Turkey Hunting LBL

[harpp]

Does anyone know which area has good spring turkey hunting in LBL. I haven't hunting in the area in over 20 years. Moved away with the Army now they have brought me back home again.

paul harp

[Multidigits]

I've killed turkeys hunting right out of the Camp Energy campground before, but that was awhile ago. not sure anymore, but would say any area is good, but would expect the pressure to make it tuff hunting. They probably won't gobble long into the season because of the hunting pressure.

[Valley Station]

Turkey hunting has changed a lot in Kentucky since you've been gone.
There is good turkey hunting, most anywhere in the state.
LBL now has a spring Quota hunt. Applications have to be filed out from Feb.1st thru 18th. $20.00 LBL User Permit to hunt, also Camping Permit required. Flock at LBL not doing great, but, there are birds.
Good luck.

[Wildcat]

The turkey hunting in LBL has changed over the years. Like Valley Station said they have a Quota hunt then starting the day after they have a two week open hunt. As far as which Areas, well the ones that used to be the best get the most pressure. It's still possible to score in those areas but to me it's starting to get down right dangerous with so many people picking the same areas. You can find turkeys just about anywhere in LBL, just got to look for them.

[Ky Headhunter]

Have only hunted there two years, but I can tell you there are gobbling turkeys available. Both times for me were in area 5. LBL birds definitely fight dirty. Lots of hunters about too, even during quota hunts. Good news is, the quota hunts are two extra days you can't get anywhere else in the state (that I know of).

Have talked to a couple experienced locals both times, and they made very similar statements about the LBL flock being down quite a bit from where it used to be. Not horrible, just down. Good luck if you go!

[Tom Threetoes]

I really enjoy hunting at LBL not so much for the turkeys but mainly the beautiful country. Everyone I talked to when we first thought about going down there to hunt spoke about how many birds were there. That might have been the case years ago, but we haven't found it to be true. I believe the TVA has been lax in enforcing the regulations and everyone and his brother has been hunting during the quota hunts. It just seems like no matter how far your walk you can't get away from the crowds. Hopefully the Forest Service will improve the quality of hunting! I still enjoy hunting there gives me a chance to get warmed up for the regular season. Good luck, Tom.

[Ky Headhunter]

T.T., I'm thinking you might be right about the quota hunts. Seemed like there were 500 people in area 5 alone last spring. Like an owl hooting convention at dawn.

[P. Beyer]

I've heard it's crowded for sure. A buddy was telling me how he was set up on a bird(s). Really worked at calling em' in, only to have another hunter come to "see what was going on"......

I've heard other tales to, Some good, Some bad, and probally some were fiction!!

"It makes no difference whether I got anything; it has to do with how the day was spent"

Fred Bear