Turkey hunting opportunities

[Pan Fry]

Hello everybody, Pan Fry again,
Moved to Scappoose early this Fall, looking for Turkey hunting opportunities this coming year. Never Turkey hunted before in Oregon nor with a bow. Where can a guy get information on where to hunt Turkeys in my area ?
I Turkey hunted last year near Hells Canyon with my father-in-law and loved it.

[Grantspastor]

Want to come and shoot one in my yard? They tear up my wife's flower beds.

[sliverpicker]

There used to be some birds along Skyline Ridge between Scappoose and North Plains, but they pretty much lived in people's yards. Not sure if they're still around or not?

I think your best bet is to head south or east!

[Get Bit]

GP,

If Pan Fry doesn't want to take you up on your offer I will ! Got a good Rhodie or flower pot I can hide behind ? Maybe I can hide behind the pick up ? Seriously, how hard is it to get on some of the places in your area ? I would even pay a trespass fee to get in a spot that has a good a population of birds. Payed $ 100 last year in trespass near Roseburg, and it was well worth it !

Get Bit

[Grantspastor]

Get Bit....to tell you the truth I don't know how many birds I have in my area...seems like a lot when they're scratching up the flower beds and pooping on the deck. I have never hunted them...except last spring. I had a tag and one landed on my deck railing while I was outside working. I went inside and got my 12 guage. Took him between the Rhododenron and the waterfall. I have a friend who does well on turkeys in the Roseburg area. I don't think he pays to hunt the area. I'm taking him fishing Wednesday. I'll ask where he hunts.

[Get Bit]

GP.

Thanks for the info ! The place we hunted last year was around Roseburg. Its one of those places that iffy from year to year. Depends on how many hunters he has and how many birds they have taken for us to get the greenlight. Lots of birds but he does a good job of managing his game. Let me know what you find out. Don't want to push in on someones hot spot but I sure would like to fiind a spot with birds and not over run with people. Need one spot we can hunt from year to year.


Get Bit

[1pump]

White River area on Mt Hood has some birds. A buddy of mine was a timber cruiser for the USFS and he used to see turkeys all the time in the Barlow district. He doesn't hunt, and he transferred to Utah before I could take him up on his offer to guide me. Story of my life....
I'm under the impression that Douglas County rules when it comes to gobblers.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Pan Fry,

I'd be supprised if you can't find info from ODFW about birds they have established in your area. There are little pockets here and there that have been transplanted. I can tell you from experience on the family ranch, once they take hold, they expand rapidly.

There are lots of turkeys on public land, mostly in more remote areas. Over in the Wallowa area there are a lot of birds and few hunters. Heck of a drive from here. I think scouting in the areas along I-5 fron Eugene south and talking to landowners would yeild better results. Most landowners who didn't allow hunting 10 yrs ago, now want them thinned out (like Grantspastor)

From waht I've seen, the "back yard birds" along I-5 are easier to fool than the "mountain birds" from national forest areas etc.

I recommend getting a couple with your shot gun, then trying the bow. I've done it both ways, (last 3 with bow ) and they both work.

I prefer the bow.

Good luck.

GRB

[GutshotApe]

There are a few small flocks established around Eugene in the open oak foothills - but virtually all of this habitat is privately owned and you need to know the owners to get access. My advice is don't bother trying unless you already know a landowner. Go south.

The best turkey hunting is in Douglas County. Again, the best sites are on private land but there is a lot of BLM land and open private timberland interspersed so if you get a BLM map and do some scouting you can find places to hunt. The Tiller area is a good place to start.