, 2015, 09:03:32 AM
It certainly appears to me that the southeastern states have many more dedicated turkey hunters than the rest of the country,...and dedication to any form of hunting breeds skill and success. There are really good turkey hunters scattered all across the country, however.
Put a dedicated turkey hunter from anywhere in the country in any location,...and give them time to familiarize themselves with the birds and habitat,...and they will adapt and be able to kill turkeys there. Turkey hunting ain't rocket science. Anybody that wants to put in the time and effort to learn can be a great turkey hunter. With all the modern innovations and tools available for todays hunter, all it takes is dedication.
:icon_thumright: :icon_thumright: :agreed:
Instead of picking a state, I'm gonna put a region out there. The coastal plains that run from NW Florida to SE Louisiana ending around the Livingston Parish area has and continues to produce some of the best turkey hunters in the country. The terrain and pressure, along with decreased population, makes for the hardest hunting I've experienced. The folks who venture out of state to hunt from this region are some true killers and produce hooks/beards wherever they travel. Just my opinion, but I'd say the best turkey hunters come from the stretch of Gulf Coastal Plain from Louisiana, east through MS, Al, and into NW Fl.
Quote from: stinkpickle on March 02, 2015, 11:59:49 AM
The guy that tags out every year in Alaska is the best.
Haha! I love it!
Quote from: stinkpickle on March 02, 2015, 11:59:49 AM
The guy that tags out every year in Alaska is the best.
I heard that guy got his grand slam without ever leaving the state, had to start his calling in October to get the Osceola there by spring...
Been in the guiding business for a long time, and whether it's deer or turkey, redneck boys from down south are just flat out killas'....
Sent from Gobblers Knob, NC
I guess no one has ever hunted with any
Of my buddies from AR and MS.
If you can consistently kill birds on Public ground in either
State, you are a good turkey hunter.
That being said; I know 3 guys, hunted 10 states in 30
Days last year between them, and 75 gobblers
Harvested.
That's STRONG
Oh. They were from AR, AR, MS.
Quote from: warrent423 on March 01, 2015, 02:32:59 PM
Seems their are fewer and fewer true "Turkey Hunters" each year, at least what I would consider turkey hunters. Any man that can consistently sit down against a tree and call highly pressured, "educated" turkeys to within 40 yards of the gun, and kill them, deserves respect in my book. No blinds, no decoys, no gimmicks, and no long range guns or shells. I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
This is what I consider a turkey hunter.
Quote from: ericjames on March 02, 2015, 11:33:12 PM
Quote from: warrent423 on March 01, 2015, 02:32:59 PM
Seems their are fewer and fewer true "Turkey Hunters" each year, at least what I would consider turkey hunters. Any man that can consistently sit down against a tree and call highly pressured, "educated" turkeys to within 40 yards of the gun, and kill them, deserves respect in my book. No blinds, no decoys, no gimmicks, and no long range guns or shells. I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
This is what I consider a turkey hunter.
Now that's well put. :z-winnersmiley:
I don't see how you could pick one certain state.
A Turkey is a turkey, doesn't matter what state he was hatched in. Doesn't make him any harder to hunt other than terrain., weather conditions and where they are at in their breeding cycle at the time your hunting them, along with human pressure.
Anybody who can hunt public ground year after year, and consistently take mature birds gets my vote for the best turkey hunters.
They are the toughest birds to take. They hear it all, see more hunters, and adapt to it.
There are really good turkey hunters everywhere you go, but I give the edge to guys that can get it done consistently on public ground.
Of course, we are from South Alabama. Just kidding.
There really are some really good turkey hunters in the Deep South states. That is mostly from having turkeys to hunt for the last 60 or 70 years.
I do a lot of guiding and I have been out with not just Yankees but with some Damn Yankees who were very good turkey hunters and callers.
I have hunted the Ozarks a good bit and there are some killers there too. Basically, there are good hunters and bad hunters everywhere. But also, there is no substitute for experience.
Not sure what state it would be....but I have to think the best turkey hunters would be the ones from the state with the fewest birds, but still consistently score.... year in and year out. My daughter's brother in law in Morton, MS was the absolute best turkey hunter I have ever known....but there again, he was blessed with an area with a lot of birds. So is the state with the best turkey hunters, the one that has the most birds or the one with the least??
Quote from: RussM311 on March 03, 2015, 01:18:26 PM
Not sure what state it would be....but I have to think the best turkey hunters would be the ones from the state with the fewest birds, but still consistently score.... year in and year out. My daughter's brother in law in Morton, MS was the absolute best turkey hunter I have ever known....but there again, he was blessed with an area with a lot of birds. So is the state with the best turkey hunters, the one that has the most birds or the one with the least??
The guys that get to sit down and interact with turkeys on a regular basis learn more about the lifestyle of them. I'm sure there are great hunters scattered about the usa but I would think the guys with long seasons and liberal limits know turkey behavior better than the guy that may get to sit down on 3 birds a year. When somebody has heart surgery or any other life threatening one, they don't look for a newbie. They find the dr with the most experience. Practice makes perfect.
There is no way to answer this question and no you are right. There are a lot of good turkey hunters, and a few great turkey hunters. I am blessed to have a GREAT TURKEY HUNTER for a Dad. But I am sure all states have some great ones. I have been blessed to have hunted with some great ones. But I would have to say the top 3 I have hunted with is Paul Sneed my granddad, Lonnie Sneed Sr. my dad, R. Wayne Bailey a dear friend. Old School still works on gobblers.
:OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead:
Killing a lot of birds in one state compared to another is apples and oranges, does that mean you have good hunters or stupid birds. Are you hunting out of a blind along a field or are you chasing birds in the mountains. I have hunted states that anybody that could call at all had them run right up to you, killing a lot of birds in some states don't mean much
Willy,
For the sake of us who call like a sick buzzard..... what were them easy states?? May have to alter my travel plans.... LOL.. But you are correct...... and it is not just different states.... go from public land to private land and see the difference..... I can tell you for a fact that my hunting buddies and I do not fall into any elite category. But..... man is it ever fun to chase them big birds... even when you hear them laughing at your calling.. Actually saw a bird my buddy was calling...fly up a tree and stick his head in a knothole to keep from hearing the calls.
Quote from: RussM311 on March 04, 2015, 11:29:00 PM
Willy,
For the sake of us who call like a sick buzzard..... what were them easy states?? May have to alter my travel plans.... LOL.. But you are correct...... and it is not just different states.... go from public land to private land and see the difference..... I can tell you for a fact that my hunting buddies and I do not fall into any elite category. But..... man is it ever fun to chase them big birds... even when you hear them laughing at your calling.. Actually saw a bird my buddy was calling...fly up a tree and stick his head in a knothole to keep from hearing the calls.
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Agreed, just saying like you said hunting on public land and private land is not the same thing. Hunting places where is a lot of birds the compition to breed is a lot greater so you will kill more birds
Quote from: K9Doc on March 02, 2015, 11:51:00 PM
Quote from: ericjames on March 02, 2015, 11:33:12 PM
Quote from: warrent423 on March 01, 2015, 02:32:59 PM
Seems their are fewer and fewer true "Turkey Hunters" each year, at least what I would consider turkey hunters. Any man that can consistently sit down against a tree and call highly pressured, "educated" turkeys to within 40 yards of the gun, and kill them, deserves respect in my book. No blinds, no decoys, no gimmicks, and no long range guns or shells. I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
This is what I consider a turkey hunter.
Now that's well put. :z-winnersmiley:
I agree. No blinds, no decoys and lead filled shotshells. I do use a red dot sight though ;D
I know everybody has their preferences, and strong feelings on certain issues. I am really not trying to spoil people's fun, but why does every post seem to come down to whether or not to use a blind or a decoy? I get the fact that there are those that do not want to use either but it seems that many folks too often get wrapped around the axle over these issues and take on an air of superiority over those that do not hunt the way that they choose to hunt. I would never sneak a turkey and won't shoot a bird unless I can call it in, but I don't think somebody else is a lesser hunter if they want to sneak. I don't shoot a bow for turkeys, but I respect those that do want to. Can we please get over ourselves with all of the elite attitudes of what is the "better" way to hunt. If it is legal and ethical, that should be good enough.
Quote from: busta biggun on March 05, 2015, 02:30:08 PM
I know everybody has their preferences, and strong feelings on certain issues. I am really not trying to spoil people's fun, but why does every post seem to come down to whether or not to use a blind or a decoy? I get the fact that there are those that do not want to use either but it seems that many folks too often get wrapped around the axle over these issues and take on an air of superiority over those that do not hunt the way that they choose to hunt. I would never sneak a turkey and won't shoot a bird unless I can call it in, but I don't think somebody else is a lesser hunter if they want to sneak. I don't shoot a bow for turkeys, but I respect those that do want to. Can we please get over ourselves with all of the elite attitudes of what is the "better" way to hunt. If it is legal and ethical, that should be good enough.
Because the bird deserves more respect than this.
Well that is your opinion. I doubt very much you will ever convince me that the way you hunt respects birds and my way doesn't. Maybe we need to start a special website for you elite hunters who don't use decoys or blinds. That way you won't be bogged down with all of the riffraff who see no problem with hunting that way. People like Shannon, who started this website. I seem to recall him using decoys.
Stir the pot, stir the pot
My intentions are not to stir the pot. My intention is to try to talk about turkey hunting, not hear who feels like they are superior to others. If I am off base for trying to avoid establishing hierarchies of importance of hunters, I will gladly move along.
South Alabama and South Georgia some of the toughest birds to hunt. Kill one in that region and anywhere else in the US is gonna be easier. Rich traditions down here and good call makers.
Quote from: Blong on February 28, 2015, 09:03:30 PM
The southeast definetly, Al,La,Ms,Ga,Sc,Fl. You dont see many oos hunters visiting these states to hunt unless they are from one of them. I have hunted easterns in Mo,NC, and Tn and though they are easterns, they are not the same bird we hunt down here. If you can get it done in the 6 I named, you can kill one anywhere! Should be called the Dixie Slam.
Ill 2nd that and the Dixie Slam
That's a hard one...I've met dang good turkey hunters from all over North America..There's guys who hunt turkey......and then there are " Turkey Hunter's"...Every State has both...lot's of good hunters in the South and many in the Midwest, East , West and North....Just like custom call maker's many good one's from all over the Country..good calls are good calls.....and dead birds are dead birds.
Dedication is strong in West Virginia! With all the hills and valleys it's hard to detect were that bird really is! Next thing you know your climbing mountains that you have to hold roots and trees to pull yourself up and when you walk back down the other side your toes cramp up in your boots! Thank God my wife will massage out the cramps in my calves from climbing these mountains at the end of my turkey hunting days! Lol! Southern West Virgina turkeys make ya work! On a second note, once you get on top of that mountain, your breathing so hard, you put your hands on your knees and get dizzy, seeing stars then ya fall and roll back down the mountain again! You would think with all the trees you would hit one.....but no...you roll all the way back down....scattering your calls everywhere!
Quote from: Hillbilly yelper on March 06, 2015, 08:49:40 PM
Dedication is strong in West Virginia! With all the hills and valleys it's hard to detect were that bird really is! Next thing you know your climbing mountains that you have to hold roots and trees to pull yourself up and when you walk back down the other side your toes cramp up in your boots! Thank God my wife will massage out the cramps in my calves from climbing these mountains at the end of my turkey hunting days! Lol! Southern West Virgina turkeys make ya work! On a second note, once you get on top of that mountain, your breathing so hard, you put your hands on your knees and get dizzy, seeing stars then ya fall and roll back down the mountain again! You would think with all the trees you would hit one.....but no...you roll all the way back down....scattering your calls everywhere!
lol...that sounds like punishment...I climbed the hills of Missouri and Kentucky chasing birds...not to mention the hills and hollars all over the Midwest..but that climbing mountains and rolling back down the other side would take the fun out of it..especially if you lose a turkey call in the process.
:TooFunny:
Quote from: Hillbilly yelper on March 06, 2015, 08:49:40 PM
Dedication is strong in West Virginia! With all the hills and valleys it's hard to detect were that bird really is! Next thing you know your climbing mountains that you have to hold roots and trees to pull yourself up and when you walk back down the other side your toes cramp up in your boots! Thank God my wife will massage out the cramps in my calves from climbing these mountains at the end of my turkey hunting days! Lol! Southern West Virgina turkeys make ya work! On a second note, once you get on top of that mountain, your breathing so hard, you put your hands on your knees and get dizzy, seeing stars then ya fall and roll back down the mountain again! You would think with all the trees you would hit one.....but no...you roll all the way back down....scattering your calls everywhere!
We've had some doozies!!!!! It makes the story of the hunt all that much better though..... Ol' Mountain Mama can be mean!!
Southeast. Hard to prove one Southeastern state over another. Lots of good turkey hunters in all of them. I do give Alabama some extra credit though for showing respect to the bird the longest, compared to the other states.
I agree the "True Turkey Hunters" are the best and deserve the most respect for the way that they respect the bird and hunt on fair terms. No blinds, decoys, and lead only.
Not my house, that's for sure... :OGani:
I can tell where the worst Turkeyhunters are from louisiana
I hate to say it because I'm from La but after hunting states like Alabama
Mississippi ,Georgia there's a marked difference. Most La Turkey hunters are hacks that go out the first weekend or so and scrape on a boxcall while standing next to there running truck then drive off, or squawk on a mouth call they bought 2 days before the season. I know there are great Turkey hunters in the state but they are very rare. I always get a good laugh opening day at some of the Nimrods and there attempts at hunting. I think the problem is we don't have a heritage of turkey hunting when my grandpa was a boy there was no turkeys and few deer La was and still is way behind on there wildgame mgt. when states like Al. Miss were trapping and releasing turkey in the 50's and 60's La was doing nothing that's why today there states have several times more birds than we do. Sorry to rant but I just read 2 posts on the La site one was asking if he could bait turkeys and the other was wanting to know what kind of Turkeys we have in La and what they look like ??? This same moron will be in the woods in 2 weeks with a loaded gun!! ......Y'all pray for me .
So far there are only a few right answers here
The "Good Ol Boyz" from Pennsylvania are by far No. 1
The facts are the facts !!!!!!!! :icon_thumright:
The best turkey hunters are those who bring home a bird year after year in states with low densities. Not for nothing, the south has more birds because they donot contend with the harsh winters like the north. :turkey2:
:agreed:
Quote from: warrent423 on March 01, 2015, 02:32:59 PM
Seems their are fewer and fewer true "Turkey Hunters" each year, at least what I would consider turkey hunters. Any man that can consistently sit down against a tree and call highly pressured, "educated" turkeys to within 40 yards of the gun, and kill them, deserves respect in my book. No blinds, no decoys, no gimmicks, and no long range guns or shells. I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
ones with lots of time
Anybody ever tangled with a lowcountry swamp gobbler knows the answer to this simple question. SC and thanks to the NWTF and their efforts a LOT of other places have ole toms to chase. Those net cannons of years ago...... Done wonders for other states. My one wish is they wound give us our fall season back.
Quote from: Byhalia on March 15, 2015, 01:22:32 PM
So far there are only a few right answers here
The "Good Ol Boyz" from Pennsylvania are by far No. 1
The facts are the facts !!!!!!!! :icon_thumright:
No doubt. If you kill one here...you can kill one anywhere!!!
Even Alaska!!
They sure ain't on this thread bragging about who is the best I can guarantee you that.
Quote from: jwhunter on March 18, 2015, 08:26:12 PM
They sure ain't on this thread bragging about who is the best I can guarantee you that.
^likely true^
Basically you got three kinds responding to this thread; the one's that haven't done it long enough to be put in their place, the "holier than thou's" that know how everyone else should hunt and love to measure everyone accordingly, and the smart asses like myself that don't give a rip but find the pissing match amusing.
I say we should measure against a standard and not each other. 1) Ethicality 2) Legality 3) Productivity in that order. For those that may not understand productivity, let me explain. This does not refer to killing turkeys but instead putting back more than you take -> productivity. I'm relatively certain none of us hunt turkeys just to kill them, some subsistence hunters maybe, but in this day and age even they are doing that by choice. We get so much more than meat out of our hunts, so be productive and give back more than you take.
In my mind, a hunter that is ethical by respecting the game they pursue, is legal by purchasing appropriate licenses that fund conservation efforts and hunts within the legal seasons and bag limits that have been set by sound conservation minded science, and works to put back more game than they take is as good of a hunter as has or will ever walk this earth.
Very tough question to anwser, honestly can't see where hunters from one State collectively are better than those from other States? All States have good turkey hunters and bad turkey hunters, bad as in rude, inconsiderate or simply just hunt because they have a tag, but don't know much about it.
So my opinon, is the best turkey hunters come from various areas that have to deal with bad turkey hunters on a regular basis. Like Public Land with high hunter numbers that has constant pressure on birds, that one must adapt to. As these areas with high hunter numbers produce many bad turkey hunters, but also produce some of the best turkey hunters, regardless what State your in.
Quote from: Garrett Trentham on March 18, 2015, 08:51:49 PM
Quote from: jwhunter on March 18, 2015, 08:26:12 PM
They sure ain't on this thread bragging about who is the best I can guarantee you that.
^likely true^
Basically you got three kinds responding to this thread; the one's that haven't done it long enough to be put in their place, the "holier than thou's" that know how everyone else should hunt and love to measure everyone accordingly, and the smart asses like myself that don't give a rip but find the pissing match amusing.
Well said Garrett and JW!
Quote from: falltoms on March 16, 2015, 09:12:59 PM
:agreed:Quote from: warrent423 on March 01, 2015, 02:32:59 PM
Seems their are fewer and fewer true "Turkey Hunters" each year, at least what I would consider turkey hunters. Any man that can consistently sit down against a tree and call highly pressured, "educated" turkeys to within 40 yards of the gun, and kill them, deserves respect in my book. No blinds, no decoys, no gimmicks, and no long range guns or shells. I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
Boy don't I know it. Why those guys who use shotguns, camo and "turkey calls" shouldn't even be called turkey hunters. The way to "hunt" turkeys is to wear a loin cloth, use mud for camo, call using nothing but your voice...and call 'em in close enough to kill with your bare hands. Now that's turkey hunting!!! I don't pay much attention to those who can't. To each their own though.
:funnyturkey: