10 Commandments Of Public Land Turkey Hunting

Chasing thunder revolves around a set of rules, ethics and etiquette that govern the hunt. That’s true whether hunting private or public property. But that open-to-all land has its own set of guidelines, even if they aren’t written in stone.

Public land turkey hunting, like all elements of the outdoors, requires following a set of standards. All are critical, but some are more important than others. Here are the 10 commandments of public land turkey hunting.

Everyone likes to wear red, white and blue in support of America. But turkey hunters shouldn’t wear it afield. Those are the colors of a gobbler’s head, and wearing them isn’t worth the risk of other hunters confusing your clothing for a turkey. Leave the patriotic colors at home, and stick with neutral shades and hues.

Stalking a turkey is never advisable, but doing so on public land is even riskier. Instead, stick to traditional calling setups. In essence, bring the turkey to you rather than attempting to go to it. And when you cut the distance between you and a gobbling bird, don’t creep and crawl. Again, it isn’t worth being misidentified by another hunter.

Carrying decoys on public land is not advised by some folks. Others believe it’s OK. If you take fakes into the turkey woods, do so safely. Carry decoys in a bag and not in your hand or turkey vest. Exposed parts of the decoy can look like the real thing, provoking an accidental shooting.

Using locator calls too much can draw attention from other hunters. Running too hard on a turkey call can be a problem, too. First, it can keep turkeys gobbling, which attracts other hunters. It can also shut down a gobbler, especially if it doesn’t like your calling.

A good background is important. Sitting against tree trunks smaller than your profile doesn’t offer the protection you need. Also, it doesn’t provide good cover from a turkey’s vision. So, choose trees at least the size of your torso, preferably larger.

Abide by property lines, regardless of whether it’s private or public. It’s just as important with the latter. Pay close attention to the boundaries. Use wildlife agency tools and hunting apps to determine exactly where property lines are located.

Often, hen vocalizations on public lands aren’t hens but other hunters. So, don’t go chasing the ladies on public. It just leads to disappointment and can be unsafe.

Proper etiquette and safety measures require hunters to stay away from other hunters. If you see a truck parked where you wanted to hunt, drive to the next spot. If you see or hear a hunter in position, go the other way. Never interrupt another hunter’s hunt.

Never take a poor shot. Always be responsible when settling in to send lead downrange. Making the wrong decision on public ground can lead to serious injury or even the death of another person. Only take shots at game you’ve positively identified, with a safe backdrop.

When you find a great public land hunting spot, keep it to yourself. No need to tell everything you know. Others don’t need your hard-earned honey holes. Never give up the information you’ve spent days, weeks, months or even years to find.

There are plenty of rules that turkey hunters should take note of. In addition to the 10 commandments, avoid these seven deadly sins.

1. THOU SHALT NOT: Break the First- Come-First-Serve Rule

If a vehicle is parked, don’t pull in next to it, especially if it’s a small area. That said, if it’s a large tract, pull in and talk to the other hunters to see where they are planning to hunt. Obviously, they got there first, so they get first choice.

2. THOU SHALT NOT: Work Less Than the Next Guy

Always outwork your competition. That includes your fellow public land turkey hunters. Outwork them, and you’ll experience much better hunts.

3. THOU SHALT NOT: Argue with the Next Guy

Never argue with other hunters. Always be courteous, even if they aren’t. You’re responsible for your behavior, but not that of others. Be a good example, and always stay professional.

4. THOU SHALT NOT: Miss the Midday Shift

Most other public land turkey hunters hunt the first and last few hours of the day. Rarely do they hunt the middle half of legal shooting hours. Be out there and get it done when others are kicking it on the couch.

5. THOU SHALT NOT: Lack Plenty of Patience

Have as much patience as possible. This is true when locating birds, working birds and more. Patience is the truest virtue of the public-land turkey hunter.

6. THOU SHALT NOT: Surpass Your Comfortable Yardage

It can be tempting to take long shots, especially after working so hard to get so close. Even so, don’t take a shot beyond your ethical, effective range. Click the safety back on until that bird is in range.

7. THOU SHALT NOT: Walk with Visible Decoys or Harvested Birds

During and after the hunt, never walk with parts of a decoy or harvested bird showing. A hunter might mistake it for a live gobbler, and that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, keep it completely concealed in a bag. Or wear hunter orange while walking out.