[1st time Turkey Chaser]

On a side note, time to check in.

I’ve picked up the following:

Carlsons longboard choke: Came Sunday, still need to pattern. Ammo at Walmart’s gone, need to stop at a real gun shop.

Camo Gloves/mask.

Need some opinions on:

Backpack: I’ve seen some dedicated turkey backpacks with seats etc. are these useful vs. a normal backpack?

Boots: really on the fence here. I’ve been running muck boots for a while now, but this last ice fishing season the “give” in these boots has really started to bother me on long distance walks. Anyone have an opinion on a muck boot style vs. a laced hiking boot?

as always thanks in advance!

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

Reeltime,

Thank you for taking the time to write that up, very appreciated. I will read it many times over!  
 

A question for all, do you scout at night ahead of a hunt to see where turkeys roust?

[When did it become normal not to keep supplies at home ?]

2 hours ago, JJBat150 said:

The real question : How many people will learn from this and have more supplies on hand - not to the "prepper" level, but at least enough to hold out a few weeks ?

Idk, I think times have changed and have been relatively uneventful or at least nothing has caused a long term impact to disrupt life. Overall, COVID-19 could be a short term impact and be old news by the fall. Even in my life time, being born in the late 70’s has there been any long term events that could condition a generation, doubly so from us generation X’ers or Millennials?

The only reason I think my home is as prepped as we are for the short term, would be to look at it from a hobby approach i.e things that have been important to me. I’ve always needed to be busy, year round...preferably outdoors. Small motors have alway fascinated me...air, fuel & fire. I’m cheap and like to stretch my money. I could do a deep dive on buying used, but I’ll save everyone the anguish. I have TREMENDOUS respect for tools,  knowing how to use them and maintain them. Keeping some extra canned good and non-perishables around just makes sense. My grandmother used to can...everything. I’ve done a bit of canning myself, but could expand easily. Having a fireplace or even better have a wood stove, as we do now. I take care of my neighbors. I don’t wear earbuds solely to avoid conversation. I feel like I could go on and on. I’m 42 years old now, everything I’ve mentioned above has been part of my life time investment. I’m still learnings. My next generation will be my only legacy. If the COVID-19 is your day one, then the lesson starts today. 

Honestly, when things started getting nutsie, I picked up an extra 50 lbs of dog food, 2 extra lbs coffee and 5 extra gallons of gas. I’m sure there’s other odds and ends. I didn’t run out and fill my fridge/freezer with perishable food goods, didn’t buy any OTC medicines, didn’t buy the last box of ammo at Walmart, didn’t panic, didn’t t clear a shelf. I had the choice to stop and think, do we need this or does someone need it more?  However, I’ve alway thought observing other fulfill these needs was a good temperature check.

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

4 hours ago, The_Real_TCIII said:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That’s pretty cool...ty

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

2 hours ago, Farflung said:

A couple of quick thoughts: There is are several cd's called Real Turkeys (I, II, and III).  "Number I- The Best Known Calls" is a very good overview and is great to practice with. I used to keep it in my car and practice on the way to work. Real Turkeys III is also good. They are recordings of actual turkeys, and sound much better to me than the recordings of guys making turkey talk. 

You also might consider using one of the higher density shot loads, like Hevi-Shot 7's. I have tested them and they are quite capable of putting a dense pattern on target to 50 yards and still have adequate penetration. I "accidentally" killed one at 57 yards (long story), and it went down like it was hit by a huge flyswatter. Lots of other high density shot loads out there, with some down to #9 shot size. Those seem too small to me but I have not tested them for penetration.

I tried to message you, but I do not know if it went thru.

Sorry, I didn’t see any PMs

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

I’ve got a couple Laundry list items...

I need to get a good turkey choke, so I did some searching here and online. Seems like that answer can vary widely depending on the gun, choke/ammo combination and....the shooter :). I’m going to grab a decent choke for my 870 and try a few different turkey loads and see how we make out.

I’ve started to look at a few different areas that I’m welcome any input on...Ushers Rd, Daketown State Park and Partridge Run. Right now, I’m just playing with maps. At some point I’m going to need to put boots on the ground for each of these locations. Is it best to pre-scout for scale or just scout ahead of the season? Would that be late April? 
 

I’ve also connected with Mowin who’s graciously offered to teach me the ropes! 

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

Thanks, I do watch their YouTube channel. The episode they released tonight “3 Tips to find Turkeys” was helpful. 

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

Many thanks! Can’t argue with any feedback I’ve gotten from Mowin! Thought I had the basic’s....I got some misses! 

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

4 hours ago, mowin said:

Welcome to the turkey hunting community. Chasing gobblers is VERY addicting.  

I've got a couple areas where I can bring someone along.  

I'm in Old Chatham.  Probably 45 min from CP.  

 

Thank you! I sent you a private message

[New Hunter in CP]

8 hours ago, grampy said:

Welcome! I am in the capital region too. Will be happy to help you get going in your hunting endeavors, any way I can!

Thanks! I posted over on the Turkey board and someone already directed me back your way! 

[New Hunter in CP]

Thanks for all the welcomes! Looking forward to Figuring out my way around the site!

[1st time Turkey Chaser]

Hello,

New to the site and to Turkey hunting I’m located in Clifton Park. I was hoping to leverage the knowledge base here for some pointers and thoughts on hunting public in the area. Honestly 90% of what I’m looking to accomplish is just get out the door and into the woods. I’ve been reading about Ushers RD and Drake state forest as potential areas just to get into the woods. However, I was fishing East Caroga lake Monday and crossed a trio of Turkey tracks. Decided to expand my range a bit. In theory, with zero practical application, think I’ve got all the basic’s covered for dress, fire arms and I’m working on my calls. Now seems to be the time prospecting locations and I wanted your input on hunting public land local to CP, and or heading out into the ADK park. 
 

I’ll probably have million followers-up questions..

[New Hunter in CP]

Hello,

New guy here, not only to the board but to hunting in general. I’ve been shooting since I was a youth, but never went beyond putting holes in paper at the range until late last year.im generally a year round outdoorsy type that enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking and now hunting.  I’m located in Clifton Park and hoping to utilize the resources of the forum to gain knowledge and network! Anyways, glad to be here and hoping to make some new friends.