For hunters searching for public lands on which to scout and plan a turkey hunt, the following five public wildlife areas will provide you with access to turkeys, regardless of where you are located in the Bluegrass State.

Let’s take a closer look at a selection of these public tracts loaded with wild turkeys: the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Pennyrile State Forest, and the Paintsville Lake, Fort Knox and Peabody WMAs.

In certain of these areas, specific guidelines are in place to regulate hunting.

Becoming familiar with the regulations and permits will assure an enjoyable and quality gobbler hunting experience. (Continued)

DANIEL BOONE
NATIONAL FOREST
Eastern Kentucky holds over 670,000 acres of public hunting grounds in the federal lands of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

From its boundary with Tennessee -- primarily in McCreary and Whitley counties -- the Daniel Boone NF’s large forested landscape stretches to Lewis County at the northern tip.

Another section of the forest is in Clay and Leslie counties as well.

This wild turkey paradise is divided into four districts: Cumberland, London, Stearns and Redbird.

Daniel Boone NF also encompasses the 7,600 acres of the Pioneer Weapons Hunting Area -- where hunting is limited to longbows, crossbows and muzzleloaders -- in Bath and Menifee counties.

Most of the Daniel Boone NF is mountainous and rugged. Hunters coming to this area for the first time are cautioned to take into consideration their physical limitations and plan accordingly.

This area is almost completely forested with steep terrain. Some flatlands are found along river and creek bottoms and along ridgetops.

Miles and miles of hiking trails are available, with streams and small lakes scattered throughout the region. Access to various sections of the forest is relatively easy, with numerous state and county roads leading into and crossing the national forest areas.

But much of the land within the forest’s boundaries is still privately owned. Hunters should become familiar with the property lines separating private and public lands.

When planning a turkey hunt in an area the size of Daniel Boone NF, it’s best to have a focus for finding quality hunting regions.

Obtain information from the KDFWR. Their turkey biologists are extremely helpful in helping hunters zero in on quality turkey habitat.

To obtain a map and additional information from the rangers at Daniel Boone NF, write to Daniel Boone National Forest, 1700 Bypass Road, Winchester, KY 40391; or call (859) 745-3100.