Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

Is it okay to feed turkeys corn or wheat as long as it's gone before season opens? In the south many hunters will keep corn in their deer feeders up until 15 days prior to season. As long as all the feed is removed it is perfectly legal. Some of course keep it going through season which is not right. Many of you on this forum hunt up north where there is no baiting even for deer. So do you think this practice is okay as long as you are not illegally hunting turkeys over baited areas? In Texas you can hunt them over corn. I personally would not do that. That takes away the best part of turkey hunting.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I don't see anything wrong with supplimenting feed for turkeys over the winter etc...but I do see wrong with baiting turkeys strictly for hunting purposes. Here in PA you need to stop and remove all sign of it 30 day prior to the season however by that time in our PA woods, the turkeys do not need supplimented as their natural foods are in abundance.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I agree with Rob. Just takes the sport out of it to hunt over a feed area like that. Although I saw a video floating around about a father and son turkey hunt. Brought a few tears to my eye to watch this father spend time with his son video taping while his son shot at turkeys with his little bow. Never hit any of them but well worth the time spent with your kid and getting them into hunting. Like I said that was about the only instance where I really didn't have a problem with people hunting at a feeder.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

As far as feeding/attracting puposes I see nothing wrong with it,but I would not hunt over corn even if it was legal.That's my personal preference.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I agree with using corn to suppliment feeding in the winter, but to hunt over corn is not "fair chase" by my standards. In Georgia there is a big debate over this, especially for deer hunting. Hunting over bait is not hunting, it's just killing. That's my opinion.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

How many that say not to baiting turkeys, but say yes to deer:eek:

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

Im fair chase all the way. No baiting here just good old fashion hunting.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

No to both, illegal regardless here in PA.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I'd have to say no to both as well. Now if it's legal, I can't be mad at ya. I just think that it makes us hunters look bad and that is the last thing we need when our sport is being threatened the way it is.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

As long as its b4 the season and all baits removed according to state law. Many hunters do that to help turkeys thru the winter with the added benefit of keeping turks around, escpecially so if the neighboring farm is doing so!

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I don't see anything wrong with a feeding program for wildlife. as much habitat as humans take away for new sub-divisions and golf courses.
conservation is the key, don't take more than you need and always leave some seed.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

Right on the money!!!Too many around here feed them as pets and than complain later because they end up making a mess of there flower beds and dont care to step in turkey droppings....

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I'll be hand scattering corn this season for turkey. I'm trying to find a good call to use.

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I agree with the state laws and the concerning issue about when to supplement and why. For me, I stick to year round food plots if I can, weather permitting. My clover, chufa, buckwheat, chicory, corn and the like grow 9 months of the year, and then the oats, forage hay, and winter clovers take care of the colder months. I know some colder states cannot do that, but there are native grasses, prarie plants, and cold tolerant clovers and peas that you can plant and have great success. You can even bring in certain insects, grubs, worms, and beetles with certain food plots. But as for dry grain, corn, or even oats, I don't supplement, as the food plots do more than supplementation, they provide a landscape for the turks, quail, and the pheasant. Since incorporating food plots 8 years ago, I have had a better population with better health and nutiritional improvements. If anyone needs help of food plots, even in the most horrible soil, let me know. I am a horticulturalist, nurseryman, and farmer. Sorry to ones for getting off the subject, but I just wanted to show that just dry grains and minerals are not the only option, and sometimes statewise, its not an option at all.:)

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

I wish I had that prob:D

RE: Is it right to bait for turkeys?
 

The whole point is to call a gobbler in it doesn't seem to me that its that exciteing.