Why are there so few units for Fall Turkey?

[pianoman9701]

Is there a logical reason why every unit that has turkeys shouldn't be open in the Fall?

[grundy53]

Is there a logical reason why every unit that has turkeys shouldn't be open in the Fall?

The fall season is about reducing the population. So they only open it in units they feel are overpopulated.

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[Russ McDonald]

The biggest population of turkeys is in the 100 GMU's.

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[pianoman9701]

Make sense.

[buckfvr]

AND a lot of people complain about them here......they get in hay barns and make a horrible mess.

[walt]

I wish we could shoot them in my neighborhood.  There's two groups of 15-20 each that tear up my garden, flower beds, yard, and intimidate my girlfriends lap dog...and they crap everywhere, worse than geese on a golf course.  I'm convinced they're the damn devil's spawn.

[ljsommer]

All I hear about is people complaining about turkeys but boy, if you drive around turkey territory (100s) and look at the properties there it's just mile after mile of "NO HUNTING!!!" signs.
And about a hundred turkeys on the field by that house.

[Rainier10]

All I hear about is people complaining about turkeys but boy, if you drive around turkey territory (100s) and look at the properties there it's just mile after mile of "NO HUNTING!!!" signs.
And about a hundred turkeys on the field by that house.

Some good reading here. Reply #30 is really good.

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,242045.0.html

[Bango skank]

All I hear about is people complaining about turkeys but boy, if you drive around turkey territory (100s) and look at the properties there it's just mile after mile of "NO HUNTING!!!" signs.
And about a hundred turkeys on the field by that house.

Knock and ask anyway.  Most people dont want strangers hunting deer on their land, but would be okay with turkey hunters.  They dont sell signs at the north 40 that say "private property no hunting, except for turkey"

[TheStovePipeKid]

All I hear about is people complaining about turkeys but boy, if you drive around turkey territory (100s) and look at the properties there it's just mile after mile of "NO HUNTING!!!" signs.
And about a hundred turkeys on the field by that house.

I'm going to attempt to contribute to this thread and tell a useful story.

The NE is much like the Matrix, you have to see it for yourself. My first hunting trip ever was a turkey hunting trip in the Colville area in 2008. Everybody said there were turkey all over, it was a sure thing for everyone. All we saw were "No Hunting" and "No Trespassing" signs everywhere. We got discouraged and asked a local what the deal was. He said that most property owners wanted to know who was going to be on their land and you had to drive up to the home and ask. It felt awkward driving past a sign telling you not to trespass so you could ask to hunt. We finally took the plunge near the end of the trip and asked a guy if we could chase some turkey that went onto his property. He said no. But he also sent us across the road to his neighbor and I was able to harvest my first turkey on that property. Talking with landowners is a skill and the best teacher is experience. The great part about it is there are so many turkey right now people are becoming more open to hunters. You need to be prepared to meet an expectation the landowner has already set in their own mind. For example, we took a crossbow and our shotguns. When we found turkey in people's yard I informed them we had a crossbow to use and it doubled our success. If they are hesitant it helps to have alternatives to offer. If they say no, ask about the neighbors. I had people pointing me miles up the road to distant neighbors they knew had turkey. The nicest person we met told us no, so it's not always unpleasant just disappointing. So keep on knocking, there are willing landowners and turkey that need killin'.

Now for my contribution to the thread. Yes to all the population statements that have been made. I have been wondering how long the four bird rule will be in effect. It appears to be working.

[Russ McDonald]

I am telling you that you should knock on those doors.  Most of those people that you see all those turkeys at hate them.  You will get a few that say no but I bet you will get a lot more yes's.  Also contact the nusiance coordinator with WDFW in Spokane Valley.  He will get you in touch with land owners that have nusuinace birds and are willing to let people hunt.  They may have some conditions that they want you to abide by like only shooting in certain areas.  Always keep gates the way you found them stuff like that.  Also if you go to ask go ahead of time before you hunt and don't show up in camo.  That is sometimes a thumbs down for land owners.  That is directly from some land owners.  Good luck.

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