Post by: JeffRaines on January 05, 2016, 12:02:24 PM
So this spring I was hoping to get into some turkey hunting(and hopefully a bird) just to take up some time and get myself out in the woods. With that said, I've researched weapon choice, decoys, blinds/etc. My question is about area... looking at the harvest statistics, it seems the highest amount of success comes from the far eastern portion of the state, with the central and finally western portion coming up last. I don't mind driving out to eastern Washington at all. In fact, I'd be willing to go out once or twice during the season and just spend the weekend(s).
If you were in my shoes, where would you go/focus? What would your approach be(set up a blind and decoys? walk gated logging roads? etc)?
Thanks guys.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on January 05, 2016, 06:47:33 PM
Post by: Birdguy on January 09, 2016, 10:05:45 PM
Post by: JeffRaines on January 11, 2016, 10:49:45 PM
Get out and get started! Decoys, calling, where and when will change with the birds you are hunting. We usually start with no decoys and add them if the birds hang up or seem to weary, we have found often times that the birds we hunt have seen enough decoys that if they see decoys they get even more weary. Over the years I think I have only shot one bird with decoys out. I have ambushed birds, called them in with no decoys, called them in with a friend but it is different every time we are out. It is addicting and lots of fun. The first bird you call in and shoot will be an amazing feeling for sure. Good luck!
Thanks Birdguy. I'm looking forward to getting out there and getting after them!
Post by: tgomez on January 19, 2016, 06:48:27 PM
Post by: Seatown5 on January 24, 2016, 10:49:33 AM
Post by: Bob33 on January 24, 2016, 11:09:50 AM
Post by: JeffRaines on January 25, 2016, 12:01:25 PM
Public land near colville, if you don't have a map, just head for the hills. Go behind gates ask forest service, whatever. Just go and start learning the roads and country. The turkeys are everywhere eventually you will start finding them. Knowing land is better than anything it gives you options, areas that don't seem great one da uh could be great the next day. So pay attention to sign. Also if a turkey ever gobbles after ten am, do what you can to get closers to him and hunt him. More often than not if they gobble after ten they are ready to play the game. This is why I say just learn areas. Hard to scout to much area during prime times of the day. So while they are not as active you can figure out other things and maybe luck into one. But spend every daylight hours either driving forest roads learning areas or out actively hiking.
Thank for the advice! I had originally considered grabbing a ground blind but I've changed my mind and I'm just going to be covering ground, mostly by hiking. I feel like its probably the best strategy for the reasons you listed.
You might consider going with a guided service like Bearpaw. You can advance your learning curve by many years.
I've considered it, but with a kid on the way I can't really justify spending more money on top of the cost of gas/food/etc... besides, I really enjoy learning things for myself. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment? Haha.
Post by: RadSav on January 25, 2016, 12:29:09 PM
Post by: Buckmark on January 25, 2016, 12:56:48 PM
Post by: JeffRaines on January 25, 2016, 03:08:52 PM
A Bearpaw map would get you started in productive areas.
I may consider a map. Thanks again RadSav - is there anything you don't know?
Post by: Kit Carson on January 28, 2016, 08:47:36 PM
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 09:28:09 PM
I may consider a map. Thanks again RadSav - is there anything you don't know?
I believe if you screw up enough things in life you become wiser and more experienced. If you ask my mother she will supply a long list of things. Pretty sure she has it close by at all times just in case someone stops by. :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on January 28, 2016, 09:37:49 PM
Post by: Seatown5 on January 30, 2016, 04:50:11 PM
Post by: RadSav on January 30, 2016, 10:43:28 PM
And just where was that :chuckle: also, did she end up getting a bear
Between Colville and the Canadian border ;) ;)
She had opportunities at bear. Passed on some ugly ones. If she had not been legally blind that year I'm sure she would have pounded a monster cinnamon. She has put in for that area again since her surgery. A year later I took a nice bear in one of Bearpaw's spots too! I also got attacked by a bear in one of his spots. Little guy gave me everything a 15# bear had to give! :chuckle: :chuckle: Ferocious little dude. I finally had to buck kick him off the trail I was walking. Won't soon forget that!
Post by: JeffRaines on January 31, 2016, 10:18:29 AM
And just where was that :chuckle: also, did she end up getting a bear
Between Colville and the Canadian border ;) ;)
She had opportunities at bear. Passed on some ugly ones. If she had not been legally blind that year I'm sure she would have pounded a monster cinnamon. She has put in for that area again since her surgery. A year later I took a nice bear in one of Bearpaw's spots too! I also got attacked by a bear in one of his spots. Little guy gave me everything a 15# bear had to give! :chuckle: :chuckle: Ferocious little dude. I finally had to buck kick him off the trail I was walking. Won't soon forget that!
I was just about to ask if his maps worked out well for you, but someone beat me to it!
I'm thinking I'll purchase one for turkey and if it works out I might buy one for bear as well. Me and the wife are expecting in August and it would be awesome to be able to get out and hunt some while saving some money/time. Not to mention the bear meat I've had before was delicious!
Post by: turkeykid32 on February 19, 2016, 08:46:23 PM
Post by: Jarhead Chase on February 19, 2016, 10:20:04 PM
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Post by: simondude on February 19, 2016, 11:33:03 PM
Post by: RadSav on February 20, 2016, 12:56:41 AM
If you don't like ticks I would get some tick spray and spray all your camo. Sawyers I think it's called makes some good stuff.
Good advise. :tup:
I too use Sawyers permethrin. Haven't had a tick in over 25 years.
Post by: E35alex on February 24, 2016, 06:37:21 AM
This is my first year hunting birds and I'm taking my 7 yr old son with me. He's been practicing his archery.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by: emac on February 24, 2016, 07:16:26 AM
How does someone contact Bearpaw?PM him
This is my first year hunting birds and I'm taking my 7 yr old son with me. He's been practicing his archery.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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Post by: E35alex on February 24, 2016, 07:54:52 AM
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Post by: Camp David on February 24, 2016, 08:34:07 AM
Post by: E35alex on February 24, 2016, 08:40:10 AM
Central wa or eastern wa? I've seen that both have them but NE has more.
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Post by: jbanich on February 24, 2016, 09:21:37 PM
Post by: Mfowl on February 24, 2016, 09:54:59 PM
Personal suggestions:?
Central wa or eastern wa? I've seen that both have them but NE has more.
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Head to the NE corner as previously stated. Central Wa has birds but unless you already know areas to find them it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Especially for a newbie. The NE corner has the best population and will afford you the most opportunity to find birds and there is plenty of public ground as well. IMO the best thing a new turkey hunter can do is hunt where the best odds are. There's a learning curve involved and you need the best odds in your favor as a beginner. :twocents:
Post by: 270Shooter on February 24, 2016, 10:12:31 PM
Post by: E35alex on February 25, 2016, 06:03:10 AM
And good luck to all ya'll!!
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Post by: bb76 on March 04, 2016, 12:35:18 PM
Post by: hdshot on March 09, 2016, 02:44:38 PM