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Turkey Properties

Posted by David Vaught, Ph.D. on May 7th 2021

Some people are very lucky to know someone that will allow them to hunt turkeys. Even luckier if they are the only one that hunts that property. In these recent years, we have seen an increase in leasing and many times a deer hunter might obtain a yearlong lease that includes turkey. We then have a spectrum of hunting between single user, leased and public ground.

If you want access, you have to get out and ask. Drive around and knock on doors. I have found many times the owner does not have the authority to grant permission because they have the ground leased for farming. That typically is the priority and most will provide you their contact to ask the tenant farmer for permission. Never seems to be a big problem, but always ask and if successful make sure you are the only one allowed to hunt. I recently heard from some friends that allow me to turkey hunt that their neighbor has been hunting deer on them for years because they had permission from the previous owner who had been dead for 15 years. They never knew it until seeing the illegal hunter one day.

If you do really want to hunt a tract, seek a lease. These range in funds from $100 - $20,000 or more so have a budget. I do not pay, but I do offer to work. Ask the owner if you might fix some fence, help with cattle, or do whatever they need, in exchange for hunting rights. It never hurts to ask.

Be prepared in public hunting areas. Know that you are not alone. The possibility of getting shot while hunting turkey is remarkably high. I know three people that have been shot. You can hear the walking, calling and shooting. Start at the parking lot and share where you will be and ask others if they can share as well. If you do get setup, and someone gets too close let them know in a civil manner that protects both of you. Never carry decoys outside a bag, never carry a dead bird over your shoulder, and never wear anything that might draw attention to colors like red. Even though I hunt by myself, I carry a hunter orange vest in my backpack that I put on whenever walking through the woods or field before and after hunting. Be safe! Know your target!