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Post by hornharvester on Apr 6, 2006 21:07:17 GMT -5
Hey guys, how crowded is public land on opening day of turkey season, mainly HNF and state forests? Can a guy hunt the opening day with out seeing hunters over every ridge? I'm trying to decide whether to hunt public ground on the opening day or wait until the first Monday? What would you guys do? thanks, h.h.
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Post by hoosier on Apr 6, 2006 22:57:04 GMT -5
If you hunt in the Owen/Putnam S.F., wear a helmet and a flak-jacket!
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Post by jrbhunter on Apr 7, 2006 1:02:29 GMT -5
Opening DAY, which is Wednesday, shouldn't be too bad.... especially if you are willing to walk off an access road a little ways. Most people don't even realize Turkey season comes in through the week, they all consider it in on Saturday and that is when it REALLY gets crowded in the HNF and such.
I think you'd be alright on Wed, get on a horse trail and walk 30 minutes before daylight... then you'll be out of earshot of the handful of idiots hooting from their truck windows.
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Post by firelt72 on Apr 7, 2006 4:17:48 GMT -5
I have never had a problem in the HNF opening day, matter of fact I have never even seen another hunter in the woods in HNF. I spoke with one of the rangers at the Bedford headquarters last month and asked him some questions about how and where to go no one else wou;d want to go and get turkey. He stated that there is really no over pressure in HNF for turkey, deer yes. I agree with jrh, scout out an area and walk until you feel far enough, then add 10-15 more minute lol. Most hunters are , not insult meant, lazy and don't want to go any farther than 300yds. The thing that has helped me in the HNF this year is I baught the quadrent maps and have scouted areas I didn't know were there. I will be out there Wed morning.
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Post by shootsa410 on Apr 7, 2006 7:35:05 GMT -5
I hunt HNF but don't even start hunting until the last week of the season because of the other turkey hunters, mushroom hunters, bike riders, campers, nature hikers and on and on. You'll be hunting educated birds but natures powers still get them in enough trouble for you to put one over your shoulder.
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Post by Indyhunter on Apr 7, 2006 8:23:15 GMT -5
I'd be there opening day if I were you. You'll run into other hunters, but most will leave by 9 or so. Wait them out and stay as long as you can.
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Post by hornharvester on Apr 7, 2006 8:38:47 GMT -5
thanks for sharing this info with me guys. i was kind of leaning on going opening day and now most likely will. Besides if i don't get it done in a couple days i can always come back. thanks again, h.h.
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Post by bsutravis on Apr 7, 2006 9:22:46 GMT -5
Get yourself a good GPS.....waypoint your truck, then walk like the others said. Without the GPS, people start freaking about getting lost.....but with that added security you can chase birds all day. I usually pack my lunch and snack in with me and don't return till I am exhausted. One bit of advice with the GPS....I have a Garmin and I love it, UNLESS I am deep into a holler.......then I have to get toa ridge top, or area with some clear sky for it to pick up the satellites. It's a great tool to have in your vest!!!!
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Post by hornharvester on Apr 7, 2006 13:48:27 GMT -5
Ive got a garmin 12. a couple years ago i put it in my checked luggage coming back from Florida hog hunting. I forgot about the Xray machine and it erased the program. i emailed garmin and they sent me an interface cable at no charge. i downloaded a new program from their website that re-installed and update my gps. i thought that was great service, especially since it wasn't any fault of theirs. h.h.
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Post by bsutravis on Apr 7, 2006 19:13:48 GMT -5
See....why can't all companies have customer service like that?  |
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Post by jrbhunter on Apr 7, 2006 19:46:26 GMT -5
If you find a GPS that works in the majority of the HNF I want to see you post the brand and model here... to my knowledge, there is no such critter. I strongly suggest getting a set of horse trail/hiking trail maps from the Bedford or Tell City offices. If you go to Bedford, tell them the coyote guy sent you... I probalby have 20 sets of HNF maps at home that those girls have supplied me with over the years.
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Post by kevin1 on Apr 8, 2006 10:56:12 GMT -5
If you find a GPS that works in the majority of the HNF I want to see you post the brand and model here... to my knowledge, there is no such critter. I strongly suggest getting a set of horse trail/hiking trail maps from the Bedford or Tell City offices. If you go to Bedford, tell them the coyote guy sent you... I probalby have 20 sets of HNF maps at home that those girls have supplied me with over the years. For a GPS receiver to work you have to have a clear line of sight to at least 2 satellites , 3 would be better . Going to the edge of a lake , a small clearing , or even a ridge top will usually improve reception . |
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Post by jrbhunter on Apr 8, 2006 15:53:59 GMT -5
Thanks Mr. Obvious.
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Post by danf on Apr 8, 2006 21:14:28 GMT -5
You forgot the "You're a lifesaver".   |
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Post by indybrad on Apr 8, 2006 23:06:59 GMT -5
I hunt some private property adjacent to Morgan-Monroe and I hardly ever hear gunshots. I hardly every see anyone through the season and I drive straight through the Forestry. See a bunch of mushroom hunters. There are also plenty of pull off sights.
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Post by hornharvester on Apr 9, 2006 13:43:22 GMT -5
Yesterday we drove to bean blossom and yellow woods state forest. we walked several fire lanes and never seen or heard a turkey. i watched all the fields and hillsides while my friend drove and never saw a turkey in 286 miles of driving. the weather must had them all holed up yesterday. we did find some vary good looking turkey areas. we are planning on going a couple days early and scout some more. h.h.
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Post by kevin1 on Apr 9, 2006 17:55:03 GMT -5
Not everyone is aware of that Mr. Insolent , some folks actually think they can use one in a cave . I was just trying to clear up that they have limitations . |
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Post by hornharvester on Apr 9, 2006 20:59:49 GMT -5
OK GUYS, THATS ENOUGH OF THE INSULTS! Lets move on. h.h.
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