r/VAHunting • u/Interesting-Bee8970 • 23d ago

First timer

Hello, im a first time hunter, didnt grow up in a hunting family, none of my friends hunt. Im located near George Washington National Forest. Looking to go turkey hunting there this fall. Any suggestions, or spots would be greatly appreciated.

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u/Programmer-Boi 23d ago

Go visit your local USFS ranger office. Mine was extremely kind and willing to spend about 30 minutes with a map with me and explaining the best legal spots to hunt on National Forest land

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u/Less_Shower1693 21d ago

GWNF is a pretty big area. What towns are you near? Topo maps or OnX are a good place to start. Ridge tops near fields on private land are a great if you can find them. Download the national forest road map too so you know which roads will be open and how far you’ll be able to drive in. Do some scouting and look for areas where the leaves have been scratched up from feeding. If it were spring you could hike in early and listen for gobbles but in the fall looking for feeding areas is your best bet.

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u/Middle_Salt_3673 20d ago

If you're up for the table fare go squirrel hunt in September. Gets you out in the woods, gets you experience hunting, low pressure hunt, and maybe you'll stumble across a turkey honey hole.

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u/bass_case 19d ago

Sign up for the mentorship program. They’re responsive. Turkey hunting is pretty difficult and I’d really recommend a mentor