OK guys, this thursday will be my first time turkey hunting. since i am not a turkey expert, i will look to you for advice on where to set up. obviously this is not an easy question, and i already have a few spots in mind, but looking at the covertype map, does any thing stand out as a turkey magnet? the area of the map you are looking at is 2600 acres of public land. not all of those parking areas will be accessible, only one on top and one on the bottom. thanks, Dan.

I would consider starting right thier in the middle of the map in the upland deciduous trees in that necked down area just to the right of the A in the WMA at first light.It should be a good roosting area.You got the grasses and open hay fields above and below you and you could run either way to get on a bird if you dont hear one right near you.The necked down area acts as a funnel and birds also travel the shorelines of the lake.If you know which way a bird is going you can get in front of it easily by circling wide and being careful not to bump the bird..Its also furthest from the parking areas so you might not have to contend with other hunters.Especially at first light.

The best thing you can learn about turkey hunting is scouting.

If you haven't scouted this area, I'd say set up before dawn along the edges of the woods to the open/hay/grasses area.

Afternoon spend some time doing some stalking/scouting and towards sunset see if you can find where the birds roost. Then you'll know where to set up the next morning.

Good advice from your brothers there 8^).

Oh yes..never end a sentence with a preposition.
 

Dan the area I pointed out is also a very good listening post beause of its location in the center of your hunting area.Get on the highest point and on a calm morning.You should be able to hear birds from a good distance in all directions.The water provides excellant acoustics and sound should travel to you clearly without being muffled as much by trees and ridges, etc.Its a great place to start.From thier you can fine tune your strategy to put you on the spot, on the spot.So to speak.Might take 2,3,or 4 days to really put the puzzle together.

Good luck!

Keep in mind that map he posted is 2600 acres and not all the parking lot access is available. It's a long long long hike to that "A" by WMA.

The only problem with just "sighting" birds by hearing only is they might just be other hunters since this is public ground.

Definitely like secluded open areas to spot & call birds. Hoot Owl call before sunrise should get a response if birds are near. After sunrise, if calling and nothing within 30-60 minutes, move to another area.