Turkey

Yesterday I saw three gobblers together on public land. I've hunted that place a lot, and I just can't seem to get on those birds. I've had opportunities at Jake's, but I just can't get on those gobblers. I know where they roost, I also know the strutting areas. There is a certain amount of pressure there from hunters. I probably would have gotten one there last year, but I had my bowl with me.
 
Goosemaster said:
Yesterday I saw three gobblers together on public land. I've hunted that place a lot, and I just can't seem to get on those birds. I've had opportunities at Jake's, but I just can't get on those gobblers. I know where they roost, I also know the strutting areas. There is a certain amount of pressure there from hunters. I probably would have gotten one there last year, but I had my bowl with me.
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Get on em after lunch when hens are on the nest. I rarely morning hunt for easterns any more.
 
birddude said:
I don't roost birds much these days. I used to but my success has been minimal at it the last couple decades. I can't count the times that I've gotten in close, did everything right, then he goes 180 degrees away! Lots of times it's happened with the same bird. I believe that it's not the Tom that decides to go the opposite direction, It's the old hen who he's made passionate love to every morning for days. She hears a voice that's not familiar and jealously pulls him in a different direction. I have had some luck pissing her off until she comes in and chews my ass out. Sometimes Tom will follow, other times he stands just outside my 20 gauges range and struts. It's still a cool experience. It also seems to me that they are evolving. I used to have my birds early and be home for breakfast. Not so much anymore. Maybe it's just me. I've also hunted old Toms who very rarely gobble. Maybe the guys who don' gobble live longer and pass those genes on. I've hunted them a long, long time and all I can say is nothing is a definite! As far as eyesight, many times I've had them come in and either see me or see that something is not right, turn and walk off. Is it because they don't see the hen, or a sixth sense? I don't know. I also believe their hearing is superior to ours. I've seen them respond to a call, walk hundreds of yards with no further calling, walk right up to me and look me right in the eye. They knew within feet exactly where I was. They are a fascinating bird for sure. To me nothing has compared to a big Tom sneaking into 20 yards behind you and gobble!!
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If he hangs up or walks away, you get up and walk the opposite direction and call minimally when you have walked 75 or so yards. If he thinks a hen is leaving, his pride sometimes will get the better of him and he will follow to round her up. Just DO NOT CALL TOO MUCH.
 
dawgs14 said:
Get on em after lunch when hens are on the nest. I rarely morning hunt for easterns any more.
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I was scouting, the season doesn't start until mid April. I like to have all of my ducks in a row before spring turkey season starts. Scouting is important, I also walked into another public place and realized it was too steep for me so I won't hunt that place.
 
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I agree, scouting is very important. Maybe the most important factor. I do it every spring before I go hunting when I am out seeking permission to hunt. The main thing I am looking for is the roost. Once I locate that, then a lot of guess work falls into place. Turkeys are birds of routine; they often roost in the same set of trees every night, sometimes even the same tree...unless something changes that dynamic.

I wouldn't even consider just "going turkey hunting" without doing at least some scouting in an advance. That's a recipe for failure. Sure, you might strike lighting once or twice, but it's not going to work very often.
 
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