Turkeys! - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

Kirby86 · 03-24-2017, 12:57 PM

Who all's gonna be chasing public land turkeys?

This is going to be my first year trying to bag a bird with my bow without a blind.

I'm pretty pumped for it!

Tejasbacon · 03-24-2017, 01:15 PM

Right on good luck

Double-AA · 03-24-2017, 01:20 PM

I'll be out there chasing my first bird, too!

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FeetDown · 03-24-2017, 01:31 PM

Good luck Kirby. I too will be after them on public near DFW, though most likely with the boomstick as it is already challenging enough. Cannot wait to put some miles on the boots, I love springtime in Texas!

the dirty one · 03-24-2017, 01:47 PM

not hunting public land but I am chasing my first bird!! Super pumped up

Slick8 · 03-24-2017, 02:09 PM

I'll be hunting them on the Kerr WMA next week, technically public land but not likely the kind that you're talking about.

Having said that, there's no guarantee that I'll be put in a pasture with birds or that they'll cooperate or that the weather will be good for that 2 day window.

SFAbowhunter · 03-24-2017, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirby86

Who all's gonna be chasing public land turkeys?

This is going to be my first year trying to bag a bird with my bow without a blind.

I'm pretty pumped for it!

Where you planning on chasing them?

I'm thinking about the vine and texoma.

HR3 · 03-24-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFAbowhunter

Where you planning on chasing them?

I'm thinking about the vine and texoma.

turkey's at Lake Grapevine?

BPurvisJr · 03-24-2017, 02:38 PM

Good luck! I'll be up in Ladonia trying my luck. First turkey season. Might head down to Whitney too.

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Kdurham · 03-24-2017, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirby86

Who all's gonna be chasing public land turkeys?

This is going to be my first year trying to bag a bird with my bow without a blind.

I'm pretty pumped for it!

In for public! PM me of you want to hook up

Texas Grown · 03-24-2017, 03:40 PM

I don't know if Gertrude will come out to play this year or not.
(wireless remote controlled turkey decoy)

Kirby86 · 03-24-2017, 05:09 PM

Every WMA in Dfw has birds to some extent. The trickiest part is locating them. I haven't had as much free time this spring to get out but I have a few places in mind.

I just know that some areas hold birds every year, and some places where you find birds in the fall are empty as can be come spring.

I'm either gonna be on a mountain bike or in a canoe.

Buckshot-73 · 03-24-2017, 06:18 PM

Kirby, they are thick in Macown valley..

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Buckshot-73 · 03-24-2017, 06:19 PM

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Kirby86 · 03-25-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckshot-73

Kirby, they are thick in Macown valley..

Attachment 847406

Heh, this morning was crazy. Just in scouting I encountered a ton of activity. It's gonna be a good year I'd say!

Chief · 03-25-2017, 06:17 PM

First time turkey hunting, seeing a lot of hens but no toms today

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Kirby86 · 03-25-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief

First time turkey hunting, seeing a lot of hens but no toms today

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Keep at it. I wish I lived in the south zone!

Chief · 03-25-2017, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirby86

Keep at it. I wish I lived in the south zone!

Hunting easterns in South Carolina right now

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Johnny Dangerr · 03-25-2017, 07:38 PM

Will escort the misses opening day. Would like 2. Thinking her 20 gauge......

Txbowslaughter · 03-26-2017, 06:38 PM

Saw some good birds at Ray Roberts about 3 weeks ago.

Pope & Yum · 03-28-2017, 08:21 AM

I have been itching to get out to lake A, lake W. Opening morning of bow season I could hear them but never seen one step out. Good luck to all who are getting out there this weekend.

ArcheryAssassin · 03-30-2017, 12:27 PM

They have been hott down south for weeks now, Unfortunately I decided to use the turkey Guilliotine Broadhead and my shot didnt go off as Planned. When I pulled the trigger my arrow dove hard low and left of my turkey's neck and I had to use the 12 guage backup !

I will use a rage broadhead in a few weeks for my next bird. Live and learn

GraceNmercy · 04-05-2017, 01:47 AM

I'll be chasing public land easterns in east Texas in a couple of weeks. Should be another good year with the decent hatches the past couple of springs..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief

Hunting easterns in South Carolina right now

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jvela23 · 04-05-2017, 02:24 PM

Plan on hunting Twin Buttes in the the next few weeks for my first turkey and public land hunt. Has anyone been there and know anything about the lay of the land?

kparker158 · 04-09-2017, 05:24 PM

Can anyone name a few public lands that holds turkeys? Really want to get a public land turkey!! Twin Buttes is really the only one I know of.

ArcheryAssassin · 04-10-2017, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kparker158

Can anyone name a few public lands that holds turkeys? Really want to get a public land turkey!! Twin Buttes is really the only one I know of.

Caddo National Graslands has a decent number of birds

Kdurham · 04-10-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcheryAssassin

Caddo National Graslands has a decent number of birds

How about LBJ?

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BPurvisJr · 04-10-2017, 06:08 PM

We'll be out at Caddo this weekend.

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Kdurham · 04-10-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPurvisJr

We'll be out at Caddo this weekend.

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Do I need permission at Caddo? I have the public land pass.

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BPurvisJr · 04-10-2017, 06:13 PM

No sir, as long as you have that APH you're good. We're getting up there Friday morning and camping out all weekend.

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GraceNmercy · 04-10-2017, 10:03 PM

LBJ has a larger population of birds as those are Rio Grande turkey out there. There are fewer Eastern turkey in the state than Rios, but there is still a decent population of birds in the Caddo area. There is also a good number of birds down south on the SNF. Going out this Sunday afternoon to work on getting another eastern. I plan to be there the majority of the week, but hoping I can seal the deal early so I can get some fishing done the remainder of my time there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kdurham

How about LBJ?

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Kdurham · 04-10-2017, 10:05 PM

Would like to take my son with bow (first time for both). Do we have to get a permit to camp or just find a spot and then hunt.

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GraceNmercy · 04-10-2017, 11:54 PM

If you're hunting Caddo and have the $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit you have all you need to hunt and camp on the WMA.

I think most forest and grasslands have designated hunting camp sites during deer season, but I believe during turkey season I believe you can camp on most areas on the forest and grasslands.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kdurham

Would like to take my son with bow (first time for both). Do we have to get a permit to camp or just find a spot and then hunt.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

BPurvisJr · 04-11-2017, 08:33 AM

The GW told us we had to use the designated sites this weekend. We thought the same thing about being able to camp out in he hunting areas.

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GraceNmercy · 04-11-2017, 03:48 PM

Must only be on that particular WMA. On Forest Service lands that's only a requirement during rifle service. I also hunt with a recently retired warden and have spoke with working wardens at our camp sites and we've not had any issues with that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPurvisJr

The GW told us we had to use the designated sites this weekend. We thought the same thing about being able to camp out in he hunting areas.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JustinJ · 04-11-2017, 04:13 PM

Heading to Lake Meredith for turkeys this weekend.

BPurvisJr · 04-11-2017, 05:35 PM

Good luck to ya!

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TexasRangerFan7 · 04-12-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinJ

Heading to Lake Meredith for turkeys this weekend.

I didn't know you could hunt Lake Meredith..I can't seem to find any hunting maps/dates on the TPWD website. Is it draw only or do you just need the APH? Know where I can find a pdf map of the hunting compartments? Thanks.

JustinJ · 04-12-2017, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasRangerFan7

I didn't know you could hunt Lake Meredith..I can't seem to find any hunting maps/dates on the TPWD website. Is it draw only or do you just need the APH? Know where I can find a pdf map of the hunting compartments? Thanks.

It's federal so nothing about it on TPWD. No need for APH, just go hunt. You can find maps and regs on the Lake Meredith website.

HR3 · 04-16-2017, 05:02 PM

Anyone do any good at the Caddo National Grasslands?

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BPurvisJr · 04-18-2017, 10:18 AM

We heard some, but couldn't call em in. Ran into a guy that was in the same area and he got one after about an hour of hunting.

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HR3 · 04-19-2017, 09:01 AM

That happens, I'll hit the southern end of Bois d'Arc Creek this week

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BPurvisJr · 04-19-2017, 10:40 AM

Good luck to ya! I'll be back out there next Saturday.

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FeetDown · 04-23-2017, 12:37 PM

Burned some boot leather hunting our Texas public lands this morning and stumbled upon a Rio Grande hen on this nest. Snapped a quick photo and skedaddled in hopes she'll find her way back and raise us some more turkeys!

According to this TAMU article, this hen is only 5 days into laying her clutch, and may have another 5 or 6 days to go

"Females lay one egg per day, producing an average total of 10-11 eggs. The eggs are cream or tan in color and may have brown speckles. Incubation lasts around 28 days after the last egg is laid."

http://wildlife.tamu.edu/wildlifemanagement/turkeys/

ReydonPete · 04-23-2017, 12:41 PM

Great pic

GraceNmercy · 04-25-2017, 12:56 PM

Came across an eastern nest last year with 6 eggs in it on the National forest. Actually almost walked right on top of her while she was on it and she exploded from the ferns at my feet and scared the heck out of me...lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeetDown

Burned some boot leather hunting our Texas public lands this morning and stumbled upon a Rio Grande hen on this nest. Snapped a quick photo and skedaddled in hopes she'll find her way back and raise us some more turkeys!

According to this TAMU article, this hen is only 5 days into laying her clutch, and may have another 5 or 6 days to go

"Females lay one egg per day, producing an average total of 10-11 eggs. The eggs are cream or tan in color and may have brown speckles. Incubation lasts around 28 days after the last egg is laid."

http://wildlife.tamu.edu/wildlifemanagement/turkeys/

Hunterlo70 · 04-28-2017, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcheryAssassin

Caddo National Graslands has a decent number of birds

I was surrounded by turkeys early morning during last season's archery opener @ Caddo.. it was insane

Ag_Attack · 04-28-2017, 03:19 PM

My cousin and his friends have been hammering the gobblers on public land near Angelo State. I think they have kill 4-6 birds already.

HR3 · 04-29-2017, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunterlo70

I was surrounded by turkeys early morning during last season's archery opener @ Caddo.. it was insane

They would keep up so much racket I couldn't nap in my stand....LOL

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03-24-2017, 12:57 PM	#1
Kirby86 Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fort Worth, Plano Hunt In: Have bow, will travel	Turkeys! Who all's gonna be chasing public land turkeys? This is going to be my first year trying to bag a bird with my bow without a blind. I'm pretty pumped for it!

03-30-2017, 12:27 PM	#22
ArcheryAssassin Six Point Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Houston Hunt In: Primarily Public lands/& private Honey Holes	They have been hott down south for weeks now, Unfortunately I decided to use the turkey Guilliotine Broadhead and my shot didnt go off as Planned. When I pulled the trigger my arrow dove hard low and left of my turkey's neck and I had to use the 12 guage backup ! I will use a rage broadhead in a few weeks for my next bird. Live and learn Attached Images

04-23-2017, 12:37 PM	#44
FeetDown Four Point Join Date: Mar 2015	Burned some boot leather hunting our Texas public lands this morning and stumbled upon a Rio Grande hen on this nest. Snapped a quick photo and skedaddled in hopes she'll find her way back and raise us some more turkeys! According to this TAMU article, this hen is only 5 days into laying her clutch, and may have another 5 or 6 days to go "Females lay one egg per day, producing an average total of 10-11 eggs. The eggs are cream or tan in color and may have brown speckles. Incubation lasts around 28 days after the last egg is laid." http://wildlife.tamu.edu/wildlifemanagement/turkeys/ Attached Images

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03-24-2017, 01:15 PM	#2
Tejasbacon Six Point Join Date: Jan 2017	Right on good luck

03-24-2017, 01:20 PM	#3
Double-AA Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Mar 2016	I'll be out there chasing my first bird, too! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

03-24-2017, 01:31 PM	#4
FeetDown Four Point Join Date: Mar 2015	Good luck Kirby. I too will be after them on public near DFW, though most likely with the boomstick as it is already challenging enough. Cannot wait to put some miles on the boots, I love springtime in Texas!

03-24-2017, 01:47 PM	#5
the dirty one Ten Point Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Spring, Tx Hunt In: Lufkin area	not hunting public land but I am chasing my first bird!! Super pumped up

03-24-2017, 02:09 PM	#6
Slick8 Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Richmond, Texas Hunt In: In the woods	I'll be hunting them on the Kerr WMA next week, technically public land but not likely the kind that you're talking about. Having said that, there's no guarantee that I'll be put in a pasture with birds or that they'll cooperate or that the weather will be good for that 2 day window.

03-24-2017, 02:38 PM	#9
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	Good luck! I'll be up in Ladonia trying my luck. First turkey season. Might head down to Whitney too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-24-2017, 03:40 PM	#11
Texas Grown Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Burleson, Texas	I don't know if Gertrude will come out to play this year or not. (wireless remote controlled turkey decoy)

03-24-2017, 05:09 PM	#12
Kirby86 Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fort Worth, Plano Hunt In: Have bow, will travel	Every WMA in Dfw has birds to some extent. The trickiest part is locating them. I haven't had as much free time this spring to get out but I have a few places in mind. I just know that some areas hold birds every year, and some places where you find birds in the fall are empty as can be come spring. I'm either gonna be on a mountain bike or in a canoe.

03-24-2017, 06:18 PM	#13
Buckshot-73 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Burleson Hunt In: Whitney and Glen Rose	Kirby, they are thick in Macown valley..

03-24-2017, 06:19 PM	#14
Buckshot-73 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Burleson Hunt In: Whitney and Glen Rose

03-25-2017, 06:17 PM	#16
Chief Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tomball Hunt In: Polk/Trinity/Dewitt/Washington County	First time turkey hunting, seeing a lot of hens but no toms today Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-25-2017, 07:38 PM	#19
Johnny Dangerr Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Houston Hunt In: Mainly Guide Now	Will escort the misses opening day. Would like 2. Thinking her 20 gauge......

03-26-2017, 06:38 PM	#20
Txbowslaughter Six Point Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Keller, TX	Saw some good birds at Ray Roberts about 3 weeks ago.

03-28-2017, 08:21 AM	#21
Pope & Yum Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: rockwall Hunt In: Right now lets go	I have been itching to get out to lake A, lake W. Opening morning of bow season I could hear them but never seen one step out. Good luck to all who are getting out there this weekend.

04-05-2017, 02:24 PM	#24
jvela23 Spike Join Date: Feb 2017	Plan on hunting Twin Buttes in the the next few weeks for my first turkey and public land hunt. Has anyone been there and know anything about the lay of the land?

04-09-2017, 05:24 PM	#25
kparker158 Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Porter Tx Hunt In: Public and Private Lands of East Texas	Can anyone name a few public lands that holds turkeys? Really want to get a public land turkey!! Twin Buttes is really the only one I know of.

04-10-2017, 06:08 PM	#28
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	We'll be out at Caddo this weekend. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-10-2017, 06:13 PM	#30
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	No sir, as long as you have that APH you're good. We're getting up there Friday morning and camping out all weekend. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-10-2017, 10:05 PM	#32
Kdurham Eight Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Mansfield	Would like to take my son with bow (first time for both). Do we have to get a permit to camp or just find a spot and then hunt. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-11-2017, 08:33 AM	#34
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	The GW told us we had to use the designated sites this weekend. We thought the same thing about being able to camp out in he hunting areas. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-11-2017, 04:13 PM	#36
JustinJ Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Mckinney Hunt In: Baylor County,Collin County	Heading to Lake Meredith for turkeys this weekend.

04-11-2017, 05:35 PM	#37
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	Good luck to ya! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-16-2017, 05:02 PM	#40
HR3 Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Murphy,TX via New Orleans Hunt In: AR,LA,MS,AL,TX,IN....	Anyone do any good at the Caddo National Grasslands? Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

04-18-2017, 10:18 AM	#41
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	We heard some, but couldn't call em in. Ran into a guy that was in the same area and he got one after about an hour of hunting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-19-2017, 09:01 AM	#42
HR3 Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Murphy,TX via New Orleans Hunt In: AR,LA,MS,AL,TX,IN....	That happens, I'll hit the southern end of Bois d'Arc Creek this week Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

04-19-2017, 10:40 AM	#43
BPurvisJr Four Point Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: McKinney, TX Hunt In: Whitney, Lavon, Cooper WMA	Good luck to ya! I'll be back out there next Saturday. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-23-2017, 12:41 PM	#45
ReydonPete Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2016 Hunt In: Ok,Tx	Great pic

04-28-2017, 03:19 PM	#48
Ag_Attack Ten Point Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: Sutton/Val Verde/Edwards	My cousin and his friends have been hammering the gobblers on public land near Angelo State. I think they have kill 4-6 birds already.