Belly crawling/stalking (a civil discussion)

[pointing_dogs_rule]

Hi Guys:

An intro: I am on this board all year around and I know most of you and I know that this board can have a "civil discussion" on this matter --- belly crawling/stalking turkeys.

I thought long and hard about even posting this item (for fear of getting people mad). I am NOT GOD nor do I know everything about hunting. At 47 I have learned a few things. I just thought that I would throw this at the discussion board.

Please know that whatever your response, even though I may not agree, I do RESPECT your thoughts. Who knows, maybe next year I will be stalking turkeys??

<font color="red"> QUESTION: </font>
<font color="green"> WHEN SPRING TURKEY HUNTING WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS ON BELLY CRAWLING AND/OR STALKING TURKEYS? </font>
(I have read some posts of people belly crawling and/or stalking to within 10-20 yards of birds.)

I'll give my opinion first: DNR officers here in Iowa highly discourage the practice for safety reasons (note: it is not illegal). I take kids to a Pheasants Forever Hunting and Conseration camp very year and they always mention how dangerous it is to stalk birds (especially in full CAMO).

I always thought that the fun of spring turkey hunting was calling and watching the birds come in at full strut/ drum / spit / run / or even hang up just out of range and frustrate you. Your idea may be different and your main goal may be to get a bird no matter how (I can respect that in that some do not have a lot of time to hunt). Note: I do understand that people (me included) often "relocate" to another location in hopes of getting the birds to come in, however, it is not the same as "stalking". When relocating, for the most part, you are somewhat visible.

We all try to be safe, however, it will be that "UNSAFE" hunter that doesn't identify his turkey and just shots at some movement in the brush and kills someone.

Thanks for your time. These are just my thoughts and if it stops just one person from getting shot it will be well worth it.

Good luck to all
the dog

[M00N]

I consider belly crawling towards a bird or bird sound as stalking. Stalking is very dangerous. In our handbooks in this state there is a whole section on turkey hunting safety and that's one of the things they list to never do which is stalk a turkey or turkey sound. So, I'd personally never do it. Plus in this state if you did something like that it's considered not being stationary anymore and you have to put your solid orange hat back on. Which in most cases the bird would bust you while you're moving to do so.

Relocating is different. It's done alot to setup for a better calling position when birds are being unresponsive and not in any close distance of the hunter. In this state you have to put a solid orange hat on (which I saw several violations of this year by hunters wearing the camo orange hats instead) when relocating from your calling position and can take it back off when you are stationary again.

[Turkeystalker]

I army crawled 200 yarda after some bird during the first week across a field on Private Property where I knew there was not anyone hunting but me. It took me two hours. The grass was really tall and the birds just sat on this cattle road for four hours struting, was it successful NO. They were still 80 yards out when I finally got to the creek bed. Oh well, Some time unconventional methods work. Would I do it on public ground NO WAY. As for stalking I stalk alot hence my name, but I do not hunt public ground.

[Bruce Schmeck]

Dog...................................I'm with you on this one.

Moon's input is also noteworthy. The law here in PA is very clear on this.

[stick]

I understand completly what you are saying, I would only lowcrawl to get within a hundred yards of so, because we have soo much open land you have too do something to get closer. We also dont have any regs. about wearing orange, unless its during deer season.

[mo_hunter]

I've stalked turkey before. For example I've sat in a blind for a couple hours with my Dad to have a turkey gobblin below me in a cut bean field for 3 hours with some hens. I told him I was going down there to kill him, of course he told me there was no way I could sneak up on him. I knew where he was so I snuck/crawled down to a ditch and I watched 2 toms stut n this field with 6 hens all 20 to 50 yards from me now. While I had all these eyes watching for danger again I crawled/stalked from tree to tree to the edge of this bean field and killed one of the toms at 35 yrds. I see nothing wrong with this at all and I'll do it again http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Also I only hunt on private property.

[BowtechTurkeyHunter]

My very first turkey I killed I belly crawled for over 100 yards and shot him on my belly ... where I hunt its usually not an issue with other hunters ... we have stalked turkeys to and been very successful at it ... I personally like to be in a blind and call the turkeys to within 5 yards ... that is the best time for me ... I could care less if I kill a turkey ... the experience and being able to work the turkey is what it is about for me ...

Steve

[archerjg]

I personally don't see anything wrong with it. It would not work here though, as the slightest movement and the birds around here are in the next county unless you are well concealed.

Archerjg

[Rhino]

I personally have no interest at all in stalking a turkey. I'd much rather get them all fired up so they'll put on a show. To me the fun in turkey hunting is working a bird into range rather than trying to stalk or ambush a bird. If I have to relocate though, I'll use cover, crawl on my hands and knees, or belly crawl if I have to in order to get into a position to work a bird and avoid being detected while I'm relocating. Whatever it takes to get to where I believe I need to be in order to call a bird in is fair game but I don't have any desire to just stalk or ambush a bird at all. Takes the fun out of turkey hunting to me.

[tennswamper]

I don't like stalking them, only done it once.

However, stalking and shooting a turkey is 100x harder than calling him in, that I know from experience.

I do trust myself and I don't shoot at movement. I've let turkeys on a few occassions get away from me just because all I saw was movement.

That being said, there is also a big difference in gobbling tubes and real turkeys and if anyone else might be on that bird, I would know. If they are tresspassing, they are in harms way regardless.

[LifeNRA]

I dont do it, plus its illegal to stalk turkeys in the spring in PA!

[maytom]

[ QUOTE ]
I personally have no interest at all in stalking a turkey. I'd much rather get them all fired up so they'll put on a show. To me the fun in turkey hunting is working a bird into range rather than trying to stalk or ambush a bird. If I have to relocate though, I'll use cover, crawl on my hands and knees, or belly crawl if I have to in order to get into a position to work a bird and avoid being detected while I'm relocating. Whatever it takes to get to where I believe I need to be in order to call a bird in is fair game but I don't have any desire to just stalk or ambush a bird at all. Takes the fun out of turkey hunting to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto!!!

[VTbowman]

My 1st stance on any hutning practice that is legal is ok with me. I may not choose to do whatever is being discussed, or like it but do not bash it IF ITS LEGAL.

That being said, if something is legal but a risk of injury or death then I do have issues with it.
I personally feel its situational here.
Terrain, ownership of the land or state land where anyone could be anywhere, etc..
I would not stalk a turkey for 2 reasons.
1, I believe it to be somewhate dangerous moving on the ground in "full camo" during an open hunting season.
2, I am sure I would certainly suck at it and ruin more chances then create them. LOL

I agree with the poster that turkey hunting is more fun when you can call them in.
JMO

[rossman]

I do't see anything wrong with it. Turkeys are one of the hardest animals to stalk. If you can stalk one within 20 yards, go for it. You are the man!!!!!!

--rossman

[borch]

I don't have a problem with belly crawling to get into postion to take a bird. I've done it to get around on a bird. The idea is to still call them in or get into their travel pattern. I don't do it to get the shot right away. You just never know who'll be there even on private property. I don't know how many times over the years I've run into people who were not supposed to be there. Be careful!

[jbeck]

Boys I'd say the situation and Law will dictate the proper action. I have moved on birds, but only under ideal conditions. This is a tough subject to say I'd always do it or I'd never do it. Any way, have fun and good hunting.

[need2hunt]

I hate to belly crawl but I have done it before. Last year I belly crawled 300+ yards through an open field so I could get to a creek bed to move on some turkeys in the field. The banks on the creek are a good 8 feet at least and I walked the creek around to where the birds were. Came up behind a tree, did a little calling but he had 8 or so hens with him and he really wasn't even interested in them. I shot him before he got out of the field, shot ended up being 50+ yards. Not necessarily the way I like to do it but then again that was almost the only bird I actually laid my eyes on that whole misrible season and I'm happy I knew enough about the landscape to make it happen.

Sometimes I think there's a fine line between stalking and moving on a bird. I see some people makin the comment about movin in full camo, personally I would rather do that than move with blaze orange on. The reports that I've read about turkey hunting accidents aren't because someone shot at something they couldn't see, it's because they thought they saw a red or a blue head and they shoot. Sometimes that's someone who didn't stick their decoys head into the back of their vest, sometimes it's someone with a bright colored logo on their camo hat and sometimes it's someone with some orange tryin to be safe.

[huntaholic]

I see nothing wrong with it, unless there are other hunters in the area. The only time I do it is when it is the last weekend of season and I am desperet to get a bird. I hunt all public, but I go to a different place if someone is already hunting there. there is no reason to get shot over a turkey.JMO

[turkeyhunter2112]

I love stalking turkeys. If the first set up in the morning dont work, i will be stalking the rest of the day till the afternoon. I think its as exciting as it gets. Just last saterday i filmed a buddy of mine put a nice stalk on 5 toms, which he shot his bird at 10 steps. One on the coolest thing i have seen, but i wouldnt do it on public land, is in the tall grass, carry a decoy with you wile your going through the grass, its awesome, but i would not do it on public land. Its amazing what turkeys will and wont let you do. IM all for stalking turkeys, its hard, and hard is fun.

[CBU93]

I will go against the grain here...I am NOT for it...

I beleive it to be unethical and against traditional turkey hunting.

[wtnhunt]

Dont know that there are anylaws against stalking or crawling after turkeys here.

Around here however at least on my property, belly crawling for turkeys in the spring could be quite dangerous. While the possibility of getting shot by another hunter who is where he/she is not supposed to be is a genuine concern, it would honestly be one of the least of my worries.

[redbeard]

Good question, PD. I myself ain't much on belly crawlin' mostly due to the size of my belly http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But I have slipped up on a many of gobbler using my woodmanship skills, knowledge of the birds and land. To date, 28 birds of the 83 I've taken part in were taken with no call at all. That's in twenty years of pursuit. Sure some I lucked up on by happenchance but I take great pride on my abilities to get close enough to a gobbler for a shot.

Let me clarify that some more, however. I am not slipping up on birds I hear but those I have a visual on. I always try to call to the birds I can't see. Tryin' to completely slip up on a gobblin' bird you can't see is more than likely fruitless.

Even with that said, I wouldn't necessarily call what I do stalkin', my description is that I am carefully tryin' to do my very best to get as close as possible before the turkey knows either I'm near or the hen I replicate is near.

I doubt not more than 4 of those 28 were shot merely by creepin' up and gettin' a standing shot. Mostly, I got close enough for a setup and either the noise from "leave walkin'" or actual leave scratchin' brought the bird the remaining steps necessary for a kill. Beats from a wing, as if the hen is dustin' also has worked many a time.

To me, turkey huntin' is just that. I am hunting, it's unlike duck hunting where you are in a blind and relying on a call to bring the duck into range.

I do not care for blinds nor decoys. I feel decoys are far more detremental to the true art of turkey hunting.

I correlate the ability to get close to the bird we seek much in kin to the same skills the Indians used.

Even so my beliefs are such, I 100% agree that calling a bird in, sans decoys, is a greater accomplishment.

[Covehnter]

[ QUOTE ]
Even with that said, I wouldn't necessarily call what I do stalkin', my description is that I am carefully tryin' to do my very best to get as close as possible before the turkey knows either I'm near or the hen I replicate is near.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats me, i'll do what it takes. . .belly crawl included to get as close as i dare. Then let him make the final mistake. For example, yesterday we belly crawled into some open pines behind a field w/ a gobbler, jake and hen in it. We knew their travel route and sure enough the came to us but we were unable to get a shot. As they went over a rise, we quickly belly crawled back 10 yards and crawled out to the grass road they'd have to cross to make it to another field. It worked, but i wouldnt consider that stalking though some may. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[pointing_dogs_rule]

Hey Guys!!!

Just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed all the responses. We got some really interesting takes on this subject. What a great and "civil discussion".

Good luck to all
the dog

[CamoGuy]

I consider it a tactic for getting closer. I can't think of a single reason it would be considered wrong. Lord knows the indians and settlers did their share of crawling up on game.

Hunting is hunting. As long as it is legal to belly crawl I can't imagine why it wouldn't be considered OK. For that matter I can't imagine a reason why it would be illegal.

I once crawled 200 yards across a field to get closer to a bird. He was in a bowl in the middle of the field with hens and would not budge. After I got within 150 yards I started calling. He closed the distance but spotted my big butt sticking up before I could see him. I know this because he ran away yelling BUTT!!! BUTT!!! BUTT!!! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Safety is another issue all together.

[Covehnter]

[ QUOTE ]
I know this because he ran away yelling BUTT!!! BUTT!!! BUTT!!! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

Now thats funny right there! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[257Roberts]

Well here in the great state of Mississippi there are no rules reguarding staking turkeys. I killed my first bird by belly crawling across a sage field for about 200 yrds. I guess i would use my own judgement. When hunting on public land the rules change. Very seldom do i hunt on public land and when i do i take extra precautions.

[snapper]

I personally don't see a prob. with it...not legal in PA...so I don't do it!

We stalk deer, bear, etc...why not turkey's? Like most hunting...gotta use common sense, wouldn't do it in an unsafe area. I love the idea of calling and having him coming in gobbling and strutting...but it seems more times than not...they sneak in quiet. Although that is the challange (get 'em close) its not as exciting.

Again, I say if its legal to do and thats the way you wish to hunt turkey's....go for it, I won't look down on any hunter who hunts within the law!

[maytom]

[ QUOTE ]
I personally don't see a prob. with it...not legal in PA...so I don't do it!

We stalk deer, bear, etc...why not turkey's? Like most hunting...gotta use common sense, wouldn't do it in an unsafe area. I love the idea of calling and having him coming in gobbling and strutting...but it seems more times than not...they sneak in quiet. Although that is the challange (get 'em close) its not as exciting.

Again, I say if its legal to do and thats the way you wish to hunt turkey's....go for it, I won't look down on any hunter who hunts within the law!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto!!!

[HuntnMa]

i wouldnt of gotten my swamp bird this year if i hadn't gi janed it.......he was close.....but kept circling me, gobbling the whole time......so i did what i had to do..and i got him.....i'd do ti again if i needed too... calling a bird in and talking to him is what i live for, lol...i dont think i'd be too keen on seeing one and sneaking up on him, but in a situation like what happened to me this year, i would do it again...he was hot, but he was also smart as a whip.....i had to be smarter, lol.......
a gobbler yelling butt, butt, butt.......now that is funny........luckily it was so thick where i was and he didnt see me, but i would of been toast in an open field, lol......they'd be yellin' BIG BUTT ....... http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif