Turkey Permits

[LABS4ME]

Hey Roger... Nova is correct, the one stipulation is you have to pick a permit area that has 50 or more permits per season. Glad to hear you picked up a few crappies... it's really slowed down up there. I really think with these schools shrinking in numbers, it's much easier to scatter them with commotion and crowding, making it tougher to get on a consistant bite. I may start bringing my sled up to really start chasing them well out and away from the crowds.

Nova, did your son apply, you may be able to pick up a surplus gun tag in March... if still not successful, it's my understanding you'd still be able to purchase a bow tag.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Howieroch]

I got drawn for the second year in a row -343G, I hunt with my brother CornPirateKiller. Actually, I'm 3 for 3 on draws now because we got tags for last fall too. Hopefully I'll be tagging bird number three in May.

[eyes']

Looks Like I'll be hunting out of state again....

[Nova]

yes he did apply, both my sons and I and we got 2 permits. As far as surplus tags there are only a few left and they are the last 2 seasons...kinda interfers with soft water fishing. We will just have to get him a bow tag and let him hunt during the week...be at Milli every weekend once the season opens. Thanks for the tip.

[TomBow]

Year #5 in a row for me (usually for 338-G 4 years in a row), Year #3 in a row (same, 338-G) for my wife. This year we both got tags for 338-F and I'll be bow-gobbling in NE. in early April for a few days, too! 'sgonnaROCK!!

[top dog]

I am in for C, 344. Picture is from F a couple years ago. Spring is in the air.

the dog

[Stratosman]

Dad and I got ours for 462 C, third time in the last 4 years, can't wait, previous two times on this farm has produced us each with a nice tom. More and more birds around every year.

[Powerstroke]

Tombow and blacksportsman.....

Where bouts do you guys go for 338? I was drawn in 338 this year. First time applying. I have a few ideas of places to hunt in general, but I don't know if those places hold turkeys. I've just hunted public land in those areas before.

ANy thoughts...maybe you'd like to scout sometime?

[blacksportsman]

Well, my buddy and I will be hunting in the Rapids Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. We checked it out briefly last year, just before duck opener, and liked what we saw. Heard some good things about it, too. I'm sure that this is one of the more popular spots in zone 338, but it's still worth a try. I'm open to some more scouting and I'm sure my buddy would be, too...

Manny

[paintbrush]

Not drawn again this year. Maybe next. Will have to see what surplus tags are left. I'm still going to SD.Neb. and Wis. so I'll still get my turkey fix.

[Terry Hagstrom]

I'm building a new home west of Stacy and on a whim applied for the area. I got a permit for the fourth season. I have been hunting turkey since 89 in the Redwing area and it has become tougher every year to get drawn.

Terry

Terry's Guide Service

www.fishingmn.com/terry

[Borch]

Quote:

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Borch:

How'd you fare? Hope the new job is panning out well, and that it gives you about 1 1/2 months off to chase some birds!

Joel

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Well my son and I drew permits for 419E. My daughters drew a blank. Maybe there are a few surplus permits out there for them. The new job is going great. The time just flies and we all have a good time. As far as time off from work goes...Well, I'll have a lot more time to go fishing than turkey hunting. I won't be making the trip out to the black hills this spring for the first time in a long time. But having my summer off will make up for it.

[bassman186]

Got mine 337 B.

~Matt

[Rick]

Got mine too: 349E. It's been a while since I turkey hunted. I'm looking forward to it.

[churla]

Congrats to all chosen. Can anybody, explain to me the levels? I got chosen with a group and preference of 2. What does this mean, is it good or bad and/or do I need to change it? Thanks in advance.

[HateHumminbird]

Churla:

Preference or preference level only affects your likelihood of being chosen for a specific year/time period. Each year you apply and are unsuccessful, you gain a preference of 1 point. The higher your preference, the more likely you are to get chosen. However, your real competition is all of the other people and their preference level, applying for the same permit area and time period that you are.

When applying as a group, the person in the group with the lowest preference is the one considered in the drawing. So in your case with a preference of 2, it just means that no one in your group got a permit last year.

Glad to hear you got a permit. Good luck, and make sure and post results/status of your hunt right here. Any pics are great too!

Joel

[churla]

Thanks Joel, that makes sence. Didn't get picked spring or fall last year. I've started the count down - going 1st season this year.

[Lights]

Got Mine 341 B.

[TomBow]

Mr.Powerstroke,

Primarily I've hunted public land in 338. Last year, I contacted 3 landowners via mail and one responded. My wife and I hunted on his property (300 acres of B-A-YOOTIFUL turkey habitat and bunches of birds around). My wife got her first-ever gobbler there and I ended up bagging one on public land on the 6th of 7 days available. 'scuse me while I shed a tear-----the lessee that gave us the permission informed me that the landowner sold the property out from under him so we won't be hunting there again, unless the new owners are willing to give us permission. So it's back to public land. Some public can be good, IF the .22-heads aren't walking around shooting everything in sight! That makes it just a bit uncomfortable to be sitting in full camo. Which season were you picked for? I may have some ideas for you. First suggestion: As soon as the landowner list comes out, get letters out to some in the area and see if you can get access. The best idea is to try and determine first where the land actually is because some land is not really huntable. I hunt south of Belle Plaine. Second suggestion: Get a plat book and start going door to door NOW to the farms in the general area that look good. Now is the time because the farmers aren't as busy and you'll get more time to talk to them. Some of them that border the public land may give you permission to cross their property to access back corners of public land, if they won't allow you to actually hunt on their property.

Public land where I hunt is Minnesota River Valley edges and has a respectable turkey population. The DNR website has some public land info available on their "Recreation Compass".

Scouting is important for sure, tip: I've learned not to do it too early because I have scouted in areas where birds were relatively thick during warmer months but GONE during late winter.

[FOOT]

Yup I checked the first day they were posted. My son and I got drawn for 341-A.

If any of you Turkey hunters out there get a turkey and want something unique I'll be happy to make you a Wing Bone call from your turkeys wing.

I got drawn the 1st year they allowed turkey hunting in Minnesota and scored ona nice 24 1/2 pounder. I took the wing bones and make 2 calls. They now hang around my neck each spring and fall I'm lucky enough to get drawn. I have used them to call in 100 + gobblers (during scounting and hunting) for myslef and hunting partners. I use them in combination with a slate and box call for maximum effectiveness.

All I ask is that you send me the wings (If you don't mount the bird), along with $5.00 for return shipping and I'll make 2 calls. I'll send you one of the calls and keep one for myself, I plan on donating them to the local WTF banquets to help raise money.

If you live in or near Rochester there wouldn't be and shipping costs.

If you're interested jsut send me an e-mail at [email protected]

Good hunting and congratualtions on being drawn.

[NELS-BELLS]

Foot-

That sounds pretty cool. If I am fortunate enough to bag one this year, I will take you up on that.

My Dad and I are hunting 425E this year and I can't wait. He is 65 and doesn't get around very well. Two years ago I put in on a spot and then set up about 80 yards away and watched him shoot the first Turkey of his life. I felt like a proud father. He was so excited! I will never forget that as long as I live. This year my 6 year old son wants to go out with us. Hopefully he will get a chance to watch one of us call one in and shoot it.

Good luck to all of you.

Nels

[superfish2]

How does the landowner thing work? I got drawn for 343-A and was just planning on hunting public land. Can I contact any landowner for 343 or does it have to be 343-A? Or is that the season the landowner is hunting?

[churla]

Hey Foot - That sounds great. Hopefully I can take you up on the offer. What could be better than calling one in with a previous knock down?

[HateHumminbird]

Superfish:

Sorry for the late response. You can contact any landowner from the list in 343, and they should let you hunt. However, the "A" season can be tough, especially when landowners have their season just around the corner, and are now "supposed" to hunt only their land they put up for public hunting.

I would recommend doing whatever scouting you can, and asking private landowners with large holdings in your permit area.

Good luck!

Joel

[TomBow]

The landowner list is now available on the DNR website, FYI.

[superfish2]

jnelson,

Thanks for the info. I may end up going down there this week and start scouting the public land.