Lake Mendocino Hunt

[Midwest_Hunter]

I was lucky enough to get drawn for a Lake Mendocino Hunt that is way up in Ukiah, CA. I got family within an hour of there so it will be worth the trip.

Has anyone ever hunted this area and got any tips for it at all?

 

[turkeyman 85]

It's a great hunt. Two areas to look for.....if you don't have a boat you have to park off of deer creek road( not to sure if that's the name) walk in to the first cove and wait it out. I got my dad a bird there. Than spot 2 was by the red barn at about mid lake(east side is the only hunt area). They roost in the trees right by the barn.

 

[Midwest_Hunter]

Great info. Thanks for that. What sort of setup did you use?

 

[ilovesprig]

Good luck.......Never hunted the area, but like most turkeys. Dominant toms don't like jakes in their zone.....Jake breeding a hen normally gets them in close.....Good luck.

 

[turkeyman 85]

Just sat under a tree and called to him while he was on the roost. I think I did have a decoy out but I'm not sure. I really don't like decoys to much.

 

[ilovesprig]

I don't like calling to them on the roost, if they have hens........ ;D

 

[turkeyman 85]

Neither do I Steve I try and find lone gobblers high on a ridge. That usually is a desperate bird. That's how we killed the one in Mendocino. He sailed off the ride from about quarter mile. The one we sat under back door us and slipped away.

 

[ilovesprig]

Yep, they like that old back door trick......Those ridge runners are good to get.......Our bird today tried the back door. Unfortunately for him, I knew this gobbler and he had slipped us 3 times this week (my Tuesday guy actually missed him)......Not this time, we were facing the back door......

 

[turkeyman 85]

I've had this year. I can't even find one on public land this year. Also my hunt in oroville was nothing good also. I hear three gobbles the evening before opener. That one back door us and on Sunday a hen came and lead the only gobbles to work all weekend away from us. Needless to say I spent to much money on only three hunts this year for nothing. I love getting out but I didn't like it this year. Good luck to the rest of you hope it goes better for everyone else. Oh and Steve if you guys don't want you turkey skins get a hold of me. I'd like to mount on for a display in my shop.

 

[ilovesprig]

Dang. I wish I would've known.......Just sent 2 to the trash and my guy today just took his home......I'll hopefully get a couple more and will keep......Just the capes?

 

[turkeyman 85]

I would have to have the wings and legs. I know guys want the spurs but if you guys shoot a shorty and don't want them.