Am I wasting my time?

[Bowhunter57]

I would like to get a turkey with a bow, this spring, but don't have any access to private ground. I have hunted in the Woodbury Wildlife area (Coshocton County) for a few years, BUT it's all public ground and it's not uncommon to run into other hunters....frequently.

Would it be a waste of time to attempt bowhunting on public ground with a bow?

Your opinions and experience is appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

[Thunderflight]

Nope not at all. I primarly hunt turkeys on public land have have killed and missed birds with a bow.


TF

[MUZZY MAN]

I'm thinkin of takin mine to Zaleski.

[Thunderflight]

I'm probably going to gun hunt for my first bird this year. I didn't get one last year (my fault I shot over it's back with my recurve) so I'd like to at least get one this year.

TF

[MUZZY MAN]

Yeah, I'd like to do both

[lureboy98]

This thread reminds me of a quote:

"A bad day in the woods is better than a good day at work"

[10Gauge]

Yes, I have turkey hunted with a bow.....

Don't get me wrong, I love to bow hunt......
but bow hunting turkey's (on public land) is like taking a bow out on opening day of gun season?!?! I don't get it, unless you want to test your skill, and if that's what you want to do and you enjoy it, great! I'm happy if your happy.

My turkey bow hunting has primarily been on private land and I did it one season, just to see if I could, to be honest. I didn't use a blind, would draw only when the bird's head was hidden. Killed two birds, one jake in TN and a 20# gobbler in KY, (missed 1 bird or lost 1 - pass thru and bird flew) with a Mathews MQ1. Did I enjoy it? yes. Will I do it again? I doubt it!

Good Luck, BowHunter!

[Bowhunter57]

Thank you for the replies, gentlemen! :)

If I get the time, I'm definately going to bowhunt turkeys this spring. :cool:

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[jamieknwohio]

i WOULDNT SAY IT IS A WASTE OF TIME A T ALL

[Q2XL]

im turkey huntin with a bow openin day this year.been wantin too hunt turkey and decided this the most challengin way too do it.

[Limbhanger]

Are you just wasting your time?If that's really what one wants to do then no.I have the same problem whereas I like to bowhunt at times but only hunt public land also.It can be done on public land, but expect some disappointing hunts due to pressure.As I found out last year after working some birds for a couple hours,and right at the moment of thruth as I was anticipating the shot,a hunter snuck in and shot at him without calling.Talk about disappointing,these birds were there for two hours,why couldn't of he screwed things up right at the start?But no,not till seconds before my shot,which of could of easily been had with a shotgun long before this.My point is you'll miss out on birds with the bow,which could of been taken with the gun a lot when you bowhunt,which is the norm.But if you can deal with losing some very disappointing oppurtunities like this due to others,then go for it.Good Luck!

[Bowhunter57]

Limbhanger,
I know exactly what you're saying about the disappointment with other hunters interrupting my hunt. I've been walked in on many times with a shotgun, so it's nothing new. :rolleyes:

I usually sit tight and let them move off and sometimes the turkeys move around them and not me. ;)

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[Airwave(OH)]

I'd say if you want one with a bow, just like any other kind of hunting the first day before they get use to all the new activity in the woods would be your best chance.

[Limbhanger]

Believe me Bowhunter57,It's a lot more disappointing at times with a bow when this happens is what I'm getting at.First of all you don't even get many chances with a bow,then when you do and someone screws you up,it hurts.With todays shotguns,get your bird within 40 yards and the hunt is basically over,whereas with a bow it's just beginng.You may have the bird in range for a shotgun for a long time before a bow shot develops.Which in turn means,more time for someone to come in and screw it up.Where if you had a gun you could of ended the hunt not giving others the time to ruin it.Plus with a gun it's much easier to get up and leave and find another bird elsewhere.Setting up with a bow takes some time,and you'll waste a lot of it even if no one screws you up.Just my opinion,I'd bowhunt them everyday if it wasn't for the uncertainty all the time that goes along with turkey hunting on public land.

[10Gauge]

I would be very reluctant to bow hunt from a blind during opening day on public land for turkey's! I have had other hunters stalk me, while I was calling like a hen (I NEVER gobble) and had I not heard and or seen them approach I fear they may have shot at me or my decoys. I have also had my decoys shot on public land on one occassion from an absurd distance. For this reason I limit the use of decoys on public lands to several days after the season begins and NEVER on weekends!