Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Alright, so *assuming* Unicoi isn't cancelled because of the Big 'Rona (or who knows what else), what tips would you give a first-timer to enjoy it the most?

Anything from who to talk to, best time of day to play calls (if that's even possible) vs shoot the breeze with whoever is there, best shopping strategy, things to do in Helen, GA (which German restaurant is the best?) that time of year, etc.

Yeah, I know January is half a year away, but c'mon, gimme something to dream about! I can't really stop thinking about it, and my wife's pretty pumped about the idea of finally going to Helen.


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Bring lots of cash

Reserve your room now.
Bring lots of cash
Don't tell your wife where you're going.
Plan on spending the whole weekend there. 

It is very easy to spend a couple of house mortgages there for sure lol.

Really looking forward to it and know the first table I am going to. If Unicoi does not happen I will be upset, not with the leaders of it, but the situation. It is such a great time to see friends and meet other hunters.

Get a room at the lodge and don't expect to get a lot of sleep, the best times are after the show around the fire places its worth the trip if you never see a call. no other show like it anywhere.

I can't emphasize enough, bring lots of cash.  Every year I head there with a fixed amount money and swear I won't spend any more than I take.  Well, after a stop at Marlin Watkins' booth I shamefully make a trip to the ATM, and after a pass through the first row of call makers I historically make the same shameful walk to the ATM for a second withdraw.  You pay for what you get when it comes to turkey calls, and there's no substitute to the quality that is available to you at this show. Looking forward to the 2021 show already!

Quote from: Borat on June 11, 2020, 01:37:05 PM
I can't emphasize enough, bring lots of cash.  Every year I head there with a fixed amount money and swear I won't spend any more than I take.  Well, after a stop at Marlin Watkins' booth I shamefully make a trip to the ATM, and after a pass through the first row of call makers I historically make the same shameful walk to the ATM for a second withdraw.  You pay for what you get when it comes to turkey calls, and there's no substitute to the quality that is available to you at this show. Looking forward to the 2021 show already!

lol, I really may be in the position this year of only being able to get 1 solid call. Just bought a house...so chances are I'm going to have to savor the agony until another year. But I earnestly hope I find a call (probably a box, though I'm bewildered and intrigued by trumpets) I just about fall in love with and "forsaking all others" work until the season starts.
I live 2 hours away from Unicoi, so I may end up not spending money on lodging this year (but I'll probably call about a reservation, anyway, just in case they're not completely booked and I can get a friend to go and split cost).


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Quote from: AppalachianHollers on June 11, 2020, 01:43:06 PM

Quote from: Borat on June 11, 2020, 01:37:05 PM
I can't emphasize enough, bring lots of cash.  Every year I head there with a fixed amount money and swear I won't spend any more than I take.  Well, after a stop at Marlin Watkins' booth I shamefully make a trip to the ATM, and after a pass through the first row of call makers I historically make the same shameful walk to the ATM for a second withdraw.  You pay for what you get when it comes to turkey calls, and there's no substitute to the quality that is available to you at this show. Looking forward to the 2021 show already!

lol, I really may be in the position this year of only being able to get 1 solid call. Just bought a house...so chances are I'm going to have to savor the agony until another year. But I earnestly hope I find a call (probably a box, though I'm bewildered and intrigued by trumpets) I just about fall in love with and "forsaking all others" work until the season starts.
I live 2 hours away from Unicoi, so I may end up not spending money on lodging this year (but I'll probably call about a reservation, anyway, just in case they're not completely booked and I can get a friend to go and split cost).


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I certainly can understand that.  Regardless of how many calls you can buy, for me personally, I just embrace the fact that I'm surrounded by the best call makers of my time and in the presence of what I consider to be the best turkey hunters in country.  There's a wealth of knowledge in that room and you'll be able to run a number of different calls that will showcase your style.  When you go back in 2022, you'll have that information and be able to purchase those calls that best suite you as a caller/hunter.  Enjoy every aspect of the show; it's a special one. Hope to see you there!

If anybody is interested in splitting a room for this pm me,,Its time for me to make the big trip down from Minnesota.

At Unicoi, you can run the calls.  ALL of the calls and buy what sounds like a turkey to you.  It's worth the trip.  PLUS, you get to meet all of the call makers and after hours, you get to hang out with them. 

Great show and call builders . Agree bring lot's of money ...  It's in the lodge ... the lodge is located in the mountains of the State Park..

I agree with what everyone about Unicoi. You can talk to people and play calls from open to close. It's not German food but in my opinion the best place in town to eat is Mully's Nacoochee Grill it's just a little pricey but the food and service is the best.

Best thing about Unicoi is the fellowship and meeting new folks

I will be very disappointed if it gets cancelled because of this covid19 mess.  That room can get really packed out at times.

Quote from: Boykin Hollow on June 18, 2020, 08:04:14 PM
I will be very disappointed if it gets cancelled because of this covid19 mess.  That room can get really packed out at times.

All the research now suggests that if everyone wears a mask, chance of transmission is less than 2%. Would be annoying as heck, but a masked Unicoi would be better than no Unicoi, I guess.


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I didn't know much about this show before I read about it a bunch lately on OG. Where do they have a list of makers going?

Quote from: turkeyfool on June 19, 2020, 07:41:05 PM
I didn't know much about this show before I read about it a bunch lately on OG. Where do they have a list of makers going?

The list will be posted on the Unicoi Facebook page .. Unicoi Call Makers Group on Facebook

Any more tips for bringing a wife along? She definitely wouldn't be into listening to turkey calls all day but would probably enjoy the trip and a get away.


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Quote from: aclawrence on June 26, 2020, 11:43:32 PM
Any more tips for bringing a wife along? She definitely wouldn't be into listening to turkey calls all day but would probably enjoy the trip and a get away.


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Nearby Helen, Georgia is itself something of an attraction, with a German theme. We've been wanting to go for awhile but never seem to make the effort. This'll force our hand.


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Quote from: aclawrence on June 26, 2020, 11:43:32 PM
Any more tips for bringing a wife along? She definitely wouldn't be into listening to turkey calls all day but would probably enjoy the trip and a get away.


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The show is during the off season , so most of the shops and places to eat will be closed , but it's still beautiful place to see and visit and they will have all the Christmas lights going at night , which is awesome. If you stay at the lodge , they have shuttle bus , that will take you down town and come back to pick you up.

Quote from: aclawrence on June 26, 2020, 11:43:32 PM
Any more tips for bringing a wife along? She definitely wouldn't be into listening to turkey calls all day but would probably enjoy the trip and a get away.


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Yeah, have her bring a friend. That way she had someone to hang out with while you spend the next two months worth of house payments

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Quote from: BigSlam51 on June 27, 2020, 09:17:38 AM

Quote from: aclawrence on June 26, 2020, 11:43:32 PM
Any more tips for bringing a wife along? She definitely wouldn't be into listening to turkey calls all day but would probably enjoy the trip and a get away.


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Yeah, have her bring a friend. That way she had someone to hang out with while you spend the next two months worth of house payments

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Have her bring a CUTE friend, and I'll make sure you're uninterrupted... at least by her friend!