Gobblers in big woods

[Mr. Longbeard]

I hunt in 40,000 acres of state forest and it seems like most of the action is near the logging roads.

Just wondering if you guys have had muck luck back deap in the big woods. Say 1/2 mile to a mile from the roads?

[Lefty Llewellyn]

I hunted the Black River Falls area in Wisconsin but I don't recall how many acres that was but would classify it as big woods. I used the logging roads big time and even used a mountain bike a few times to get way back quickly. The roads were a great way to scout for tracks in the sand/mud and felt they were used for strutting often. I would say Yes, the majority of the action I had was near logging roads. Even shot one on a logging road!

I now hunt 1,200 acres of Missouri river bottom forest that also has some good access roads. However it isn't big enough to get away from all of the hunters as I was able to above.

[Buckeye Mike]

My experience is that you find the turkeys close to some type of open area be it a logging road, power line cut, gas line cut or open field. I think it give them alternative food sources and areas where they can see better and feel more secure.

[Tree climber]

I also hunt what you call big woods,no open fields or open areas of any kind,just a few little woods roads.they are colsed to traffic so they are almost grown over.
most of the birds I find are in the swamps and along the sloughs.I have a bicycle I ride the old roads where I can to get a mile ot two back into the remote areas.
every one else hunts the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile off the main road.
I usually take my limit each year.
it is hard to scout that far back(you don't want to go that far without a gun and be able to hunt)
most of the time you don't have a lot of company that far back.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

[Bobgobble2]

I find it about the same as you Mr.Longbeard!I agree with Buckeye M. and I also beleive to add to his reasoning that these roads and skidtrails offer easy travel for not only turkeys but other wildlife as well!

Monarch isn't a butterfly it's the King of the Spring!

Edited by - bobgobble2 on 02/07/2003 23:26:25

[maytom]

I agree as well. The hens prefer open areas for raising their young polts. Like the old saying goes, &quot;you have hens, the gobblers will follow&quot;!!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

&quot;Spring Season....the Best&quot;!!!

Edited by - maytom on 02/08/2003 01:30:07