Last minute turkey trip

[Frac]

Gates along many of the forest service roads are closed this time of year, just park along the road and walk in.

Planning to set up camp for a week, so this isn?t really an option for me.

[Frac]

Attachment 81451
Seen this guy in 511 a couple weeks ago

Good looking bird!

[def90]

Planning to set up camp for a week, so this isn?t really an option for me.

You can camp anywhere in US Forest Service land.. park on the road and set up your camp next to your vehicle or carry your stuff in how ever far you choose.

[Frac]

You can camp anywhere in US Forest Service land.. park on the road and set up your camp next to your vehicle or carry your stuff in how ever far you choose.

Thanks, I appreciate you trying to help. Pike National Forest rules state only allowed to disperse camp on marked locations. Yes, if I could carry everything far enough it would work. If I?m missing something in the regs, please point me to it.

[def90]

Thanks, I appreciate you trying to help. Pike National Forest rules state only allowed to disperse camp on marked locations. Yes, if I could carry everything far enough it would work. If I?m missing something in the regs, please point me to it.

Where do you see that?

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc...id=fsm9_032556

"Camping
Camping is allowed throughout the District in both developed and undeveloped sites.

There is a 14-day stay limit anywhere in the Forest; vehicles MUST be parked in established sites.

You may camp outside of developed campgrounds if you do not cause any resource damage, and keep your vehicle within one vehicles length of main roads.

Use picnic sites, swimming beaches, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm.

Campgrounds and other recreation sites can be used only for recreation purposes. Permanent use of use as a principal residence without authorization is not allowed.

In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided.

At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up, unless permission has otherwise been granted by the Forest Ranger.

Do not leave camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission from the Forest Ranger. The Federal Government is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

Remove all personal property and trash when leaving.:

[Frac]

Every forest has its own district rules. In addition to being posted with signage, the ranger district states the following. I also saw large groups of cars ticketed for parking outside of locked gates and alongside highways.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psic...80379&actid=34

Please observe these requirements when dispersed camping:
Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations.
Dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only.. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers.

[def90]

Every forest has its own district rules. In addition to being posted with signage, the ranger district states the following. I also saw large groups of cars ticketed for parking outside of locked gates and alongside highways.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psic...80379&actid=34

That is for camping within the Rampart Range Recreation/OHV area.

[Frac]

Thanks again.

[Frac]

We're back home now and vacation is over. I just wanted to add my sincere appreciation to each of you who gave me tips, pointers, and encouragement. We found bears, ticks, deer, elk, but didn't get a shot at a turkey. We did figure out where they are, after some tips from locals and boots on the ground. Thanks everyone!

My stepdaughter was able to join me for 3 days. We had an awesome trip!


We walked up on this herd of elk. I'm guessing about 20. We were fairly close and she decided she wanted to try to stalk to see how close she could get. Sure, great experience so go for it. This picture was after she bumped them further out.


This is mama bear and her 2 cubs in the tree. I encountered them once in the dark at 4:30am and wisely backed out. I bumped into them mid-morning a few days later. I heard movement and looked over to see mama about 75 yards away standing upright and a little one scurrying up the tree. I took a quick picture and headed the opposite direction. Later on I noticed the photo captured the image of two cubs up in the tree.


We received tips from a few locals and followed each one up. Now I know at least two areas that hold birds. I might make a trip up for a day hunt over the remaining weekends.

[buffalobo]

Looks like a successful trip if not successful hunt.

Bonus time with daughter learning the wilderness pretty much priceless.