Is IA another 1 bird state? I hate to go that far and not be able to bring home some meat. You are like the turkey land whisperer or something. You always come up with some good hunts. Maybe next year, me,you, and Joey can get a hunt lined up out west somewhere.

Yeah Stony Iowa is another (1) bird state with an expensive tag and a flipping lottery system. However, since you make a trip to MO every year it may be worth considering. I am game for planning any trip with you guys anywhere. It’s getting old making these trips mostly by myself. I have plenty of buddies that would love to go. However, they can’t afford the trips; take the time off from work and most important….get permission.
I got very lucky on this Iowa property. I keep all my contact info and stay in touch with most, if not all my Midwest guys. It has come in handy more times than I can count.

I will get with you after season and we will plan a trip. I've got plenty of time to go and when it comes to killing turkeys, money ain't an object. Joey can usually get off whenever he wants to as well.

Just go screwed by mr. Coyote.
He just took his last breath.

The past couple of days has been wide open here in Barbour county. Called up two Friday evening for my oldest son and my 11 year old girl. They doubled up on two nice 3 yr olds. Carried my niece this morning and she took her first bird. Made a nice shot on a dang good bird. Got to take one of my boys buddies in the morning. His momma is offering a free week for the family at her cabin in Gatlinburg if I can get him on one.

I have told my wife a 100 times that I need to do just that very thing. But am I getting the support I need from her to make it happen? Hell No! Women, they just can't stand to see a man well off and traveling state to state killing turkeys.

You need to invite arKic on a hunt.
I think his birds have lockjaw.

Squeaky hit the lottery on $ and a wife.
Lucky sucker!!!!!

I did get lucky on the wife part but not much on the $$$. They don't pay me nearly what I'm worth The week I spent in Houston, TX on my days off going to school is paying for my trips this spring. I'll have to give up some more of my off time this summer to cover deer leases and those trips.

I've been on some good birds but they still seemed hened up... but I think my 2 year hiatus appears to have returned my rookie status....

Scott what are the birds doing? Give us some details and we may be able to offer suggestions on something new to try or just some overall advice. From what I gathered you are hunting field turkeys?

I'm hunting both, the birds I get on in the woods gobble great on the roost, hit the ground and go silent, and away from me even after cutting me off. I'm always within 100 yards or even less, but they hit the ground and turn into ninjas...

They appear to stay in the swamp woods, but exactly where, is anyone's guess, too thick and too loud to seek into this area without screwing to pooch... There are tons of birds, just can't seal the deal yet...

It's either that or later in the morning I get a hot bird but they are across the line and I can't seem to get them to cross it...

Biggest problem I have with the field birds are it's like public land where every kid in the neighborhood down the street have acces to ride their fouwheelers and gators, just last night I was working a very hot bird for 30 minutes and got ruined by this. A common problem on the weekends, and I guess now after school... Something I've had to deal with for 15 years..

Another problem I'm having to deal with is when I'm working one close enough to be ready, I can't breath and can't even work the mouth call... I haven't had that problem in years!!! I get way too excited!!!

Join the crowd!!!!!
Sounds like you are on the verge of making it happen any day.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Scott here is a few suggestions to try. Obviously I know nothing about the land you are hunting, but if possible, I would try a few things different than what you have been doing that hasn't worked.

Here are a couple things I would try on the birds near the swamp. First if they are roosting in the same general area I would get in there early afternoon and just do some light calling with soft clucks, purrs and some heavy leaf scratching. I would not do any yelping or anything aggressive. Another thing I would do if you have a general ideal of which way they are flying down I would go in extra early and get between roost and where they want to go. I would not make a call until hear them pitch out. I would only do clucks, purrs and leaf scratching. As for it being thick, I'd go in mid-day and cut me a trail to get to where I need to be. This is going to be extra work and a little less sleep but should get you in the ball game and off the bench per say.

Have you tried a strutter over a submissive hen on the field turkeys? This has been money for me and it usually doesn’t take long when a boss gobbler sees him. I use a B-mobile with a small but real tail fan. You do not need an expensive strutter deke.

I would try just relaxing when the bird gets close and breath. Sounds like you are putting to much press on yourself to get it done. Just enjoy the show and try to not over think it.

Don't know what to say about the kids ruining your hunts. I would mostly definitely try to talk to them especially if you run into them while on the property. Nothing else more you can do if they have permission to be on the farm.

Great advise I'm after them hard all week. Hope to at least add one!

I have to say today has to be the most extreme weather conditions I've ever turkey hunted in. With this wind and rain I'm thankfully for my Rivers West!! If I wasn't dry and warm I'd be at the house!!

Good luck Scott....I'm pulling for ya pal!!

Killed a nice 3 year old this morning. Should upgrade my smallest bird by about 10 pts probably.

Congrats!!!!
Looks like we will need every point we can get.
I'll be after them the next 3 days.

About an 8 point upgrade is all but I will take it.