In the late 1980s, I spent three years stationed at Crane Naval Weapons Support Center. Those years were my introduction to turkey hunting. The base itself boasted a high number of turkeys. Through trial and error and a lot of help from a friend, I began a journey that has yet to end, though it took 10 years for me to finally make my way back to southern Indiana.

Andy Reed (left) and the author show off the results of successful tag-team tactics, which fooled this wise public-land gobbler. Photo courtesy of Dennis Cecil.

Having lived here now for the last four years, I have been fortunate enough to gain access to some wonderful private ground. Not everyone is lucky enough to have access to private land. And, believe it or not, some private ground just doesn’t support huntable populations of turkeys. Fortunately, in Indiana, there are hundreds of thousands of acres of public land for sportsmen to ply their trade.

Historically, many of Indiana’s military bases allowed turkey hunters to access their properties. Base closings and re-alignments, increased security procedures, and the present status of terror alerts have put a serious crunch on the opportunities for the average Hoosier turkey hunter on these military properties. There is currently only one military area that allows access and this is through a special drawing only.

CAMP ATTERBURY

Camp Atterbury is an Army outpost utilized as a staging point for many of our state’s National Guard and Reservist units prior to deployment overseas. It covers approximately 27,000 acres, with much of it being accessible to hunters. Camp Atterbury is adjacent to the Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) near Edinburgh, not far from Columbus. For 2005, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering five two-day hunts on the military installation itself. These hunts are set to take place on the following dates: April 27-28, May 2-3, 4-5, 9-10 and 11-12.

To be considered for these reserved hunts, a hunter must complete the 2005 Wild Turkey Hunt Application card located on page 21 of the published Rules and Regulations Hunting Guide. These guides are available at most DNR offices as well as license vendors. Officials at the Atterbury FWA office strongly suggest that you read and follow the directions carefully when filling out your application. The registration cards must be completed properly and entirely to be eligible for the drawing. Any blank spaces or mistakes will disqualify you and no exceptions will be made.

Applications will only be accepted between Jan. 1, 2005 and March 15, 2005. Applicants will receive their registration cards back via the postal service, regardless of successful or unsuccessful results, only if they are completed correctly. Late applicants or incorrectly filled out cards will be immediately disqualified and no notifications will be given.

Trust me, if you miss a section or make a mistake, you will be waiting a long time for your results. Successful applicants will be selected through a random drawing, which will be held at the Atterbury FWA office at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 21, 2005. Hunters are welcome to attend the drawing, but are not required to be present. Hunters can call the Atterbury office with questions at (812) 526-2051.

For the 2005 season, only those hunters selected through the drawing will be allowed to hunt. In years past, a successful hunter was allowed to bring a partner. The new 2005 rules allow for only the person selected to hunt.

Unlike the reserved deer hunts, this is not a bonus tag. If you harvest a turkey prior to your reserved dates, you automatically forfeit your hunts. Also, if you are successful in taking a turkey while hunting on Camp Atterbury, you are not eligible to take another bird elsewhere.

A successful draw for a reserve hunt at Camp Atterbury is not a good reason to sleep in and take your time getting started. Show up early and be patient. The staff at the Atterbury office is very professional and does an excellent job of keeping things moving each morning, but check-in and checkout procedures require a little extra time.

Selected hunters must be checked in at the property check station by 4:30 a.m. each morning prior to their hunt. Standby hunters may fill hunting spots not claimed by this time. Be sure to bring your hunter’s education certificate. I watched two hunters get turned away a few years ago because they forgot to bring this proof and the throng of standby hunters waiting in the shadows quickly filled their slots.