Missouri Turkey Hunting

Hi everyone, I've only turkey hunted Mo. one time and that was just up into the state from Arkansas on the Eleven Point River. We had an awesome time and some of the most beautiful hardwood rolling hills I have ever seen. That was about 20 years ago and I haven't turkey hunted much since then as our turkey population is pretty low.
Well, my son has become quite the turkey hunter now and wants he and I to do a Mo. trip together this year. Can any of you that turkey hunt point us in a good direction on National forest land or wherever. I met an older gentleman the other day on the lake that's from Nixa, Mo. named Ray Lockard. He now lives in Clarksville, Ar. He was telling me to check out Eldon, Stover, and Cold Camp.

Thanks for any advice on possible spots,
Dave

dont no anything about hunting public ground, but that turkey hunting is a blast. hunt in the morning fish in the afternoon. good luck

Lots of good public hunting ground around Truman lake. It is COE ground all the way around it. Lots of guys hunt from boats. Pull in to coves and blow a owl boot or crow call and see if they get a reply. If not they will run down to the next cove. Once they find one they will get out and set up. Get on the MO conservation website and there will be a map with all the conservation areas. There is a good guide for turkey that now works for Bucksaw marina. Not sure of the rates. May even be someone with some private ground around also. The Eleven Point river area is some of the prettiest country I have ever been to. Wish I was closer to be able to float it more often and smallmouth fish.

Thanks Jigging15, They hunt around Lake Quachita the same way. We're pretty fair turkey hunters so we don't want a guide. We're just trying to figure out where we might go hunt so we can start studying topos and stuff. I'll look up the MO. Conservation website and see what they've got in the way of information.

Thanks

Bucksaw marina does not open until March first but a phone call to them may get you pointed in the right direction around the lake. The GM and head fishing guide is a turkey hunter also. They are very helpful. Seen lots of people staying there last year that were hunting. If you get up this way to hunt let us know. Maybe we can get you out for an afternoon of fishing while your here.

The turkey hatch in Missouri was great last year, should be a great year. There is lots of public ground around Truman so you should be able to find a love sick gobbler. Like Jigging 15 said that hunting off the lake is a blast, stop in the middle of the lake and hit your box call and the only problem you will have is trying to decide which bird to go to. Good Luck

Thanks, Sounds like a good way to locate and hunt them. I'm 51 and just had 2 total knee replacements done since last August. My days of running up and down hills are over. Thanks for the fishing invite Jigging 15. Sounds like fun. How big is Truman Lake anyway? I have a Tracker Panfisher Stick Steer with a 35 HP. Might consider pulling it up.

The reservoir has a surface area of about 56,000 acres, additionally 110,000 acres of public land surrounds the reservoir = A LOT OF TURKEYS LOL

ya, when I was at truman last year, for the first time ever, I wished I had brought my 12 gauge with me. there were gobblers sounding off in most every cove we fished. your tracker will do fine on truman as long as the wind isn't blowing gale force. oh ya and the crappie fishin aint too bad, either!

During deer season hunted around Roscoe Mo. close to truman on public ground was surprised at the amount of turkeys will be chasing them in that area myself this spring. Lots of public area.

Was at Truman a couple of weeks ago early morning first cove I fished, could not hear myself think! At least 100 turkeys roosted in back of the cove, they were flying down and gathering up!!!!!! Do not know that I have every heard turkeys be that loud. We did have a great hatch 2011, will be lots young dumb jakes, should be a couple for everyone.

When deer hunting i had a flock walk right into a field in front of me no further than 20 yards considered taking one with my bow. there is for sure a bunch of the birds up there

the land around twain is the same way, all public and lots of birds. every spring they are going nutzo around the lake, but for whatever reason, I never come prepared to hunt em. I love hearing all the gobbles while I am out there, just something about turkeys....

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Originally Posted by Jerkey Log

Was at Truman a couple of weeks ago early morning first cove I fished, could not hear myself think! At least 100 turkeys roosted in back of the cove, they were flying down and gathering up!!!!!! Do not know that I have every heard turkeys be that loud. We did have a great hatch 2011, will be lots young dumb jakes, should be a couple for everyone.

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We're you by Angel cove? I was in there a few weeks ago and it sounded like 100 birds clicking and putting up in the trees. There was a boat rigging along the bluff. I did not think it was you but maybe I done went and forgot what your boat looked like.

It was angle cove! Forgot that when we came back down river to take out saw another huge group drinking from the lake by the U hwy bridge. I was not riggin Jarred, so it wasn't me, still in the old 1993 19' white lowe.

I think this one was a starcraft or smokercraft or something like that. Big alluminum rig though. I heard the next day that who ever it was they had caught over a hundred fish.

Darn sure was not me, we did not catch very many at all!!!!!!! Ended with 8 I think!

I'd have to agree with the rest...the public use area all around Truman Lake is loaded with turkey and in my opinion, not hunted that hard. Come firearm deer season I would never step onto public ground on opening weekend, however turkey season doesn't seem to have that much pressure...Don't really know why, turkey hunting is a blast! I don't know where the Angel Cove is, but that sounds promising for you! I'm sure you know, but make sure if you shoot out of your boat, you are sitting still with the motor off. Here is the material from MDC's website as being illegal for hunting from boat: From or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled, and its progress there from has ceased.

Thanks for all the advice!!