heres a simple written treatise of turkey hunting etiquette. It basically states everything I was taught in my 40 years of chasing birds. Much of it on public land when I was younger and couldnt afford clubs or private land.
It is pretty simple easy and explains what has always historically been the RIGHT way to hunt public land. BY the way I didnt write it...but I sure as heck follow it...and have NO RESPECT for people who dont!:

A Treatise on Public Land Turkey Hunting Etiquette

Preface: Turkey hunting is a wonderful sport. Nothing get's ones heart pumping like a thundering gobble at the crack of dawn, the closing footsteps of a drumming gobbler on the lip of a ridge, or a gobbler in full strut, glistening in the sun. In today's world, turkey hunting is gaining in popularity and turkey populations are at peak levels; however, at the same time, access to land is getting harder to find. Have no fear though, there is plenty of public land available for everyone. That is, as long as everyone abides by some common sense public land etiquette.

Ch. 1: Do To Others As You Would Have Them Do To You

Turkey hunting is not deer hunting. Several hunters can enjoy a small patch of land while deer hunting; however, since most turkey hunting starts by locating a turkey by sound, an area that can hold several deer hunters may only be able to to comfortably hold one turkey hunter.

Rule # 1: If someone is parked at the gate you want to go into, then go to your backup spot.

The Logic: Most public land comes in chunks of 20,000-60,000 acres, so finding a different spot should not be that difficult. Technically (but not equitably), you have the same right to hunt that spot as the other guy, but why would you want to? So that the two of you can both rush towards the bird and spook it in your competitive greed? So that you can increase the chances of accidentally getting shot? So that you can ruin somebody's morning? The truth of the matter is this: the guy parked in that spot cared just a little bit more than you did to get up early and go to that spot. You should respect that, vow to get up earlier, and move along.

Another Way to look at it: Imagine that you got up early and were the first person to arrive at a hot spot. I mean, this spot is a honey hole. You are super pumped. Now, imagine that an XXX pulls up behind you, parks, ignores you and walks down the road, practically shadowing your every step. It's a pretty sick feeling eh? Like a hole in the pit of your stomach right? Why would you want to do that to someone else?

Rule #2: Do Not Call Out Of A Vehicle

Logic: If you are one of those guys that drives around, letting lose cackles, peacock screams, owl hoots, coyote howls,
car horn beeps, etc. then you will be reborn as a fly, and not just any fly, one of those that eats poop for a living. No lie.

Side Comment: Seriously, how lazy are you? Do you call that hunting?

Rule #3: Do Not Try to Work a Bird That Someone Else Is Working

Logic: Again, the theme of this chapter is to do to others as you would have them to do to you. Having another hunter come in on a hot bird is about the worst feeling ever. Yeah yeah, legally you have the same right to go after the bird, but what would your momma say if she knew what you were doing? You can't tell me that you don't feel like a tad bit of a bad word when doing this.
Chapter 2: Legitimate Hunting Tactics

Excerpt-Rule # 13: Hunting over corn is punishable by hanging.

Chapter 3: Love Thy Neighbor

Neighboring each and every parcel of public land is a thing known as private land.

Rule: Do not trespass onto that land!!!
Logic: Did you work hard to earn the money that bought that land? Did you pour blood, sweat and tears into? No

Ch. 4: Turkey SEASON

Turkey Season generally runs from the middle of March through the beginning of May. Turkey season does coincide with gun deer season. Turkey season does not begin in February.

Last edited by outdoorobsession; 04/07/14 11:36 AM.