I am going to try turkey hunting this spring...I have zero experience in this type of hunting but have read a lot..and watched some videos. Mostly I am just looking for a place to start hunting, where there may be some birds. I live in NE MN and have seen a few around but I know there are more in central and southern MN. Anyone have a general area they are willing to share?

There are tons of turkeys in the Aitkin and Palisade area, and tons of state land. Just get a map of all public hunting land areas.

I am a diehard Turkey hunter. Started about 10 years ago, knowing nothing. Now I have several Fans, spurs, and beards that I mounted myself. Just being in the woods is the best education.

A couple tips.... Don't call too early when you hear the Toms start gobbling in their roosts in the morning, and don't call too much to a responding Tom. He knows where you are. The silence will frustrate him. Let him come to you. When you see him. Use soft clucks and purrs.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I actually saw 3 birds in Two Harbors the other day. They are moving north fast. I will check out that area around Atkin on on and see if I can find some potential spots.

For hunting land, go knock on doors, and talk to farmers. Some will say no, but it never hurts to ask. Just go to the next farm. Are you hunting with a bow? Way easier to get permission if you tell them that.
Good luck.

Any luck on the Turkeys? I have guided the last 4 years. Never made it out this year. New job and young kids.

I'm new to turkeys and hunting in general. First hunt planned for the driftless area of WI this October. Yay, more gear to buy!

Hunting turkeys in the spring compared to the fall is completely different. The Tom's do not respond to calls like they do in the spring. Find their evening feeding spot close to their roost.