Hunting turkeys on public land does present more problems than a hunting piece of private land, but many states’ game and fish departments have done wonders with their land, and there is a lot of good hunting available. And while once in a while a truck may already be parked where you wanted to go, public land is a viable option for turkey hunters. And for some, it’s the only option.

Hunting public land does mean a little more work and preparation. Here’s a quick look at getting the edge on the birds – and on other hunters – when hunting gobblers on land open to the public.

Opening Weekend
Opening weekend on public land can be like shopping on the day after Thanksgiving – crowded, tense and frustrating. But, it is the first chance at birds that haven’t been messed with in a year, so you gotta go. First is the where-to. There are several options.
Of course you need to consider that many hunters will hunt the first half of the area. They pull in and proceed to an easy access area, so let’s eliminate the first half of the land, and almost all easy access areas. One exception is the very first spot as you pull into the area. Often this is overlooked as being overhunted and too close to the main road, but that’s precisely why it may be a good spot. It’s like hiding in plain sight – when it works, it works well. Plus, all that traffic in the first half of the area may push birds toward you.
Maps are essential to hunting public land. If possible, ask a game warden or other authority who works the area about where he’s seen birds in the past and mark those areas on your map. Concentrate on the half of the area farthest from the main road. Ask about any food plots that can’t be seen from the road.

Now, look for areas that aren’t easy to get to. These areas will see the least hunting pressure. You may need to walk a while, or better yet, find a creek you can canoe down to get to these areas. Plan on staying all day, or for the duration of legal shooting hours, and pack a lunch.

Post-Opening Weekend
After opening weekend you’ll see less pressure, and if you can hunt during the week, you may have the place to yourself. Give any areas where there are hunters a very wide berth. One way to avoid other hunters is to hunt during inclement weather. The birds are still there, and may be easier to locate (although tight-lipped) especially in the rain. Look to open pastures and foodplots where the birds like to hold during rainy weather. Unseasonably hot or extremely windy conditions often pushes the birds lower, so look to ravines or creek bottoms. This may mean moving and checking a lot of different areas to locate the birds.
It often helps to consider how other hunters approach the birds. Logically, every hunter will approach birds from the road or parking area. And, any bird that can be heard from the road will be called to from the same direction and in a similar manner. Common practice is to drive to a spot and throw out an owl or crow call and listen to a response. If you get a shock gobble, try circling around and getting on the opposite side of the bird. It’s heard it all from the road.
Also, file this under “learning from the slobs.” Some “hunters” drive the road looking for other vehicles. They will pull up and shut off their vehicles and listen. If they hear a hunter working a bird – especially one of those enthusiastic mature toms gobbling every ten feet – they will position themselves between the real hunter and the bird and intercept it. You won’t even know they’re there until you hear the shot. Try parking at one parking area and walking down the road a ways if this becomes a problem where you hunt. And try not to work a bird close to the road where everyone can hear.
Public hunting areas are a blessing to turkey hunters. They can present potential problems, but by playing it smart, you can outwit the birds and the other hunters.