No turkey...

[Forrestrover]

Well, I didn't get out as much as I had planned this spring, but at least I got out some. The scenery was beautiful, and I found out that if I want to find deer and elk, I should just go turkey hunting!

[turkeydancer]

Actually I scout for deer and elk when spring and fall turkey hunting, and then scout for turkey while deer and elk hunting.  Been more successful at all three as a result .... go figure.

[muleysgirl13]

dont feel to bad ... we made three trips over the hill but working public land in an area that used to have alot of birds and doesnt so much any more makes it very challenging.  I think pretty much everyone that we talked to over there that got birds were on private land

[yelp]

The measure of success is different for others, but there is no crying in turkey hunting. Unless you miss...

I have had several trips where I never saw or shot a bird...but I have always heard a gobble when I go out..that in itself is a success.  Like being in a boat on opening day and watching fish jump and other people catching them..it can be aggrevating.  Keep at it.  Change your tactics next time.  Walk a mile more..lots of things can change a negative into a positive.  I guess the biggest culprit is attitude.  Patience, persistence and a positive attitude.  New hunters have little confidence in hunting a new way or area..keep at it.  Look for sign.

 Oh and there are lots of birds on private land, but I killed both of my toms this year on heavily hunted DNR.  Remember...all turkey hunters have what in common..guns and calls.  Shotgun's use is pretty specific but turkey calls used too much and too often day in and day out are what make these birds call shy.  Every hunter calls way too much.  There are times when calling can be really effective and when saying a little is everything.  Public land birds get played with more than most.  Why...easy access.  How am I successful...it depends on the public land parcel.  Most hunters will walk and average of 1 mile from the truck..on average.  Some walk 2 miles.  I use to walk and walk...and guess what? The further I got from the roads and the truck..the more responses I got, the more sign I saw.  But every parcel is different.  Don't get discouraged..just remember what and where you hunted and try it differently next year.   And always remember a day in the turkey woods successful or unsuccessful is better than anyday mowing the lawn, weeding the garden or going to work!  

[Forrestrover]

Thanks for the responses and advise.  I had fun and learned some things this year. My main disappointment/ frustration is that I found it very difficult to find time in the spring to hunt. But that's o.k., I know what I'll do different next year. Like I stated in my post, I saw some great scenery, and explored some areas that were new to me. Waking up really early and getting out there also allowed me to see deer and elk and a lot of fresh sign, and that made me happy!

[ratherhunt]

Yea, I know how you feel no Turkey for me but I only got to go 4 days. It was fun it just seemed all the birds were on private land. I am going to take Yelps advice and hit it harder next year and keep practicing calling.