First turkey hunt

[seneca1980]

Hey all. Total noobie. Excited to be here.

I could use some advice. Here's the background:

I'd like to go on a hunt ASAP. I think Spring is probably our "go" date. I live in Southeastern Michigan. I'll probably be hunting with my brother and dad (who are also noobies).

Here is my list of questions (thanks in advance for taking a stab at any or all!):

* What paperwork do I need (license, tags, etc.)?
* What is my strategy? (I used to track animals professionally and I am very familiar with turkey sign and trailing)
* What skills do I need to learn? How to practice? (I know how to skin and clean a bird, but have very little shotgun experience/gun experience in general)
* What gear do I need? Specific brands and models? (Budget: ~$200)
* Best locations for Turkey hunting near me? What time of year?

Really looking forward to learning from you all!

Cheers!

[Tail Feathers]

Welcome!
You'll want full camo, the turkey's primary sense for danger is his vision, and it is excellent. 
You'll be most likely sitting down a good bit, calling and waiting for him to come into range so a cushion or turkey vest is handy.  Or a Gobbler Lounger chair is very comfy!
A shotgun that you've patterned.  You want a tight pattern because you'll be shooting for the head.
Pattern the gun to know how far you can kill a tom with it.

Get a box call and/or a pot call of some type and practice calling.
Get a video called "So You Want to Be a Turkey Hunter".  It's a great start.
A few weeks before season starts, scout, scout, scout!  Knowing where the birds are is the easiest was to get close.
Lastly, come here and read and visit.  You can learn a lot here.

[catdaddy]

If it was me--I'd try to find an experienced guy to hunt with for a season--it will shorten the learning curve considerably. 

[Will]

Why wait till Spring. Hit a fall day during the fall season if you can. To me turkeys are more vocal in the fall than the spring. This way you can learn how to call when to call even though strategies are different from spring to fall as is their language. Sounds like you have the basic concept. Scout scout and then scout. Your spot on in looking for sign especially roost sites. Depending on where you hunt geography plays a big part. Will they see your approach from where they roost? How you use terrain for when the bird shows himself. For example if he comes into a clearing to find his mate is he already within in range or can he see clear 100 yards down a hollow. I rely on traditional dusting and nesting sites every spring. When they are hemmed up those hens will drag those birds to the nearest dust bowl I've found. When they go to the nest I'm nearby which has worked often for me, sometimes working a bird late in the morning.
Shane Simpson has some phenomenal footage on YouTube in regards to language, strategy and hunts.
Look him up on the internet I think it's callingallturkeys.com
Firearms with a 200$ budget, I've used my Remington 870 since I began hunting almost 30 years ago. Nothing fancy but sure is reliable.
Hope this helps. There is much more to cover.
Good luck

[seneca1980]

Thanks for all this awesome advice guys. Do I need to take a hunting safety class and buy tags etc? Wouldn't this limit my ability to go out this fall?

[Will]

Yup you would have to check your state regulations and apply for the hunters safety course and upon successful completion you can get your license. This process varies by state. I know in Maryland you need one to obtain a license unless you were born long before the requirement and have possessed a hunting license. I misunderstood and thought you already had your license. Any Departnent of Natural Resource Official for your state can point you in the right direction.

[Spring Creek Calls]

The MI DNR and sportsman groups conduct hunter safety courses throughout the year in many locations. When you've completed your hunter safety, let me know and I'll send you a box call. We need new hunters!

Gear needed,
Basic camo
Full choke shotgun, 12 or 20 gauge
A couple different turkey calls, well practiced
This will get you started. It goes on and on from there!

Mike Crooks
Battle Creek, MI

[seneca1980]

Mike -

Awesome! I'll def take you up on that.

I'm in Ann Arbor, grew up in Brighton.

Do you have any suggestions for best full choke 12 or 20 gauge guns under $200 or so?

[Spring Creek Calls]

A used Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 will do the job.