Turkey Season's Public-Land Play

by
posted on May 2, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gunclub2015_fs.jpg (11)

undefinedField Editor Frank Miniter put the "Public-Land Turkey Playbook" he wrote about in "Know-How" in the March print edition to use this morning in New York. His report:

On the day after opening day, I headed to a big public area. When I pulled into the parking lot there were three other cars there, but I knew all those hunters would stop after the first half-mile, as the terrain gets steep after that. Besides, I doubted any of them know there is good turkey habitat over a ridge and along a swamp. I greeted two hunters who were getting ready and wished them luck, and started hiking.

I knew the terrain and had a plan, but I almost figured too well. I set up on a roosted gobbler, but as it got light I saw that another gobbler was roosted just 70 yards away. The trees haven't leafed out yet here, so I watched him gobble 30-40 times. All I made were a few soft yelps. He started strutting in the tree and kept craning his neck to spot the hen. When he flew down he landed uphill and then slowly circled me. As he did the terrain forced him to come into range. I killed him as he strutted at 40 yards.

For more commentary on hunting and guns, check out Frank Miniter's website.

Latest

True Shooting Doves
True Shooting Doves

A Shotgun for All Seasons: Savage Renegauge in Argentina

If you want to test a shotgun’s reliability and recoil control, you take it on a high-volume hunt. If you want that trial to more resemble torture than test, you make that a high-volume Argentina dove hunt. Read on to find out how the Savage Renegauge performed.

NRA Names Kyle Lamb as Brand Ambassador for America’s Rifle Challenge

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) proudly announces Sergeant Major (Ret.) Kyle Lamb as a Brand Ambassador for the NRA America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC), an innovative training and competition program built around the safe and effective use of the AR-15 platform.

#SundayGunday: Banish 46-V2

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're talking about suppressors, specifically the Banish 46-V2, capable of taming nearly every gun in your safe, up to and including the big boys like .338 Lapua.

KelTec Named Official Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is proud to announce KelTec as an official sponsor of the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, returning to Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4, 2025.

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.