Hunting Eastern Kentucky

[hoosierwilk]

Hi ya'll, I'm needing some advise. After reading the other public hunting thread I got to thinking. I'm planning on coming down this spring and hunting the DBNF around Cave Run Lake. I hunted down there a couple seasons ago and loved the area. Problem was, we rented a cabin on Skidmore road and were hunting the adjacent land. There were lots of turkeys in that area but I think there were more hunters than birds. Seems the other cabins had also been rented by other turkey hunters as well. So I'm planning on bringing my boat down with me and camping at one of the camp grounds on the lake. I plan on hunting around the lake and using the boat to try and get away from the crowds. Was wondering if anybody else hunts like this and what are some of the pros and cons short of somebody messing with your boat and or it contents. I'm coming down the Monday after the opener. I got the week off so I also thought I'd go over and check out Grayson Lake and Yatesville while I'm at it. Seems like I heard some good comments about those places. I brought my wife down to Cave Run last summer to camp and fish and she loved the place so thats another reason I want to check out some other places to. I'll be by myself so I plan on going to all three places. Maybe I should start out at Yateville or Grayson first. What ya'll think? Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. If anybody is looking for a place to camp this spring, shoot me a pm. I have plenty of room. hw

[antlersnspurs]

There are plenty of turkey opportunities at Yatesville. Anywhere you go you should be able to hear birds.

[XTREME TEAM]

The DBNF gets hit pretty hard around the lake. I have been able to get on birds there but I've worked really hard at it. Going in by boat is an option, but the thing about the DB is that there are so many service roads that lead do to the lake that you will still have hunters coming in on you. If you go in by lake try to find the areas that have the least amount of roads near by. Also try areas of the DB that ain't on the lake. While I was at Morehead State I found some really good areas around Morehead that are still the DB but not right on the lake. Grayson has a lot of turkeys out that way, I have never hunted them there but I have been deer hunting and seen a lot of birds up that way. Don't know to much about Yatesville. But anyway you look at it that is deffinately a beautiful area and it is always relaxing to get up that way for some hunting.

[Multidigits]

Yatesville or Paintsville Lake area.

[Talkin'Turkey]

I would not go so far East. Head to Laurel Lake in Laurel County. They have two really good drive in campgrounds with ramps. You would also be within a few minutes drive of Lake Cumberland, which is about dry, and Woods Creek Lake. There are tons of birds in this area and it is my understanding it is not as pressured as Cave Run.

[hoosierwilk]

Thanks for the replys guys. The only reason I was starting at Cave Run is I'm a little familiar with that area. Think I might start at Yatesville and head west. Good luck everybody this spring. hw

[jdixon]

One thing you need to know about the Cave Run area, most of the western side of the lake is a wildlife management area (Pioneer Weapons WMA) and it is restricted to sidelock (flint-lock or percussion cap) muzzleloaders- no scopes and bow only. Been like this for about three years now. Consequently there is not that much hunting pressure in this area - 'oh yeah, no off road vehicles, you pretty much have to walk in, or like you said, come in from the lake. If you are not hunting traditional muzzleloader or bow make sure you know where this area is, the NFS law enforcement people and the "build it yourself and hunt with it" crowd watch it pretty well. Additionally, there is one of the bays of the lake in this area I have heard is presently restricted due to Bald Eagle nesting. You certainly don't want to get caught hunting that little piece of real estate. Would serve you will to find out exactly where that is - I am not even certain just heard about it.

[hoosierwilk]

Thanks jdixon. I was aware of the Pioneer WMA but not the eagel nesting bay. Will certainly check in to it when I'm down there. hw

[muzzy125acc]

find a way to get on a good ridge and plan on walking alot

[plowboy]

find a way to get on a good ridge and plan on walking alot

Do most of the birds stay on the ridges?

[jdixon]

When hunting that rough country, I end up staying up on the ridge lines if for no other reason it is easier walking. Now whether the turkeys tend to stay in these areas, can't really say. I have had fair sucess hunting the ridges, but in other parts of the state, I have hunted the valleys, along streams and plowed fields with the same success rate. Who knows, I think that the dang things just go whereever they feel like - the trick is to put yourself in that spot they decide to roam that day.

[plowboy]

Yeah, I really like it when the schedules come out in time for me to get set up along one of their planned routes for the day.:)

[6.5x55swedish]

I sent you a PM on a real good area down there that I will not be hunting this year;) Good luck.

[hoosierwilk]

Thanks man, I'm gonna check it out! hw

[muzzy125acc]

Do most of the birds stay on the ridges?No normally they are over ridges and you can call them up to you alot easier.

[KYBOY]

Ive killed plenty of turkeys around Dewey Lake WMA, and not many hunters either;)

[ribsplitter]

Yatesville has alot of opportunitys from the boat and some very nice turkeys around the lake . I generally locate them from the water early and then bank the boat and head in towards them..Your best bet is to stay away from areas close to roads with easy access

[hoosierwilk]

Thanks alot guys. Youv'e been a big help and I really appreciate it. Can't wait to get down there and start chasing them. Yatesville looks like my starting point and who knows where I'll end up. hw

[MENIFEE BUCK]

I Live In The Cave Run Lake Area. There Are Plenty Of Turkeys And If You Know The Right Places There Are Few Hunters. Try Getting Away From The Lake. There Is Some Great Places On The Rowan Co. Side And Also The Bath Co. Side. I Hunt In Menifee Where There Are Alot Of Hunters But Not In The Spot I Hunt. Sorry Can't Tell You Where That Is. :d

[oxmos]

Hoosierwilk, you've hunted with xtreme_team before. I'll make sure to hook up with you while you're down there.

[hoosierwilk]

I have? Dang Ox, now you got me scratching my head. Sent you a pm. Yea, make sure you look me up if your coming down. hw