Osceola Turkeys with William Sullivan on the Lands
of General Van Fleet
Private Land Osceola Hunting
 Editor’s
Note: William Sullivan, president of the Florida chapter
of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), has hunted
turkeys in Florida all his life. During the first of
March in 2007, I hunted with him on property formerly
owned by General Van Fleet, a general during the Korean
War, who entertained most of the generals from the Korean
and the Vietnam wars on this property. Too, the lodge
on this property has been used by the Queen of England,
President Eisenhower, the President of Korea and many
other national and international dignitaries. 
Question: If someone really wants to hunt Osceolas,
when should they call you to learn sometimes available?
Sullivan: I suggest they call me at the end of turkey
season for the following year. I also advise them to
call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
at (850) 488-4676, or visit www.myfwc.com, and check
into the rules and regulations on the special-opportunity
hunts and the regular-quota hunts on the wildlife management
areas. I also recommend they look at applying for the
third hunt rather than the first or second, because
those are the hardest to get. The third week is the
best in Florida, because the hens come off the roost,
and the gobblers are looking for dates. I find the gobblers
are more responsive the third and fourth weeks of
turkey season.
Question: If an out-of-stater draws a hunting area,
do you know local guides who will go with them and help
them get their turkeys?
Sullivan: Yes, there are a couple of guides who will
do that.
Question: What about private land?
Sullivan: I can send them to some of the outfitters
I’ve hunted with and where I know their chances
will be really good for taking an Osceola.
Question: What does a good Osceola hunt cost on private
land usually?
Sullivan: They’re usually $1500 to $2000 for a
3-day hunt.
To hunt with William Sullivan, you can write him at
2830 Blackwater Oaks Dr., Mulberry, Florida 33860, or
call him at home (863) 425-6104, or on his cell at (863)
640-1395, or you can email him at wesnwtf@aol.com.
Tomorrow: Public-Land Turkey
Hunting
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