Hopefully people read and understand this article

[KY_Swamp_Beagler]

That may be true, but if it isn't surprising, why is every state doing studies to try to figure out why bird numbers have dipped so dramatically? States that have had birds forever are experiencing the same thing over the last 10 years or so.

A study is the first “major” (and easiest) tactic a game commission can throw money at and say they’ve started measures to combat the decline. It’s the first small thing you can do for a problem with many variables.

 

[bgkyarcher]

A study is the first “major” (and easiest) tactic a game commission can throw money at and say they’ve started measures to combat the decline. It’s the first small thing you can do for a problem with many variables.

I highly doubt multiple states would be investing in extensive studies, tagging programs, etc if they thought the population decline was "normal".

 

[KY_Swamp_Beagler]

I highly doubt multiple states would be investing in extensive studies, tagging programs, etc if they thought the population decline was "normal".

I agree. I didn’t say they thought the decline was normal.

 

[Greyghost7]

It’s not just reaping, it’s the male decoys. Finally people are noticing and finally the discussions are getting serious about the tactics used in the turkey world these days. Alabama has lit the fuse to ban decoys along with already banning reaping. Maybe other states will follow and turn this downhill slide around.

The Case for Banning Reaping and Fanning Turkeys

As turkey populations decline around the country, it’s time for more responsible regulations around how we hunt and harvest spring gobblers.

www.outdoorlife.com

Think many turkey hunters who use reaping/fanning to harvest turkeys. Are truly missing something that calling into range a Tom. I understand they may use a call, but from videos I seen many don't. They just fanning/reaping and the Tom reaction to that. The thrill of turkey hunting is like a chess game to me. I enjoy the moves to get into position to harvest a Tom. I call to him either he will respond and come in(his move) OR he move off and then I have to adjust to get ahead(my move). It shouldn't be about going out and killing a turkey...if so this will set us way back to Era when turkey number were near extinction. I'm all for shorten season, bird limits shorten or fall season closed. We as hunters must be will to help make changes to increase overall population. If not they have NO reason to complain about low numbers of birds. We as hunters must take steps now to do our part to help increase our flock.

 

[rockhousehunter]

Think many turkey hunters who use reaping/fanning to harvest turkeys. Are truly missing something that calling into range a Tom. I understand they may use a call, but from videos I seen many don't. They just fanning/reaping and the Tom reaction to that. The thrill of turkey hunting is like a chess game to me. I enjoy the moves to get into position to harvest a Tom. I call to him either he will respond and come in(his move) OR he move off and then I have to adjust to get ahead(my move). It shouldn't be about going out and killing a turkey...if so this will set us way back to Era when turkey number were near extinction. I'm all for shorten season, bird limits shorten or fall season closed. We as hunters must be will to help make changes to increase overall population. If not they have NO reason to complain about low numbers of birds. We as hunters must take steps now to do our part to help increase our flock.

This dude trying to start it up again haha. METHODS of harvest don’t matter, just the damn harvest numbers, why people can’t see this is beyond me. Not to mention, I think you’re the one truly missing out by not fanning some turkeys.

 

[mudhole crossing]

Been reading all this. Never reaped a turkey. I tried once but the Tom never saw me. His hens did and they acted quite interesting. This was in timber on a logging road. So, whay ball park % of toms thst fanned come in running or go the other way?

 

[rockhousehunter]

Been reading all this. Never reaped a turkey. I tried once but the Tom never saw me. His hens did and they acted quite interesting. This was in timber on a logging road. So, whay ball park % of toms thst fanned come in running or go the other way?

I’d say same statistics as strutting decoys, less than 50/50. I mean they either come or they don't, so that's 50% I guess. I've probably fanned in about 7 - 10 turkeys for me and my boys. I've also had about equal experience of the fan not working or even the Tom going the other direction. It is NOT a foolproof method at all. In fact, sometimes you may run gobblers off when you show the fan that you would of killed if you had kept it by your side and just called instead.

 

[rockhousehunter]

Been reading all this. Never reaped a turkey. I tried once but the Tom never saw me. His hens did and they acted quite interesting. This was in timber on a logging road. So, whay ball park % of toms thst fanned come in running or go the other way?

I edited my comment above for a little more information of my personal experience. Also, I've had just as much success in the timber as I have in the open.

 

[Chimpy]

I’ve got 10-12 stacked on an upper shelf in garage. I’ve got three under the house from last year.

I used to do the same thing. But then I ended up with carpet beetles, which destroyed a number of my mounts, deer, coyote, fox, partridge, grouse, duck, and badger. I have over 40 mounts in my condo, but one day the bugs came. I couldn't figure out how they got in...you can barely see them. Then I noticed all my turkey fans in my garage were infested - I'm guessing a few hitched a ride inside with me. Now I only keep one fan, and I keep it in a garbage bag.

 

[rockhousehunter]

I used to do the same thing. But then I ended up with carpet beetles, which destroyed a number of my mounts, deer, coyote, fox, partridge, grouse, duck, and badger. I have over 40 mounts in my condo, but one day the bugs came. I couldn't figure out how they got in...you can barely see them. Then I noticed all my turkey fans in my garage were infested - I'm guessing a few hitched a ride inside with me. Now I only keep one fan, and I keep it in a garbage bag.

That’s just awful. I have about 15 or so in my garage as well but I have them nailed to a plywood wall surrounding my garage almost like a section wallpapered with fans. Been there about 15 years or so and not had a problem, hope I don’t. I’ve thrown a lot away just sometimes get a notion to keep a few.

 

[woodsman92]

I had 3 old fans destroyed this year in my basement from mice best I can tell. They eat the hunk of meat then the feathers just fall apart. Then first one killed this year I spread the fan in my garage to dry, went back 2 days later, feathers scattered across the floor

 

[hitch]

I had 3 old fans destroyed this year in my basement from mice best I can tell. They eat the hunk of meat then the feathers just fall apart. Then first one killed this year I spread the fan in my garage to dry, went back 2 days later, feathers scattered across the floor

Fly squirrels got mine once.

 

[mudhole crossing]

I edited my comment above for a little more information of my personal experience. Also, I've had just as much success in the timber as I have in the open.

I just don’t feel safe doing it in the timber like a field.

 

[rockhousehunter]

I just don’t feel safe doing it in the timber like a field.

I understand completely. Even though you may be hunting on private property, doesn't always mean there won't be a trespasser waiting or sneaking on ya. It's a risk either way, I just try to stay as safe as possible, its not a tactic I employ all the time just when I think its gonna be advantageous.

 

[mudhole crossing]

I understand completely. Even though you may be hunting on private property, doesn't always mean there won't be a trespasser waiting or sneaking on ya. It's a risk either way, I just try to stay as safe as possible, its not a tactic I employ all the time just when I think its gonna be advantageous.

I’ll just stick to leaving the fans on the turkeys but I’m sure it is very fun tactic