Anybody pick up a tag? From the DNR Website:
Under-subscribed wild turkey permits will be only offered to hunters who applied in the computer preference lottery but were not successful.
These permits will be available on a first-come first-serve basis beginning at noon, September 14, 2009. Starting at noon September 21, any permits remaining will be offered to anyone whether or not they applied.
You must appear in person at any DNR license agent to obtain one of the surplus permits.
Joel
Without applying previously or scouting for that matter is it worth picking one up and trying to find land to hunt or is there enough public land for turkey hunting in the fall?
Wade:
In terms of going at it without doing any scouting, I guess I wouldn’t recommend it. Not because you wouldn’t have a great time in the woods anyway, but because you might get frustrated and not give it the chance it deserves. You’ll definitely get what you put into the fall hunt. I know in years when I really go at it hard, I have quite a bit more fun, and lots more bird sightings.
In terms of public hunting land, that truly depends on what part of the state you’re in. However, most of the best fall turkey hunting ground is typically locked up for deer, grouse, and/or pheasant hunting.
If I were you, I’d start at your typical hunting grounds and deer haunts. If there’s a way to get permission on other lands too that you’re seeing turkeys on, or have seen them in the past, that’s another great place to start.
Typically, if your zone has quite a few permits, there will be some available for some time. That gives you time to check out the woods for sign, or just drive around and look for birds.
In MN, the short 5 day seasons can be tough as there’s so much other stuff going on in the fall!!! That said, if you bow-hunt an area for deer where there’s lots of turkeys, I’d have one in my pocket!
Joel
I picked up a tag for myself and got my 10 year old son a tag as well. hunting 2nd season. I know a couple roost trees. Both mine and my son’s first turkey hunt. can’t wait! been shooting his new 20 guage quite a bit, 
(him not me) scouting has shown good #’s and some nice birds. Hoping for a successful hunt, but more importantly; will be having a safe and educational hunting experience for my boy. he was surprised at the recoil of the 20 guage, just like anything have to get used to it. been practing on some squirrels, got a few and gonna simmer up a big ol’ crock of squirrel chili to take in thermos’ on our hunt 
any advice on brand/style of call would be great. most likely just target the trees i see them roost, and pop one right away on opener! 
if not oh well. I will give him the 1st opportunity at a bird.
Wow sounds like you got it all figured out. Just keep in mind that in the spring harvest rates are below 30% and thats when the birds are responding well to calls. Fall is a completely different game. With the continually changing food sources, pressure from deer, grouse, and pheasant hunters the birds are changing locations more often this time of the year than any other. Just popping one opening morning may prove to be more of a challenge than you think. Many experianced turkey hunters have been humbled over the years.
It’s funny that you put the laughing smiley on the part about the 20 ga. I have been testing a bunch of loads out of the six year olds gun before we hit the woods this fall. Results have been so great that I am very tempted to put the 12 away and build up a 20 for myself. The new “fad” out East is the fully customized 20 and with the pellet counts I’ve seen it’s definatly worth looking into.
Good Luck
CW
the mrs has taken many many turkeys with her 20 ga farthest one 46 yards 
I wish I had it all figured out! I’m ready to be humbled, too many times is the expectation set to high only to leave one feeling depressed!
I like the 20 guage, nice tight pattern, low recoil, this particular gun is a youth model, and extremely easy to shoot. the laughing dude was meaning, I wasn’t hogging the new gun.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
