Turkey Hunting With A Friend
Although turkey hunting alone can be exciting and challenging, there may come a time when a friend wishes to tag along. In these situations the two hunters must work as a team. Here are a few tips for success.
Communication
The key to hunting with a buddy revolves around communication with the two hunters. This should be worked out prior to the turkey hunting taking place. There needs to be signals discussed as to what actions will be taken.
For example, when a turkey comes in, which hunter will take the shot. A good suggestion is to divide the area in half. A turkey that comes in from the left belongs to the hunter seated on the left side. A turkey that comes from the right belongs to the hunter seated to the right.
There needs to be signals on when to shoot also. Generally, a soft verbal command will be effective as long as the hunters are in close range of one another.
Turkey Identification
Depending upon the experience of the guest, there may be a need to explain what turkey can and can not be taken. Spring hunting requires that only gobblers be harvested. It is important that the friend understands how to identify a gobbler from a hen.
It is also often important to extinguish between mature gobblers and young gobblers. This may come into play when hunting areas that are controlled for the purpose of trophy hunting.
Identifying what turkey is to be harvested needs to be discussed prior to heading into the field to hunt.
Skill Level
Another thing to consider is the skill level of the guest. Most importantly is the safety factor. Always go over general safety rules as well as rules that apply specifically to turkey hunting safety.
There also needs to be attention given to the shooting ability of the guest. It is best to have the guest practice with the weapon of choice in the presence of the experienced hunter prior to the hunt.
This will determine the best distances for making a clean and accurate shot. This information is then used to be better prepared in the field.
Explain The Hunt
The experienced hunter should also go over how the turkey hunt will take place. Explain the calling process as well as the need to sit still and be quiet. It is important for the friend to understand each step involved in the hunt from beginning to end.
Be willing to discuss the turkey hunting steps and answer any questions that the friend may have. Doing so ahead of time will allow for less issues during the actual hunt.
By preparing, turkey hunting with a friend can be a great experience for both the hunters involved. Remember to have fun and enjoy the companionship.
Turkey Hunting Near Thickets
No matter where turkey hunting takes place, more often than not there will be some form of a brush thicket found in the area. Although avoiding these areas can be helpful, sometimes it is better to use them to the hunters advantage.
In most cases, the turkey will avoid the use of the brush or sapling thicket. The turkey will usually circle around these areas to stay away from predators.
Often, if a hunter hears a turkey gobble on the other side of a thicket, the hunter will want to try and get on the same side as the turkey. While sometimes this type of hunting tactic works, many times the hunter will spook the turkey by doing so.
Instead of trying to go to the other side, use the thicket as a wall. Move to the far end of the thicket and setup there.
Pick a location that allows for more open terrain and a better field of view. This will be a benefit for the hunting position and make the turkey more likely to respond.
Try to have the setup positioned in a way that the turkey can be seen as it makes its way around the edge of the thicket.
Place one or two decoys out facing away from the direction of the turkey. Many times the turkey will circle around to face the decoys. This will put the turkey between the decoys and the hunter.
Use soft yelps, clucks, and purrs to lure the turkey in. Muffle the volume of the call when the turkey gets close and stop calling when it appears.
Make sure to use good camouflage tactics as the turkey will be alert and actively seeking the hen.
These tactics can be used in hunting situations with other types of obstacles as long as there is open ground along the edges.
Turkey Hunting Positioning
A vital part of turkey hunting is the position of the hunter. The hunter must be in the best possible location for proper set up. Positioning is often more important than calling skills.
Position Methods
There are two basic positioning methods for turkey hunting. These are while the turkey is still on the roost and after the turkey is on the ground.
Roosting Position
When it comes to roosting position, it is often best for the hunter to get as close to the roosted turkey as possible. This is done quietly before sunrise. It is important not to get too close as to spook the turkey.
Another factor to consider when positioning near a roosting area is the hens. The hunter should try to get in between the gobbler and the hens whenever possible.
An additional thought to consider is where the gobbler is most likely to go after fly down. By scouting the area to be hunted prior to the hunt, the hunter will have a good idea for proper hunting positioning.
Ground Position
Finding a good set up spot for after the turkey fly down is also important. Sometimes even the best roosting set up will not work. The hunter then has to be prepared for hunting once the turkey hits the ground.
For the most part, the gobbler will be seeking strutting areas and food sources. The hunter must be familiar with or at least be able to locate these areas for proper set up.
Often these areas are found near fields, logging roads, farming roads, or food plots. Once found, the hunter should set up in these areas and wait the gobblers out.
In most cases the gobbler will arrive in these areas later in the morning after the hens have left him.
Calling skills, camouflage, and other factors will apply while turkey hunting. However, often it is the ability of the hunter to find good set up positions that make the difference in success.
Pattern Gobblers For Turkey Hunting
The ability to pattern a gobbler often is the only way for a hunter to find success. During times when gobblers do not respond to calling or are with hens, turkey hunting can be tough. This is when patterning a gobbler will come into play.
To pattern a turkey for hunting, the hunter must learn the daily habits of the gobbler. This is done by being in the field while listening and observing the turkey. Basically one is gathering information as to where the gobbler is likely to be throughout the day.
Often a gobbler will fly off the roost without ever making a sound. This may be the result of turkey hunting pressure. It could also mean that the gobbler is already with the hens. The hunter must then use patterning skills to locate the gobbler.
In order to find the gobbler, look for signs left behind that indicate that the gobbler frequents the area. This may include tracks, wing or tail fan feathers, strut marks, scratchings, or droppings. Hunting in these areas or along food source areas increases the chances of seeing a turkey.
Another advantage of patterning a turkey is finding strutting areas. These areas are excellent for hunting. They may be found near field edges, agricultural or logging roads, or other open type terrain.
By patterning the turkey prior to hunting, one will have a good indication of where the turkeys will be headed. Set up in these areas and wait patiently for the gobbler to arrive. Use soft yelps, purrs, and clucks calling methods to entice the gobbler in.
A Look At Turkey Hunting
Often many new and some experienced hunters think that there is some big secret to turkey hunting. The reality is that there are basic tactics that anyone can follow to increase the odds of turkey hunting success.
Now this is not to say that by following the best tactics will guarantee a turkey. It does not. However, it does position the hunter to have a better chance. The turkey will have the final say in the matter and sometimes nothing that the hunter does will result in success. This is why it is called turkey hunting.
The basic tactics are fairly simple. Locate areas that have or are most likely to have turkeys at some point in time during the day. Set up in these areas and wait patiently for the turkey to arrive. This is turkey hunting in the simplest of forms.
Now obviously this is often not as easy as it sounds. The hunter must be willing to spend many hours in preparation. The hunter should have the ability to understand turkey habits, activities, and movement. The hunter gathers this information through scouting the area to be hunted. The more time spent preparing, the better chances of success.
The hunter then must be positioned in the best possible location to see the turkey. These areas include roosting trees, feeding and watering areas, strutting zones, dusting areas, and anywhere a hen may be found. These locations can only be found by spending time in the field observing the turkey or at least finding the turkey sign.
Another ingredient is the ability to call a turkey into a set up location. Although it is not necessary, most hunters prefer this method. This requires the hunter to become familiar with turkey sounds and then be able to mock these sounds through the use of a turkey call. This is also when patience, practice, perseverance, and a little luck come into play.
And there you have a look at turkey hunting. It is as simple as can be. Now obviously, all of this information can and should be broken down more thoroughly for each individual tactic. There are plenty of articles on our site that do this.
A Pie For Turkey Hunting
There are many tips and tactics that can be used for turkey hunting. But what does pie have to do with turkeys? To keep things on the humorous side, try eating or rather using, pie for turkey hunting success.
P.I.E. stands for patience, information, and execution. These are the fundamentals to becoming a skilled and successful turkey hunter.
Patience
One of the best qualities for any turkey hunter to have is patience. In the field, patience is needed to endure long days when the turkeys don’t want to cooperate. Patience is needed to persevere on those wet or windy days. Patience is needed in order to be persistent while on the hunt for that gobbler. Patience is needed to continue calling when the woods are quiet. Patience is needed to sit still and stay put when waiting for the gobbler on his final approach.
Information
There is a lot of information that can be used while hunting the wild turkey. This information is gathered by spending time in the woods scouting and observing turkey activity. Knowledge obtained through experience also provides helpful information. Learn how to hunt by becoming familiar with turkey habits and movement. Use this information to make good decisions on where to locate, where to set up, when and how to call, and when to make the shot.
Execution
Once knowledge is gathered, the hunter must then learn to execute proper tactics for turkey hunting. This begins with practice. The hunter must learn to use a variety of turkey calls. He must be proficient with the weapon to be used. The turkey hunter must be able to conceal himself in the woods. He must be able to endure the physical activity needed to roam the woods in search of a turkey. The hunter should be able to locate set up areas. He must be able to use calls to bring in the turkey. And finally, he must be able to make an accurate, clean, and ethical shot on the turkey.
So use a slice of pie to become a better turkey hunter. By doing so, one will come to understand that pie often equals success. Maybe it should have been P.I.E.S.
Turkey Hunting Safety
In any hunting situation, safety should be at the forefront of the hunter. Turkey hunting is no different. All hunters that plan on being in the woods should be familiar with and execute proper safety measures.
Weapon Safety
Regardless of the choice of weapon to be used, the hunter should always be experienced in how the weapon operates.
- The hunter should be proficient with the weapon and take advantage of any safety features.
- Always spend quality time practicing with the weapon prior to using it in the field.
- The hunter should never use a weapon that one is not familiar with. This also includes shells, arrows, bullets, and muzzle loading equipment.
Physical Safety
In most cases, turkey hunting can often be a very physical activity. The hunter frequently spends a lot of time on foot. For this reason, the hunter should be alert to physical safety health issues.
- Try to be in or get into proper physical shape prior to the turkey hunting season.
- Speak with a doctor about any health concerns prior to hunting.
- Always monitor any current health issues, such as diabetes, that may result in dangerous situations in the field.
- Start the day with a good breakfast and bring along extra food and water if planning to stay in the field for extended periods of time.
- Be extra careful while walking in areas that are sloped or inclined, crossing ditches, crossing fences, crossing water, or on uneven ground.
Personal Safety
There are also issues related to personal safety that the hunter should plan accordingly for.
- Always make others, such as family members or friends, aware of planned hunting events.
- Let someone know where the location of the hunt will take place.
- Leave your expected time of return.
- Having an emergency plan already setup in the event that the hunter does not return within a reasonable time period can also be helpful.
Clothing Safety
The hunter should also consider safety when dressing for the hunting event.
- Dress in full camouflage from head to toe.
- Make sure to cover the hands and the face.
- Wear dark colored socks and or tuck the pant legs into boots to prevent skin from being exposed.
- Never wear items of clothing that have the colors red, white, or blue. These are the predominant colors of the neck and head of a turkey.
Equipment Safety
Turkey hunters use a wide variety of equipment in the field. There are a few safety measures that can be used as a result.
- Although most items will usually come with a camouflage print or a dull finish, any equipment to be used that does not should be colored accordingly.
- A dark permanent marker can be used on small items when paint is not available.
- Although it is not necessary to have a camouflaged weapon, it should be at least be dull finished to prevent glare.
- Again, do not use or at least change the color of anything that has the same colors as a turkey neck and head.
Decoy Safety
The hunter should take safety precautions whenever using decoys in the field. It is easy to mistake a decoy for a real turkey.
- Place decoys in areas with a clear field of view.
- Try to position the decoys in a way that does not put the hunter in a direct line of fire. This is helpful should another hunter mistake the decoys for being real.
- When transporting the decoys, make sure they are carried in a vest or hunting bag and are completely covered and not sticking out.
Calling Safety
The need for safety when using turkey calls should also not be overlooked. Remember, the hunter is attempting to sound like a turkey and may be mistaken for one by other hunters.
- Keep a watchful eye out for other hunters in the area.
- Verbally identify yourself if approached by other hunters.
- Use extra caution if using turkey calls to make a gobble sound.
Public Land Safety
Because of the availability to all, it is important to use extra caution when hunting on public land.
- Whether required or not, it is helpful to use hunter orange hats or a vest while walking to and from hunting areas.
- If possible, make contact with other hunters parked in the same area. This way one can determine roughly where each hunter will be.
- Often it is possible to go deeper into the woods and avoid any conflicts with others.
- Make sure to be familiar with the area, or at least have a quality map to reduce the chances of getting lost.
After The Shot Safety
Many hunters prefer to run to and step on the harvested turkey neck and head after the shot. While this is fine, just remember to think safety. A mature turkey generally has sharp spurs that can cause damage.
- When carrying the turkey from the woods, place the turkey inside the hunting vest or inside a carrying bag. Make sure the turkey is completely concealed.
- Although commonly seen on television, it is best not to tote the turkey over the shoulder.
General Safety Rules
There are also general safety rules that should be followed while turkey hunting.
- Always identify and know what one is shooting at before taking the shot.
- Never shoot at any movement in brush.
- If other hunters approach your setup area, call out to them to let them know of your location.
- Use common sense and never take unnecessary chances.
Emergency Safety
Although rare, there may come a time when the hunter finds himself injured or lost in the woods.
- Carry a small first aid kit for minor injuries.
- Carry a loud whistle so others will be able to find you.
- Carry a cell phone to call for help.
- Carry a good map of the area and keep track of your location throughout the day.
- If injured or lost, it is best to stay put in one location and use the whistle and cell phone to aid others in finding you.
Safety Gear
- Whistle
- First Aid Kit
- Food and Water
- Cell Phone
- Sharp Hunting Knife
- Flashlight with fresh batteries.
- Maps
- Compass
- Bug Spray
When it comes to safety, it is always better to be more cautious than less cautious. Never assume anything and don’t take unnecessary chances. When in doubt, remember safety first.
Turkey Hunting And Turkey Talk
An important skill involved in turkey hunting is the ability of the hunter to learn the wild turkey vocabulary. This knowledge allows the hunter to imitate the turkey sounds in an attempt at luring in a gobbler.
Turkey vocabulary from a hunting point of view revolves around each sound that the turkey makes, understanding what the sounds mean, and how to use this information in the field.
Although there are many turkey sounds, the below list is the most commonly heard. Some of the sounds, such as the yelp, have different variations.
Turkey Sounds
- cluck
- purr
- yelp
- cutt
- cackle
- putt
- gobble
To listen to how these sounds are made by real turkeys, live wild turkey sounds at the NWTF.org.
Understanding Turkey Sounds
Turkeys, for the most part, make noise almost constantly under relaxed conditions. The purr and cluck are used to show contentment.
The yelp is used in different situations such as while on the roost, when attempting to locate other turkeys, during the breeding season as an attractant for gobblers, or while tending to daily activities.
The cutt is a more explosive and excited sound. Although not exclusive to the breeding period, it is used by hens during this time to draw attention from gobblers.
The cackle is used as the hens fly up to and down from their roosting tree.
The putt is used as an alarm call to acknowledge some form of danger.
The gobble is often heard during the spring in response to sounds made by the hen.
How To Use Turkey Sounds
Turkey calls can be used to make the sounds of a turkey. This requires the hunter to become proficient with the call.
In most cases, learning when to call and what sound to make is more important than sounding perfect.
This knowledge will allow the turkey hunter an increased chance at being successful in the hunting field.
Deer Hunting-Why Deer Move
There are many tactics that can be used throughout the deer hunting season. The foundation of these tactics revolve around deer movement. To be successful, the hunter should strive to understand reasons why deer move.
Food
The number one and must consistent reason for deer movement is food. Deer need to replenish their food throughout the day.
This requires the deer to search out the available food sources. These food sources will change as the season progresses resulting in changing deer movement patterns.
As long as the food is plentiful, deer will travel relatively short distances. However, during periods with less available food, deer will travel longer distances.
Breeding Period
The breeding period also brings deer movement. For the does, they will be on the move avoiding the bucks until they are ready to be bred.
For the bucks, they will be actively searching for the first doe to come into estrus.
Depending upon the doe to buck population, the bucks may expand their normal home range.
Regardless, the bucks will generally spend more time on the move than any other time of the year.
Pressure
The pressure that deer have to endure also affects how deer move. Generally, the more pressure, the less the deer will move.
There are predator animals that hinder deer movement. However, human pressure normally has a higher impact on deer.
Deer will often keep daylight activities to a minimum in heavily pressured areas. They will spend more time moving after dark.
Weather
The weather can also play a factor in how and when deer move. Extreme temperatures, whether high or low, can reduce movement.
Heavy rain or snow storms normally result in the deer not moving.
Strong winds make deer skittish. Winds mixed with low temperatures can be hard on deer. Under severe conditions, deer will move less frequently awaiting a break in the weather.
These are just a few factors as to why deer do or do not move. Although there are others, these are primary reasons. By understanding these factors, the hunter can prepare accordingly, resulting in better success.
Turkey Hunting After Fly Down
Once gobblers fly down from the roost the real challenge for the hunter begins. Sometimes the hunter is in a good enough position to call the turkey in.
However, there are many times that the hunter will have to go and locate the gobbler as the day progresses.
One approach to hunting after fly down is to slowly move through the woods or around open areas while stopping often to scan the area. A good pair of binoculars is required.
Use the terrain for concealment. Avoid walking in wide open areas. Thoroughly scan the areas before proceeding forward.
Usually its a good idea to move in fifty yards or so increments. This reduces the chances of being busted by the turkeys.
It is also a good idea to be familiar with the terrain and to know the areas in which the turkeys are most likely to be.
Generally agricultural fields or other food source locations are good choices. Also strutting zones and watering holes can be other choices.
Once the turkeys have been located, try to find a good setup area and begin working with a turkey call.
Another approach to finding after fly down gobblers is by using locator calls. An owl hooter or crow call can be effective but there are many other locator calls that may work as well.
Whenever possible, try to move along ridge tops or other high ground areas. This will provide the best positions for the call sounds to carry further and allow for better hearing as well.
Again being familiar with the property will help both with cover as well as being able to pick good setup areas once the gobbler is located.
Again move slowly as not to be detected. Usually moving 100-200 yards at a time, then stopping to call, will be appropriate.
Hit the locator call a few times and listen for a response gobble. If no response occurs after a few minutes of calling, move on.
If the gobbler does respond, slowly move towards him. Get positioned in a good setup location within 100 yards or so.
Once setup, switch to a hen turkey call and begin working the gobbler. This may bring the gobbler in either gobbling or silently so be patient.
Regardless of which approach is used to locate turkeys, there will always be different variables to any turkey hunting situation. Experiment and be patient to see what works best.
