Anyone had any luck spring Turkey hunting on public in Texas at all? I’m thinking about trying but I have very little confidence in public land in Texas.

Edit: just to clarify I mean with just the APH. Have you had success purchasing APH, finding an open unit that allows Turkey hunting, and going. Not draw hunts where select few are hunting.

Yes

Ha! That grin tells a tale

I shot one at LBJ Grasslands about 30 years ago. It was in the fall and I was trudging around hoping to jump a covey of quail.( I was a young man then and could walk for miles LOL). Came across a group of turkeys and played cat and mouse stalking them for about 30 minutes. Finally got a decent shot opportunity and killed one. It was either a small gobbler or bearded hen, dont remember which one it was.

That’s awesome.

That’s great , congratulations!

About 20 years ago I was sitting in a treestand at Pat Mayse WMA hunting deer during bow season and a group of about 6 gobblers came strolling down the holler. BIG black birds! I think eastern birds are bigger than Rios. Sure was purdy to watch them easing down the holler.

I did not, seemed like a lot of units didn't allow Turkey. Tried my luck in Agarita Springs Ranch, but the only calling that was happening around there was between hunters. Real interesting though, heard lots of shotgun bursts in surrounding properties so there's clearly birds in the area. Didn't meet anybody else that day that even saw one. Be curious to know what parts of the state folks are having luck in.

I see turkeys quite frequently on the shores of Lake Lewisville. Seems any cove we anchor, a turkey or two ventured out of the brush. Last week we counted 7. Since it’s COE, I’m tempted to give it a go next year.