Wing Committee

turkey

2023 Turkey Rules

Summary: The purpose of these rules is to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for turkey hunting while balancing the need for safety with other spring users of the property, primarily horseback riders. Our turkey hunting rules are very similar to deer with more zones. Basically, this system divides the property into 4 major zones (see map in Summer Kitchen or on our website). Turkey hunters have rights on all sections during the morning and evening hunt times. Non-hunters including horseback riders have priority during the mid-day hours (10am-3pm).

Remember: Non-hunters can book the midday hours up to 7 days in advance using the land reservation system. A hunter may reserve only 1 midday property zone after Noon for the following day or the morning of a hunt if Non-hunters have not reserved the property. After 10am turkey hunters may reserve 2 sections if horseback riders have not reserved the property. Only two of four zones can be reserved for midday turkey hunting. The other two sections will remain for walkers, bikers, etc.. Communication with other hunters and riders is critical and being courteous to each other goes a long way towards making an enjoyable time. When signing out, please include the time you intend to hunt till (as in “until 10am” or “until 12:30”, etc.) and your cell number. Should horseback riders choose to ride during midday, they will use the land reservation system or meet hunters at the Summer Kitchen at 10am.

  • Turkey hunting is comprised of 4 Primary Zones during turkey season. These zones are posted on the website and on the map in the Summer Kitchen. Each zone is sufficiently large enough to accommodate more than one hunter.
  •  All 4 zones can be reserved from Dawn until 10am the morning of the hunt. Sign out is at 5am. However, sign out the night before is allowed for turkey hunting if hunters have physically scouted and roosted a bird. Also always include the time you intend to hunt till as well as your cell phone should other hunters or riders need to get in touch.
  •  Similarly, hunters may sign out for afternoon hunts beginning at 3pm till dusk. Sign out begins at noon for the 3pm hunt.
  •  Should all zones be checked out, Turkey hunters should communicate by text to fellow hunters to request a section of a zone to hunt in.
  •  Horseback riders have rights to all 4 contiguous zones after 10am should they wish to ride. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone review the land reservation system or return to the summer kitchen at 10am. If there are no riders, then hunters can re-sign out for up to two zones total, however a single hunter may only sign out for one zone. The remaining zones are for non-hunters.
  •  Each turkey hunter is encouraged to communicate with other turkey hunters before moving to a new zone and must sign in / sign out at summer kitchen before moving. It is important to know where hunters and non-hunters are located.

THE ZONES:

The 4-zone system is comprised of the followings areas – (refer to the map in the summer kitchen).

  •  Zone 1A – The gas line and all Little Creek 1 property north and northwest of the line including Quail area 1 and all the LC 1 property east of Commission Creek. Note: the entire gas line is included in Zone 1A.
  •   Zone 1B – Little Creek 1 property south of the gas easement and east of Commissioner Creek including Quail Area II and remaining portion of the original Little Creek Property. Includes Felton Miller lease.
  •   Zone 2A – Western portion of Little Creek 2 property including the Vista, Graveyard, and Bowl areas.   Zone 2B – Eastern portion of Little Creek 2 property South of Little Creek to Highway 49.
  •  All horse owners and turkey hunter’s cell numbers will be in the summer kitchen for communication. When hunters and riders are both on the property, hunters should exercise caution around horse riders.
  • Harvested Turkeys are limited to adult 2-year-old male turkeys. Do not shoot Jakes! A Jake is defined as an immature one year old bird, as evidenced by smaller size, small 2-3 inch beards, and paler, less defined head colors when compared to a mature gobbler (additional descriptions and pictures may be found on the internet). All turkey harvests (weight, beard length, and spur length) must be recorded in the logbook in the summer kitchen.
  •  Each Lot is entitled to one guest per hunting day, not including immediate family members. Family members are defined as: grandparents, parents, spouse, children and Grand Children. Owners are responsible for explaining all LC hunting rules to guests. All guests must sign a liability waiver.
  •  Turkey season typically runs from early April to May…Please check the latest DNR regulations for this year. Each Lot is entitled to two turkeys per season, however only one turkey per individual including guests. No swapping, giving, selling, or substituting game tags between LC Owners as this is strictly prohibited. The Committee intends to monitor the annual kill with a goal of killing no more than 4 mature gobblers per square mile in order to maintain a healthy population going forward.
  •  If there is a special Georgia youth season this year, adults may accompany a qualifying 16-year-old or younger hunter and may call but not take a turkey. Any turkeys taken during the special season apply to lot and individual limits. Please see the state regulations for further information.
  •  A wounded turkey will be counted toward an owner’s seasonal allotment for that lot. Hunters must make every reasonable effort to recover a wounded turkey, using all available means.
  •  Bow & Archery hunting for turkey are allowed subject to state of Georgia hunting regulations.  There will be no scouting with turkey weapons unless you are in reserved turkey zones.
  •  There is no hunting from any type of motorized vehicle in compliance with GA law. There is no gun hunting on owner lots or the inside Common area.
  •  All owners & guests must have valid GA hunting license and hunter safety course where applicable and are subject to all Georgia Hunting regulations. Consistent with these rules, turkey hunters may not hunt within 200 yards of bait. The Deer committee has agreed to restrict deer feeding in most feeders within the prime turkey areas, however, it is the responsibility of the hunter to avoid areas where feeders are being actively filled.
  •  Hunters: courteous is the rule. Please show respect to other hunters or non-hunters you encounter.
  •  As a reminder, please do not mix alcohol and guns. No alcohol is permitted prior or during a hunt. This is not just a Little Creek rule but state law.
  •  Failure to follow these guidelines will result in suspension of turkey hunting privileges for the remainder of the season.