Turkey Hunters...got some questions....

[Guest rj8806]

Just thought I would post an update on my hunting experiences. I ahve now been 2 times, the last time, theis past weekend. So far, no luck. The 1st time out, I didn't see or hear any turkeys but this past weekend, at least I heard some. I also figured out what I am doing wrong, I think. I had a man tell me that the worst thing to do is "over call" a turkey. In other words, don't call the turkey every 10 minutes or so. Make your initial call and WAIT. If one answers, wait awhile and see if he comes. If after 20 minutes or so, you see no sign of him, give another call and see if he returns the call and hopefully he'll be a little closer than the last call. Also was told not to call LOUDLY. He said to do it on the softer side otherwise, you'll spook him. And lastly, don't move around at all. Pick a spot and stay there, even if your butt turns numb, stay put.

I am going again this weekend, so does this advice sound correct? Any more advice from the seasoned veterans out there?

Richard

[Guest shortfri]

It seems they're not responding to calls real well right now. Of the advice he gave you the only thing i follow is to not move. I think it's different from place to place. It's kinda a learn as you go thing. Most of the time if hens don't turn the tom he'll come.

[nb forrest]

It seems they're not responding to calls real well right now. Of the advice he gave you the only thing i follow is to not move. I think it's different from place to place. It's kinda a learn as you go thing. Most of the time if hens don't turn the tom he'll come.

+1

I think the up and down weather is the reason they aren't coming to the calls real well.

[Guest Grizzly Johnson]

Well I was a beginner myself this season, as last season being my very first I had a friend of mine show me the ropes and do all the calling. I use a super mag 3 1/2" 870 with an advancec technology pistol grip stock (makes shooting and carring alot better). I shoot a winchester supreme high velocity #5 shell through a gobblin thunder choke tube .665. I got a nice tom last weekend @ 15 yards. I like using a slate call because I (as a noobie) can produce most of the sounds needed. A slate call does have its downs, as it is hard to use in the rain or dampness. The best thing to do is be in the woods well before daylight, then use an owl hooter to try to get a turkey to shock gobble while he is still on the roost. If it's after daylight use a crow call to try to get an answer. If he answers, try to sneak to within 150-100 yards of him (stay as quiet and hidden as possible). Give him some soft "tree" yelps. After you can tell he is on the ground give him some yelps and cutts. If he replies add in some purrs. BE VERY PATIENT, he may come in quietly looking for the hen (you) so be in a shooting position. THEY CAN SEE LIKE A HAWK, if you need to adjust positions wait till he is behind a tree and be sure he can't see you and then you move slowly as needed. Some turkeys may only gobble once while on the roost and then fly down with hens and never make another sound. Knowing the area where turkeys like to hang out is helpful too, scouting pay off. On rainy or windy days, hunt in green fields or open places, they can't hear danger, so the go into open places to see predators since their hearing is impaired.

In tennessee you can legally shoot any bearded bird (bearded hens are rare but have been seen). You are allowed 4 birds per season, 1 per day. If you are hunting on a WMA there may be other limits so be aware, the one I hunt on only allows a hunter 2 birds per season. If you go to the TWRA website, then click on the wildlife and hunting section, then go the the wildcast trophy room, click on the turkey album, look for Jeremy Bates in the turkey section and you can see the bird I called in and shot @ 15 yards!! I have decoys, but so far have not used them. They would be good to use on the rainy and windy days in the open for any passing turkeys to see since they may not be able to hear your calls. Don't get discouraged, do your homework and remember; you can't kill a turkey from the couch!!

[Guest killemducks]

Cheek that gun, pull it tight to your shoulder!!! Stand behind that baby and don't flinch. If you get a big ole gobbler in front of you, you won't notice the mack truck feeling hitting your shoulder....

Be still, turkeys see better than good. Cover up, face mask, long sleeves etc..etc....

Good luck....

[my82cam]

well i learned something....

[Guest Grizzly Johnson]

well i learned something....

What?

BTW I was very successful this spring with 3 nice toms, not bad for my solo first year!!