Arrgh! Frustrated!

[bgary]

My son and I haven't been hunting long, but we're hooked, no doubt! And now we're really looking forward to Spring turkey season. We're practicing calls, making big plans, and my son even knows where he's going to hang his tailfeathers! We're all set! ...except... we can't find land to hunt on!! I've seen and heard some crazy things about public land, and I'm a bit hesitant to take my son into the woods in camo amidst a hundred other shotguns. I have read a lot about the aging population of hunters and the need to getting youth involved...my son is chomping at the bit and doing all the things he needs to do to be responsible and a good outdoorsman. Yet, it seems like there's more opportunity for out of state groups to grab land for deer or turkey than for someone here in the state. I live near Louisville (in Oldham county), and I'm just about to say, "forget it, I'll go fishing!" Can't you tell, I'm frustrated!

[sirgiovanni]

If your son is not too old, there is a youth season that gives you the heads up on the masses.

[scratch]

dont give up the youth season is a great time for the kids try a youth quota hunt at a wma like L.B.L most are not to crowed since we have a state wide youth season.....good luck

[bgary]

I did take him during the youth deer season. He enjoyed it A LOT! We saw deer each of the three times we went out during the weekend, but never had a shot that we felt comfortable with. Unfortunately, we had to drive 2 1/2 hours towards Muhlenberg County to hunt on my brother-in-law's lease down there. That's not real practical for us on a regular basis, as I want him to learn about pre-scouting the land and other aspects besides just showing up in the stand.

[scratch]

i understand your problem thats a long drive.....

[turk2di]

Amen to that pal. I feel ur pain! Come April 1st & 2nd, the youth hunt(turkey) statewide takes place. Some great public ground can be hunted with very little interference. Plenty of time to get prepared for some great hunting!

[Rod S.]

You can take your son to Taylorsville for some fine turkey hunting, 1/2 hr. from you.

[MrHank]

The Ky. River WMA is in Henry Co. and its around a 1000 acres its in Guiestville within 40 minutes of ya and here are 2 more right across the river in Owen Co, Browns Bottom and Twin Eagle both are several hundred acres and all these have plenty of turkey on them.

[scratch]

three buddies and myself took our kids on a two day quota hunt at LBL a couple of years ago and we had a blast....we pretty much had the run of the place..... camped out with the kids...my son killed a old long beard....seen kight and hale..they were filming a youth hunt...met with all our kids at camp...it was GREAT.

[DW]

If you are willing to travel a hour or so PM me.

[Gobblergetter2.1]

Good to hear yall are in to turkey hunting!! Good luck finding a place to hunt, i dont know of anything right now, but if i hear of anything ill let you know. I wouldnt hunt on a place like peabody because i hear there are ALOT of people there during turkey season. How ever if you can get there during the week, that would be good.

[RutNBuck]

BGary
i suggest that you go to nwtf.org and look for at the banquet schedule for kentucky there are several chapters in your local area..attend any one of those and you'll meet several people that will be willing to take your son on a private turkey hunt...as well as you'll have a great time ,good meal and most likely will meet alot of new friends,and at most banquets they offer a free hunt for kids just like your son all you do is attend and put his name in the pot
also mentioned above several of those wildlife areas are prime turkey area's
ky river wma is an idea place with enough woods to hunt safely...i've been there its big timber with field edges...you could very easily stick a decoy out in the field in plain view of any incoming hunters most would see from a far distance and turn around and head in the other direction..and that area is plum loaded with turkeys..as in anywhere you turkey hunt you learn to hunt defensively..and to be honest ive had more situations arise on private land then public...for so many folks its just way to hard to resist letting a gobbler hammer away...me and another forum member here ran into the exact same situation this past spring..

[Multidigits]

I can provide you with a place to hunt during the Youth Hunt, but your limiting yourself by not wanting to drive very far. Everybody wants a good spot just around the corner, but it's a rare event these days to not have to drive a ways to get to where you want to go. Anyway, if the kid needs a good spot to go, let me know. I'm about a 1 1/2 from Crestwood or so.

[bgary]

Thanks to everyone for your ideas and input. Keep 'em coming! I'm going to follow up on a few of them, and hopefully, but the time spring rolls around, we'll be set for both turkey and later deer!