Baiting turkeys.

[muddhunter]

I know it’s illegal to shoot turkeys over bait. What constitutes shooting them over bait? I hunt a large property and guy I hunt with has a feeder out on far side of property. I hunt the complete opposite side. Can I shoot a turkey? 300 plus acres. Can’t find anything in the rules.

 

[James Scott White]

I don’t know the law exactly but I sure wouldn’t be worried as long and you aren’t hunting over the bait. Speaking of turkeys tho- I’m flat covered up in them right now trying to deer hunt. I’ve seen 4-5 different flocks of all hens in the last 3 days. Hoping they are making a come-back after the last few years.

 

[FF/EMT516]

It’s illegal to even hunt them over bait. My brother knew my uncle had been putting out corn for them on his farm. Brother then went in blind on the farm to turkey hunt, knowing there was corn out there but didn’t know where. Sitting in the blind with my cousin and said "Hey Chris, who are those two bozo’s coming across the field?” Chris said "Uh, those are game wardens.” 😂😂😂 Ended up corn pile was 15’ away from the blind my brother was in and he never knew it. That was this past spring I give him a hard time over that

 

[OLE RASPY]

It’s illegal to even hunt them over bait. My brother knew my uncle had been putting out corn for them on his farm. Brother then went in blind on the farm to turkey hunt, knowing there was corn out there but didn’t know where. Sitting in the blind with my cousin and said "Hey Chris, who are those two bozo’s coming across the field?” Chris said "Uh, those are game wardens.” 😂😂😂 Ended up corn pile was 15’ away from the blind my brother was in and he never knew it. That was this past spring I give him a hard time over that

What did GW do?

 

[FF/EMT516]

Took their guns and wrote them citations and my uncle too

 

[muddhunter]

Found several prior threads and talked to a CO about it. It is all about the “Zone of Influence”. If the bait on the farm alters turkeys travels or affects their behavior it is advisable not to shoot them. It sounds like it’s very subjective. I feel like I’m killing a turkey not under the influence of bait and I am good to go next time the Spirit moves me to shoot one.

 

[xbokilla]

Even the CO’s don’t have a definitive answer for this. I’ve heard no bait or minerals anywhere on your property. As far as the Zone of Influence thing that could be turkeys making their way to the neighboring property. I point blank asked a CO about this once. He told me that we have no control over what our our neighbors do and to hunt away. I mean let’s face it, in the Fall, in Ky, you’re probably hunting a turkey that’s visiting a feeder, corn pile or minerals somewhere.

 

[xbokilla]

Took their guns and wrote them citations and my uncle too

Well this isn’t near as bad as I thought. I always hear, “They’ll confiscate all your weapons and take away your license for 5 years.” And worse. LOL.

 

[1wildcatfan]

Well this isn’t near as bad as I thought. I always hear, “They’ll confiscate all your weapons and take away your license for 5 years.” And worse. LOL.

You ok losing a high dollar firearm?

 

[muddhunter]

You ok loosing a high dollar firearm?

I don’t have any firearms most would consider high dollar but I would cry if I lost any of them.

 

[xbokilla]

You ok loosing a high dollar firearm?

No but I’d rather be able to hunt! I ain’t risking either. Stupid turkeys.

 

[thunderstorm]

Found several prior threads and talked to a CO about it. It is all about the “Zone of Influence”. If the bait on the farm alters turkeys travels or affects their behavior it is advisable not to shoot them. It sounds like it’s very subjective. I feel like I’m killing a turkey not under the influence of bait and I am good to go next time the Spirit moves me to shoot one.

Who makes the decision on "Zone of Influence"? The officer, biologist, judge????? I feel the only one who knows is the turkey/bear and I don't think we can call it as a witness during a trial. It's time for a change in the reg. It makes it just about impossible for a legal, ethical hunter to know if they are legal.

 

[muddhunter]

Who makes the decision on "Zone of Influence"? The officer, biologist, judge????? I feel the only one who knows is the turkey/bear and I don't think we can call it as a witness during a trial. It's time for a change in the reg. It makes it just about impossible for a legal, ethical hunter to know if they are legal.

I’m all for a regulation saying a certain distance. Till then I guess I will make the call. And I say fire away.

 

[KYDEERCHASR]

few years ago the guy that bordered my property dumped a gravity wagon full of corn in one spot. i could see it from my side about 200 yards away.

i asked a warden about it. he told me if i was caught hunting my own field it would be a violation.

 

[bird whisperer]

Fall birds are not worth it if there is a chance of bait I wait until spring.
A) Its a much better experience to me in the spring.
B) no corn on the farm in the spring.
C) birds have been so scares the past few years I dont dare shoot a hen or this years jake.
D) a thunder chicken causes more adrenaline when he comes in strutting, drumming and gobbling.