Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: kevinp16 on September 12, 2013, 03:38:48 PM

Title: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: kevinp16 on September 12, 2013, 03:38:48 PM: Heading up there for the opening day of fall turkey. Never hunted there and was wondering if anyone has hunted turkey in the fall up there? I'm not interested in your honey hole so don't worry. Just looking to see if there are a good population of birds and hunting advice/ tactics would be appreciated.

Also, this will be my first time fall hunting on public land. I've heard that calling is pointless and the birds run the other way. Is that really true or only in the later season does that happen. I'll be bow hunting!

Thanks
Kevin
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: turkeydancer on September 13, 2013, 12:24:32 PM: I've hunted 105 a bit up by Northport ... there are birds but not as many as down in Colville/Kettle Falls/Chewelah areas. But then again there are less hunters ....

Two most general methods people use (I have used both methods with success) :
1) Locate, pattern, and set up an ambush. They are in larger flocks this time of year and very patternable.
2) Scatter the flock to the four winds (not just flush in one direction), setup at breakpoint, wait a bit (only 10 minutes for toms or 1/2 to 3/4 hour for hens or poults), use hen assembly calls or lost immature bird sounds (kee, kees and kee, kee runs). For toms, gobbles work too. Note: I've also called hens in without scattering the flock using just kee, kees and kee,kee runs.

I probably won't be going fall hunting for the second year in a row for various reasons (wedding, grandsons birthday, work, etc) ... but I still have 3 toms in the freezer so it's not all bad. Good luck :tup: ......
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: kevinp16 on September 16, 2013, 03:44:20 PM: Thanks Tukeydancer. We only have 1 full day of hunting available due to our schedules and work, but hopefully we get some luck on our side this weekend. We have both private and public land to hunt too. Friday we'll be out locating and finding a good place to set up for the next morning.
I'll let you know how we do. First time bo hunting for turkey!!
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: Ridgeratt on September 16, 2013, 05:48:06 PM: I live on the west side of 105. Haven't seen many birds lately.
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: kevinp16 on September 23, 2013, 08:23:25 AM: What a great weekend of hunting. I came up empty handed with the bow but was able to take a shot a one. My yardage in my head got the best of me and came up way short, but still fun to try.

I did bring a buddy along that's new to turkey and was able to get a hen with his shotgun. I now believe he's hooked on turkey for life!!

We saw lots birds through out the day Saturday with flocks all over 10 strong. Seems like they really like to stay near the trail we traveled on and made it easy to locate and stock.

Last thing, no joke on the wolves up there!! We heard them all morning and evening long with one not too far from us. Was really cool to heard them.
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: turkeydancer on September 23, 2013, 10:06:47 AM: :tup: There you go ... it's all about the fun spent with friends and family !!!
Title: Re: Hunting GMU 105
Post by: Gobble Doc on September 23, 2013, 06:49:16 PM: :tup: If the stars align I will try to get my first bird with a bow this weekend. Sounds like a good time. Don't like the sound of hearing wolves.