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!
