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 . 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!