New to turkey hunting

[Natas5150]

Hello all I am new to turkey hunting and I am looking for some information. First off a little about me. I have big game hunted for about 4 years now and have always been intrigued with turkey hunting it looks like a lot of fun. I have recently just purchased a browning maxus because I enjoy shooting trap and well i thought i needed it to add to my collection of guns. 

So here's my question on turkey hunting. What is the best way to approach this type of hunting, I mean where would one go to find or even scout on the west side if the mountains. I live in the Bremerton area and when I big game hunt we go to places in mason county. I have read on this forum that eastern turkeys can be found from Thurston county south as well as parts of mason county. Can they be found in mason county? Are turkeys more difficult to hunt on this side of the mountains? Should I try and hunt turkey on the eastside for better success? And if I did hunt on the eastside what are some good areas over there to hunt?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.



(fixed title)

[FISHHUNT]

2012 SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR SATURDAY APRIL 21st
> This promises to bring your hunting skills to a new level.,
>
> Time 11:00 a.m. Place Klickitat Valley Guides and Resort Wa. State (Land Of The Big Boss Tom)
> See about driving directions and places to stay below.
>
> Win great prizes at our Turkey raffle.
> Special kids 14 and under raffle within adult raffle all kids will be drawn.
> Just for fun calling contest
> Youth Bow shoot
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun
>
> Seminar Speakers
> Mossy Oak pro staff, Pennsylvania's professional guide Shawn Kotchey, owner of Millcreek Valley Game Calls. See Shawn in action, U.S. Open 2nd caller #6 

>
> Shawn has won or placed in over 30 professional Turkey calling and Owl hooting contests and placed in top 10 at the US open Turkey calling contest.  He is certified by NWTF and Pa Game Commission to teach Turkey hunting. Shawn has five grand slams and has hunted Toms in over 20 states.
>
> Real Tree rep. will be setting up a display and speaking on camo.
>
> Cabela's rep will be talking on how to set up your bow.
>
> The seminar talks will include
> Basic Scouting: Getting to know a Turkey's daily habits and identifying turkey signs.
> Calling: Demonstrating the different sounds and how to make them on a call.
> Avoiding the most common pitfalls of the amateur Turkey hunter.
> Decoy usage and placement. Shooting blind positioning.
> Call shy birds: How to deal with a mature tom that does not answer to calling.
> Turkeys under pressure: Tactics for hard hunted gobblers.
> Gobbler with Hens: How to deal with a boss tom in the company of hens that will not leave them.
> Hung up gobblers: What to do if the gobbler keeps his distance. Turkey hunting safety.
> information about Turkey hunting equipment such as: Patterning a shotgun correctly
> and how to set up a bow for turkey hunting.
>
> Many items will be raffled, packs, camo galore, calls, decoys and many items that our sponsors are committing to, the list will grow as interest grows!
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun -paid via check US Mail. Extra raffle tickets may be purchased at seminar, cash only

> To register  Give us a call or email, we need to know how many adults and youths are in your group after your paid in full we will mark your group down paid in full, you will receive a comfirmation email.
    Cost per person Adult:  $50.00  No credit cards, sorry
> Children 14 and under free
>
> Checks should be made out to:  Klickitat River Guides and sent to Tracy Zoller  P.O.Box 322 Klickitat Wa. 98628
     Our cabins are booked for the seminar, see more places to stay link at bottom of my web lodging page.
     Or another nice place close to stay is http://www.klickitatriverfrontinn.com/
     Contact Carl and ask for a off season deal tell him your    coming to the seminar  Ph- 509 369-2035 or 509 3694400
   
     See www.adventurefishing.net web for driving directions
   
     Hope To see you here
     tracy@adventurefishing.net
     Ph-509-369-2366
     www.adventurefishing.net

[turkeydancer]

Here's a couple more seminars a little closer ....

Sat Feb 18 @ Olympia Cabelas (by Tom Tamer) - see the Cabela's Olympia website

Sat Mar 3rd at Puyallup Wholesale Sports (by Tom Tamer) - contact the store

[Rockdaphne98296]

Cabela's in Olympia? Is that what you call Lacey?  The event is hosted by the NWTF (Lake Washington and Auburn Chapters) - it is a combo event with a seminar and calling clinic for both youth and adults - starting at 9am in the Archery Department
Cabela's
1600 Gateway Blvd. NE
Lacey, WA 98516

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Go East, for best chance of success,
 however, you can find Turkeys in Western Washington,
but only if you put out an extreme amount of effort.
Go scout NOW !!!
Get up early, stay out late, walk your boots off, scout, scout, scout.
It will seem more like a hunt for Sasquatch, but it can be done...
or you can just save your sanity (and probably some fuel $) by just going east, and killing a couple "easy" ones...

[turkeydancer]

Cabela's in Olympia? Is that what you call Lacey?  The event is hosted by the NWTF (Lake Washington and Auburn Chapters) - it is a combo event with a seminar and calling clinic for both youth and adults - starting at 9am in the Archery Department
Cabela's
1600 Gateway Blvd. NE
Lacey, WA 98516

Rockdaphne -
Hhhhmm do I detect some attitude.  Since I ran around with 2 Lacey girls in the 60's I know where its at, but there may be a few that will read the clinic post I made that may not ... but almost everyone knows where Olympia is and that will give them a general location to determine if they want to travel there ... and they can visit their website for a map and directions.

As for the clinic, I was the one that started two spring turkey clinics and both calling contests each spring since Cabelas opened. Last year I asked Len and Travis to take over due to working over 60 hrs a week, my son with a terminal illness, and other immediate family health issues. I am attaching a picture from the first 2 hr clinic I did for Cabelas (and their event coordinator Arlen Veleke) which over 100 people attended.  These were just a few that I did each year in the area for new turkey hunters ... no need to thank me though for the free public service message as I did it for the newbies and my friends Len and Travis. I was asked Sunday to come help by Travis (TomTamer), but my aircraft carrier is in the middle of some critical events and I have told him I will not be able to be there on Saturday.  Maybe the one at Wholesale Sports on Mar 3rd.

Please say hi to my friends Len, Travis, and Arlen if you attend .... And it's my understanding that the Auburn Chapter is inactive at present ...

[Deer slayer]

My buddys and I will be attending the seminar fishhunt posted.  I know these guys and promise it will be a good seminar.  The location is perfect and the knowledge they have it second to none.  I am excited about the seminar.

[Rockdaphne98296]

Cabela's in Olympia? Is that what you call Lacey?  The event is hosted by the NWTF (Lake Washington and Auburn Chapters) - it is a combo event with a seminar and calling clinic for both youth and adults - starting at 9am in the Archery Department
Cabela's
1600 Gateway Blvd. NE
Lacey, WA 98516

Rockdaphne -
Hhhhmm do I detect some attitude. 

No attitude was intended, my sincere apologies if some was detected - just trying to clarify time and location for those interested, I was the gal with the Lake Washington Chapter running the presentation slides - it was a great seminar, I believe you showed up TurkeyDancer - thanks for sharing your turkey hunting knowledge and I think congrats are in order for the calling contest win? 

[yelp]

2012 SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR SATURDAY APRIL 21st
> This promises to bring your hunting skills to a new level.,
>
> Time 11:00 a.m. Place Klickitat Valley Guides and Resort Wa. State (Land Of The Big Boss Tom)
> See about driving directions and places to stay below.
>
> Win great prizes at our Turkey raffle.
> Special kids 14 and under raffle within adult raffle all kids will be drawn.
> Just for fun calling contest
> Youth Bow shoot
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun
>
> Seminar Speakers
> Mossy Oak pro staff, Pennsylvania's professional guide Shawn Kotchey, owner of Millcreek Valley Game Calls. See Shawn in action, U.S. Open 2nd caller #6 

>
> Shawn has won or placed in over 30 professional Turkey calling and Owl hooting contests and placed in top 10 at the US open Turkey calling contest.  He is certified by NWTF and Pa Game Commission to teach Turkey hunting. Shawn has five grand slams and has hunted Toms in over 20 states.
>
> Real Tree rep. will be setting up a display and speaking on camo.
>
> Cabela's rep will be talking on how to set up your bow.
>
> The seminar talks will include
> Basic Scouting: Getting to know a Turkey's daily habits and identifying turkey signs.
> Calling: Demonstrating the different sounds and how to make them on a call.
> Avoiding the most common pitfalls of the amateur Turkey hunter.
> Decoy usage and placement. Shooting blind positioning.
> Call shy birds: How to deal with a mature tom that does not answer to calling.
> Turkeys under pressure: Tactics for hard hunted gobblers.
> Gobbler with Hens: How to deal with a boss tom in the company of hens that will not leave them.
> Hung up gobblers: What to do if the gobbler keeps his distance. Turkey hunting safety.
> information about Turkey hunting equipment such as: Patterning a shotgun correctly
> and how to set up a bow for turkey hunting.
>
> Many items will be raffled, packs, camo galore, calls, decoys and many items that our sponsors are committing to, the list will grow as interest grows!
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun -paid via check US Mail. Extra raffle tickets may be purchased at seminar, cash only

> To register  Give us a call or email, we need to know how many adults and youths are in your group after your paid in full we will mark your group down paid in full, you will receive a comfirmation email.
    Cost per person Adult:  $50.00  No credit cards, sorry
> Children 14 and under free
>
> Checks should be made out to:  Klickitat River Guides and sent to Tracy Zoller  P.O.Box 322 Klickitat Wa. 98628
     Our cabins are booked for the seminar, see more places to stay link at bottom of my web lodging page.
     Or another nice place close to stay is http://www.klickitatriverfrontinn.com/
     Contact Carl and ask for a off season deal tell him your    coming to the seminar  Ph- 509 369-2035 or 509 3694400
   
     See www.adventurefishing.net web for driving directions
   
     Hope To see you here
     tracy@adventurefishing.net
     Ph-509-369-2366
     www.adventurefishing.net

Sounds like a great time.   Have you had a lot of interest for the event?

[sirmissalot]

There are turkeys on the westside and I have seen a few in mason county but I definitely wouldn't waste time hunting them, unless you have private land access to some fields that hold turkeys. I jumped a turkey in an area near shelton this year... and I thought grouse scare the crap out of you when you jump one of them 

[turkeydancer]

Cabela's in Olympia? Is that what you call Lacey?  The event is hosted by the NWTF (Lake Washington and Auburn Chapters) - it is a combo event with a seminar and calling clinic for both youth and adults - starting at 9am in the Archery Department
Cabela's
1600 Gateway Blvd. NE
Lacey, WA 98516

Rockdaphne -
Hhhhmm do I detect some attitude. 

No attitude was intended, my sincere apologies if some was detected - just trying to clarify time and location for those interested, I was the gal with the Lake Washington Chapter running the presentation slides - it was a great seminar, I believe you showed up TurkeyDancer - thanks for sharing your turkey hunting knowledge and I think congrats are in order for the calling contest win? 

Thanks ... not a problem here ... it was nice to meet you ... wouldn't mind if you send any pics to turkeydancer@centurytel.net.   Good luck with your banquet ....

[Deer slayer]

2012 SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR SATURDAY APRIL 21st
> This promises to bring your hunting skills to a new level.,
>
> Time 11:00 a.m. Place Klickitat Valley Guides and Resort Wa. State (Land Of The Big Boss Tom)
> See about driving directions and places to stay below.
>
> Win great prizes at our Turkey raffle.
> Special kids 14 and under raffle within adult raffle all kids will be drawn.
> Just for fun calling contest
> Youth Bow shoot
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun
>
> Seminar Speakers
> Mossy Oak pro staff, Pennsylvania's professional guide Shawn Kotchey, owner of Millcreek Valley Game Calls. See Shawn in action, U.S. Open 2nd caller #6 

>
> Shawn has won or placed in over 30 professional Turkey calling and Owl hooting contests and placed in top 10 at the US open Turkey calling contest.  He is certified by NWTF and Pa Game Commission to teach Turkey hunting. Shawn has five grand slams and has hunted Toms in over 20 states.
>
> Real Tree rep. will be setting up a display and speaking on camo.
>
> Cabela's rep will be talking on how to set up your bow.
>
> The seminar talks will include
> Basic Scouting: Getting to know a Turkey's daily habits and identifying turkey signs.
> Calling: Demonstrating the different sounds and how to make them on a call.
> Avoiding the most common pitfalls of the amateur Turkey hunter.
> Decoy usage and placement. Shooting blind positioning.
> Call shy birds: How to deal with a mature tom that does not answer to calling.
> Turkeys under pressure: Tactics for hard hunted gobblers.
> Gobbler with Hens: How to deal with a boss tom in the company of hens that will not leave them.
> Hung up gobblers: What to do if the gobbler keeps his distance. Turkey hunting safety.
> information about Turkey hunting equipment such as: Patterning a shotgun correctly
> and how to set up a bow for turkey hunting.
>
> Many items will be raffled, packs, camo galore, calls, decoys and many items that our sponsors are committing to, the list will grow as interest grows!
>
> Admission includes refreshments, BBQ lunch, one free raffle ticket and a day of fun -paid via check US Mail. Extra raffle tickets may be purchased at seminar, cash only

> To register  Give us a call or email, we need to know how many adults and youths are in your group after your paid in full we will mark your group down paid in full, you will receive a comfirmation email.
    Cost per person Adult:  $50.00  No credit cards, sorry
> Children 14 and under free
>
> Checks should be made out to:  Klickitat River Guides and sent to Tracy Zoller  P.O.Box 322 Klickitat Wa. 98628
     Our cabins are booked for the seminar, see more places to stay link at bottom of my web lodging page.
     Or another nice place close to stay is http://www.klickitatriverfrontinn.com/
     Contact Carl and ask for a off season deal tell him your    coming to the seminar  Ph- 509 369-2035 or 509 3694400
   
     See www.adventurefishing.net web for driving directions
   
     Hope To see you here
     tracy@adventurefishing.net
     Ph-509-369-2366
     www.adventurefishing.net

Sounds like a great time.   Have you had a lot of interest for the event?

I was e-mailing him the other day and he said there was a quite a few people showing an interest.  He said there is a lot of father and sons coming.  I am looking forward to it.  They are good people and its an awesome venue.  Hope to see you there Yelp.  Let me know if you go.

[Rockdaphne98296]

Another Turkey seminar is being held this weekend, Saturday March 3rd at the Puyallup Sportsmans Warehouse at 1:00pm - this is a free event hosted by your Western Washington NWTF chapter members (Lake Washington and Auburn). Join us for turkey hunting basics, calling techniques and strategy tips! Here is a link to their website for address, map and contact info

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/storelocator/slStoreDetails.jsp?siteNum=213