Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

When it comes to turkey hunting, the easiest way to end the hunt is to spook the turkey. There are many situations that can result in a turkey beingspooked. Here is a look at reasoning and how not to spook a turkey.

What Is Turkey Spooking

Spooking is the rapid fleeing response of a turkey when it is alarmed. This may be quickly running away on foot or flying away in the air. For the most part it is a safety reaction to possible danger.

Why A Turkey Spooks

The turkey uses its keen sense of sight and good hearing to be on the look out for danger. It is very aware of its surroundings at all times. Anytime the turkey sees  or hears something nearby that it detects as dangerous or unnatural, it will usually spook and leave the area.

How Hunters Spook Turkeys

Generally, the main reason for a hunter spooking a turkey is related to movement. The hunter usually gets too close to a roosting area, walks up on an unknown turkey, or moves too much while in the setup area. However, the hunter may also make unnecessary noises while in the woods that causes a turkey to spook.

How To Limit Spooking

The best way to limit the spooking of a turkey is to always be cautious when moving. By controlling how the hunter moves and when the hunter moves, the chances of a turkey getting spooked will reduce. This will apply to any movement.

Walking

When walking through the woods, always take advantage of natural terrain cover such as hills, ditches, trees, and bushes. Walk slowly and watch and listen for any signs of the turkey. Use good camouflage techniques to prevent being seen.

Roosting Areas

When approaching a roosting area, always make sure to stay far enough away as not to alarm the turkey. The terrain and vegetation thickness should dictate how close to get. If cover is limited, stay further back. Only move closer if absolutely certain of the turkey location and if cover permits.

Setup Areas

When in a setup area, try to be seated comfortably. This will allow for longer sitting periods with less chances of wanting to move. Try to adjust sitting positions in a way that will provide easy follow through when its time to shoot. If last minute adjustment is needed, make sure to move slowly to prevent spooking the turkey.

Gobble Sounds

Learn to properly estimate the distances of a gobbling turkey. This will allow the hunter to move in to an area with a better understanding of how far away the turkey really is. Improper gobble range estimates will usually result in the hunter getting too close and spooking the turkey.

Noise

Another issue to consider is noise. A turkey will also become alarmed due to unnatural, loud, or otherwise suspicious sounds that occur nearby. This could be a vehicle door being slammed shut, moving through a thicket or other area that creates excessive noise, turkey calls in a backpack squeaking, or other such noises. Always try to limit the amount of noise made.

The hunter that takes extra care when in the woods to prevent spooking the turkey will usually have better results. If the turkey does not hear or see the hunter it will not spook.

Related:

Turkey Hunting Tips