Do not, repeat, do not attempt to shoot a turkey over a baited area. This unsporting practice has been illegal for a long, long time in Florida. Apparently, some hunters this season have forgotten to read their hunting regulations. Much to their chagrin, they’ve also sorely underestimated the vigilance of wildlife officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Around the state last week, FWC officers wrote at least 21 citations for taking or attempting to take wild turkey over a baited area.

Some hunters were caught off guard, to say the least.

When a Taylor County officer approached one hunter set up in a baited blind, the hunter reportedly jumped up and began hurling insults at the officer, for spoiling his hunt.

In Flagler County, an officer walked up to a hunter’s truck and asked him if he’d shot a turkey. The man proudly took the officer to the bed of the truck and showed him a trophy gobbler—laying on top of a 50-pound bag of whole corn. The hunter denied shooting his bird over bait, but after some verbal encouragement, he spilled the beans, so to speak. Earlier that same day, the officer had written citations to two hunters at the same private club.

Hunters be warned: Officers are wise to the ways of poachers, and have demonstrated willingness to conduct multiple days of surveillance to enforce game laws. Make a cluck on that turkey call, over bait or within 100 yards of a feeding station, and you’re fair game.

FS