After years of attending I was finally drawn for the National Wild Turkey Federation Spring Turkey Tune-Up. The first year I went without a partner, I was drawn. Which led me to believe my hunting partner is bad luck. 
I selected the Camp Hope area and hunted Wednesday, March 30th. With not ever seeing any turkey on public land where i go and not having any free time to scout this year, I was counting on this hunt to get a chance of a lifetime. However, it didn't go that way for me.
The hunt is at Lake Sutherland on private property. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but thought I'd have a better chance than usual at a turkey. Especially with my lack of calling skills and not so great decoy. Showed up bright and early. A brief orientation on rules and boundaries. Then we were off to our designated area. Not knowing the area well I took asked for tips and did what I was told.
It was well before sunrise and dark as night. I parked, grabbed my gear and hiked to an area I thought was good. When the sun began to rise I started to hear my first gobbles. First bird talk I've ever heard in person. The great thing about this hunt was I generally knew where the hunters were at. So I knew this was as actual bird and not another hunt with some amazing calling skills. I was excited and thought I finally have a genuine chance. Well... After a few more gobbles and no real response to my calls and decoys, the gobbling ended. I sat and called every so often. After a few hours of silence I decided to relocate. As I was hiking I scanned the area with my binos. In the distance I saw a hen coming down the hillside. With not much else going on, I decided to head her way to see if she'd lead me to the gobbler I heard earlier. After getting near and posting up again. A few calls and hours go by for nada. I headed back to my truck and drove the whole Camp Hope area to see if there were any signs. Saw a few deer and the beautiful landscape but no turkeys. I decided to call it a day after that. Headed out around 12 or 1.
Although the other group was far away, I'm pretty sure I would have still heard an echo'd gun shot. Which I didn't, so I'm guessing they didn't have any luck either.
Even though I didn't get a turkey, the fact that I heard a gobbler and actually saw a bird was more turkey "hunting" I've done to date. It was a great experience and I still had an awesome time just being out there. I'll be at next years Spring Turkey Tune-Up. Hell, I'll be at the Fall Tune-Up if it is held.
If there is anyone that won and picked Camp Hope, I was told there was a flock of hens with one tom that was at the beginning of the area. They come in from the hillside above and head down to grab a drink. As soon as you drive past the gate, park and set-up. Good Luck!
I selected the Camp Hope area and hunted Wednesday, March 30th. With not ever seeing any turkey on public land where i go and not having any free time to scout this year, I was counting on this hunt to get a chance of a lifetime. However, it didn't go that way for me. The hunt is at Lake Sutherland on private property. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but thought I'd have a better chance than usual at a turkey. Especially with my lack of calling skills and not so great decoy. Showed up bright and early. A brief orientation on rules and boundaries. Then we were off to our designated area. Not knowing the area well I took asked for tips and did what I was told.
It was well before sunrise and dark as night. I parked, grabbed my gear and hiked to an area I thought was good. When the sun began to rise I started to hear my first gobbles. First bird talk I've ever heard in person. The great thing about this hunt was I generally knew where the hunters were at. So I knew this was as actual bird and not another hunt with some amazing calling skills. I was excited and thought I finally have a genuine chance. Well... After a few more gobbles and no real response to my calls and decoys, the gobbling ended. I sat and called every so often. After a few hours of silence I decided to relocate. As I was hiking I scanned the area with my binos. In the distance I saw a hen coming down the hillside. With not much else going on, I decided to head her way to see if she'd lead me to the gobbler I heard earlier. After getting near and posting up again. A few calls and hours go by for nada. I headed back to my truck and drove the whole Camp Hope area to see if there were any signs. Saw a few deer and the beautiful landscape but no turkeys. I decided to call it a day after that. Headed out around 12 or 1.
Although the other group was far away, I'm pretty sure I would have still heard an echo'd gun shot. Which I didn't, so I'm guessing they didn't have any luck either.
Even though I didn't get a turkey, the fact that I heard a gobbler and actually saw a bird was more turkey "hunting" I've done to date. It was a great experience and I still had an awesome time just being out there. I'll be at next years Spring Turkey Tune-Up. Hell, I'll be at the Fall Tune-Up if it is held.
If there is anyone that won and picked Camp Hope, I was told there was a flock of hens with one tom that was at the beginning of the area. They come in from the hillside above and head down to grab a drink. As soon as you drive past the gate, park and set-up. Good Luck!
