Hunting Hung-up Gobblers
Turkey hunting at times can be super exciting. There are days when you can set-up close to a roosting area, hit a few notes from your favorite turkey call, and have a gobbler come running in. But there are also those times that gobblers seem to get hung-up before making it into a set-up location.
There could be several reasons as to why gobblers don’t make it all the way. There could be some type of barrier that they don’t want to cross. The gobbler may be with hens and not willing to leave them. There is also the more natural reason which is that in nature, hens go to gobblers. A gobbler will move in the direction of hens only to gobble and strut as to lure them to him.
There are different tactics that can be used in an attempt to get close enough to a gobbler for a shot. There is no perfect plan that works every time. However, occasionally we can have a successful hunt. The only thing one can do is experiment.
One idea for hung-up gobblers is to stand up and slowly start walking away from the gobbler. Continue calling and move away 50-100 yards. Then set-up again and see if the gobbler will move a little closer. This will sometimes make the gobbler relocate as well. Although they may not come the entire distance, they may move closer to your original position. If this happens, sneak back obviously without being detected.
Another idea is to stop calling and try to circle around the right side of the gobbler. If possible, try to relocate in an area where the gobbler has already passed. This will give the illusion that the hen is trying to locate him. Many times a gobbler will back track in an area that he has already gone through quicker than an area that he has not. Once you’ve circled around, start calling again.
The next idea is to only cluck and purr. This gives the illusion that the hen is content where she is at. Ruffle a few leaves here and there as a sign of scratching. Use two different types of calls to make it seem like more than one hen. Sometimes this will bring the gobbler on in.
The final idea to try is to stop calling all together. This will then become a patience hunt. For some reason being quiet has been known to work. I can’t explain why this is. But I have had gobblers walk into set-ups after I have stopped calling. This usually results from trying to figure out my next plan of action. Meanwhile the turkey walks in unannounced to my surprise. So if you try this, always be alert.
These turkey hunting tips may give you a few tactics to try on that old wise gobbler the next time he gets hung-up. Be safe and good luck.
Other Helpful Articles: Turkey Hunting Tips
10 Turkey Calling Tips
Turkey Hunting Tips: There are many situations that can occur while turkey hunting that require the hunter to experiment with different calling tactics. Although there is not an official blueprint on calling turkeys, the hunter can use a variety of turkey calling tips to help bring a gobbler into a set up location.
Ten Turkey Calling Tips:
Tip 1: To start off at the beginning of the day, use soft yelps and clucks to see if nearby gobblers will respond. If they do, continue this style of calling until the gobbler makes his way in. Try three to five soft clucks followed by five to seven soft yelps. Don’t over call as this may send turkeys away.
Tip 2: If the gobbler is coming in to soft yelps and clucks but hangs up, add in a few cutting or cackling calls to the sequence. This will often get the gobbler fired up and excited enough to come the rest of the way in.
Tip 3: When gobblers hang up just outside of range, try using clucks and purrs instead of yelps. This is a sign of contentment and will often bring the gobbler the final way in.
Tip 4: When gobblers refuse to come all the way into a set up location, stop calling for a few minutes. Relocate to the left or right of the gobbler, change calls, and try calling again. Often changing up a little will result in the gobbler having a better response.
Tip 5: When starting a calling sequence, face away from the direction in which the turkeys are anticipated to come from. This gives the impression of being farther away, which will help in disguising the hunters exact location.
Tip 6: Try using two calls at the same time to fire up stubborn gobblers. A box or friction call mixed with a diaphragm call for example, will give the impression of two hens instead of just one.
Tip 7: When hunting close to roosting trees, try to use soft yelps and clucks. Loud or aggressive calling that are close to turkeys often will send them away instead of bringing them in.
Tip 8: When hunting henned up gobblers, try to follow along close to the flock without being detected. Use soft clucks and purrs. This may bring the flock into range. If this fails, try to circle around and get ahead of the turkeys. Then start the clucks and purrs calling again.
Tip 9: If the gobbler is coming to turkey calls, often it is best to stop calling once the gobblers gets within fifty yards or so. However, if the gobbler refuses to come any further, start calling again using soft clucks.
Tip 10: The most important turkey calling tip is to practice and become proficient with turkey calling techniques. Learn to use various types of calls. There are many available such as mouth diaphragm calls, box calls, friction calls, and others. There are many instructional DVDs to help with learning.
So use these turkey hunting tips to become a better turkey hunter and increase the chances for success.
Turkey Hunting Tactics
The wild turkey is known for its ability to out maneuver hunters. They are very cautious and methodical birds. Trying to lure a gobbler in during turkey season has been the demise of many hunters. Even the pros will tell you that turkeys are a very challenging opponent. Changing tactics and techniques from time to time could give the hunter a better chance at success.
Survival
Old gobblers didn’t grow old by being dumb. They are very adapted for survival. They use their exceptional hearing and eyesight to their advantage in out smarting predators including hunters. They often respond to calling briefly only to go the other direction when the hunter sets up on them. A gobbler likes to circle around yelping hens, or hunters using turkey calls, trying to get a visual prior to presenting itself.
Ever had a gobbler come into view, then suddenly turn and run the other way. Or have one gobbling his head off and then go silent never to be heard again. Turkeys are very effective at using various tools of the trade to live long healthy lives. Trying different techniques could make for a better result.
Calling
To start, change the turkey call several times after setting up. Try different mouth calls, friction calls, or box calls. Give gobblers a variety to choose from. Many gobblers will respond to multiple calls due to the fact that it sounds like more than one hen searching for the gobbler’s attention. This excites them causing them to come in close. Also try changing the tones of the calls. If one of the calls gets a response, continue using it.
Decoys
Try using decoys to attract the attention of leery gobblers. They come in many forms and are light weight for carrying. The use of decoys many times will bring a gobbler in. This is simply because they appear life like and add good visual effects. Two hens and a jake decoy sometimes works well. Just remember that not all turkeys will respond to decoys.
Strutting
Next, try to find areas where gobblers like to strut. They can be found near soft sandy or dirt areas, near field edges, or along ridge tops. Look for turkey tracks and skid marks. These strutting areas are often used regularly by gobblers. This is a comfort zone that can be used to the hunters advantage.
Roosting
During the evenings, stay late enough to locate a roosting area. Gobblers go to these areas an hour or so before dark. Listen for fly ups or gobbles indicating the approximate location of the roost. Using an owl or crow call late in the evening sometimes causes gobblers to gobble while on the roost. Then the next morning come back and set up on him at daybreak.
Out smarting an old gobbler certainly can be challenging. Try using some of these turkey hunting tips next time and see if they make a difference in the field.
Turkey Hunting Calling Tips
Turkey Hunting: With turkey season upon us once again I thought it would be refreshing to give a few turkey hunting calling tips. Anytime that you enter the woods it is good to remember that turkey hunting situations are always different. There is never an exact science or perfect way to call a turkey every time you hunt. Being able to adapt and change calling techniques is important. The following is one scenario.
Locator Call: To start with most hunters begin their hunt just before daybreak by using some type of locator’s call. These calls, such as the owl call, are used to get a turkey to gobble while still sitting on the roost. This way the hunter can find the gobbler’s position and move in on him just as the sun rises before the gobbler flies down from the roost. The trick is to use the call just enough to gain an advantage without over saturation so as not to spook the gobbler.
Setup Area: Once you set up in the area where you want to hunt, usually within one hundred fifty yards of a roosted gobbler, then you can continue your turkey calling. There are a wide selection of turkey calls available, find the one’s that you are comfortable with and can use properly. Whether it’s a box call, friction call, mouth call or some other, make sure you practice before hunting.
Begin Calling: I generally start off with soft yelps and clucks. The gobbler will be able to hear you at that distance no matter how soft you call. If interested, he may answer with more gobbles or simply fly down from his roost in your direction. If the gobbler responds but stays in the tree, be patient and try your call again in about ten minutes. Don’t over call, as this may cause a cautious gobbler to become leery resulting in him leaving the area. Listen for the sounds of wings flapping upon fly down.
After Fly Down: When the gobbler does decide to fly down, make a few more soft yelps and clucks. Pause for a few minutes and call again. Usually an interested gobbler will come towards you during this time. Just remember that he may circle around you first before making an appearance. If this happens, remain patient, but make sure you can reposition yourself if he comes in from behind you. Wise gobblers often use this approach. Once you feel he is coming in stop calling.
Gobbler Hang Ups: Sometimes turkeys will come towards you but not come into eye sight. Often they will begin moving in a side to side or back and forth direction. They move left or right for forty or fifty yards then back the opposite direction. Or they may move towards you and then away from you. This is normal turkey behavior. The gobbler is waiting for his hen to approach him. Don’t fall for this, stay put.
If this happens, try increasing the volume and number of yelps and clucks briefly. This may bring him right in on top of you. If the gobbler refuses to respond to this approach, stop calling altogether. Many times this will make the gobbler curious enough to move towards you. Remember that this is a courtship between you and the gobbler. You have to win his trust.
Hopefully with a little luck you will have success. So try these turkey calling tips the next time you go hunting.
Related: Turkey Hunting Tips
Early Rise For Turkey Success
Turkey Hunting Tip:
Get out early before sunrise for turkey success. Be at your planned hunting location and try a few owl hoots to see if you can locate a gobbler. Gobblers will respond to these types of calls from time to time if this approach is not over used. They will gobble while still sitting on the roost. If you are able to get a response, try to make your way as close to the gobbler as you can just before sunrise. Usually within one hundred yards is safe without spooking the bird. As the sun comes up, start your calling using your turkey calls to let the gobbler know of your location. This way you give yourself a better chance at being successful if the gobbler is interested.
Determine Turkey Movement By Scratchings.
Turkey Hunting Tip:
The wild turkey searches for food by raking back leaves and other debris found on the ground. This “scratching” is used to uncover insects, nuts, and other food varieties. As a turkey walks, it leaves those scratchings behind. You can determine the direction of the turkey movement by paying attention to these signs. If there is an abundance of scratching sign in an area, keep an eye out as turkeys may frequent the area on a daily basis. This will help you better pattern them for success.
Turkey Hunting Variables
There are a lot of variables involved when it comes to turkey hunting success. Many factors can make or break a hunt. There are changing weather conditions, there is added hunting pressure, whether or not the turkeys will even respond to calling. All these and more make turkey hunting challenging.
The turkey hunter’s goal is to try and seduce an old tom with a variety of calls. This sounds relatively simple in terms of the idea. Execution however is another story in itself. When going up against a wise old gobbler, every situation is different. Just getting a gobbler to respond to calls can be difficult. And if he does respond, getting him to come in close enough for a shot is a task in itself.
The weather during the spring time can play a major role during turkey season. The temperatures fluctuate from warm one day to cold the next. There are seasonal rain showers as well as those wonderful windy days when you can’t hear yourself call much less hear any response from a gobbler. These changing weather patterns make every day in the turkey woods an adventure.
Then there is the added pressure of more hunters in the woods. Turkey hunting has become a favorite of many outdoors men. This in itself is great for the sport, however for the individual, this sometimes can make hunting more difficult. If you are one of the many hunters that use public hunting grounds, you know how much pressure can be put on turkeys. The turkeys will often times become even more reclusive than they already are.
A good way to try and even up the odds a bit on these variables is to use good scouting and hunting techniques to better prepare yourself for a more productive hunt. Learn the area where you will be hunting. Get out before the season starts and pay attention to turkey signs in the woods. Find roosting areas, scratching food source areas, tracks, droppings, and strutting areas. Locating turkey signs will help you learn the patterns of the turkeys that you are hunting.
Once the season starts, knowing where these turkey signs are will better your chances for success. This is where your plan of action comes into play. Use your findings from scouting to better position yourself to locate the turkeys and increase your odds for a successful hunting experience.
Turkeys Can Hear Too.
Turkey Hunting Tip:
The wild turkey is famous for having good eyesight. But don’t forget that the turkey also has great hearing. As a turkey hunter you should always be aware of the sounds you make as you are walking and sitting. If you walk through dry leaves searching for gobblers, make sure you walk as quietly as possible. While sitting, the same is true, any movement that makes noise can be detected by the elusive bird. Remember, the turkey can hear a soft cluck from hundreds of yards away so any noise you make needs to be kept to a minimum.
I have had gobblers from a distance respond to the slightest of calls. Sometimes when I have least expected as I was just attempting to quietly test the call. As a matter of fact I have had pretty good success calling turkeys while intentionally making each call sound as quiet as I could. You may find that being quiet will work towards your advantage for a successful hunt. So take this turkey hunting tip with you the next time you go into the woods. Don’t over look the turkeys keen hearing ability.
Practice Your Turkey Calling
Turkey Hunting Tip:
The day before turkey season is not the time to begin practicing your turkey calling techniques. For best results you should make it a habit of practicing all year long. At the very least, you should start several months before the season starts. You should learn how to make a variety of sounds with the calls from clucks to yelps. You should also learn to change the tones and the pitches of your calls.
There are several types of turkey calls available on the market. Three of the more popular are the mouth diaphragm call, slate call, and box call. Any of these calls can be used with a little practice.
The box call is probably the easiest of the calls to master. They produce sound by moving a striker arm over the edge of the box frame. There are many varieties of box calls from two handed versions to single handed push pull type calls. These calls are good for long range calling.
The slate call is another turkey call that is fairly simple to master. These are generally a round case with some type of slate on top. They use a pencil type peg to scratch the slate surface as to produce sounds. These two handed calls are better for medium to shorter calling distances.
The diaphragm mouth call is probably the hardest to master. They are a small horse shoe shaped metal covered with latex. They fit into the roof of your mouth. They produce sound by blowing air across the latex. These calls are probably the best all around once you learn how to use them correctly.
If possible learn to use different styles of these calls. There are a wide selection of turkey calling DVDs available to help you learn. Being able to do this will greatly increase your chances for success.
Turkey Hunting Preparation
Anyone that has ever spent any time in the woods turkey hunting knows that luck and a variety of circumstances play a major role in success or failure. Unfortunately, not everything can be prepared for. You can however plan how you will go about preparing for the things that you can control.
There are many factors involved in preparation. Your experience in the woods and knowledge of the land that you hunt is important. One of the important, if not the most important factors is knowing or finding out where the turkeys are located. You have to hunt where the turkey is to be successful. This may sound like common sense but too many times I have heard stories of hunters walking into an area that is not known for turkeys and then wondering why they are never successful.
The only way to locate turkeys is by scouting. You have to put time in the field. Although turkeys can at times be patterned, they are a very cautious bird that will change up on you at a moments notice. That’s why you must be willing to put forth an extra effort if you want to be successful.
There is a lot of walking around involved in scouting and in the actual hunt itself. You need to be in as good a shape as you can. If you hunt in mountain terrain as I do, you know how tough walking up and down hill tops all day can be. If you are not in good physical condition, you are asking for a long day that will dampen your spirits.
Once you have scouted and located your birds, then you need to prepare for the hunt itself. You need to use a good concealment camouflage over your entire body with no skin or bright colors showing. This includes your hands and face. Turkeys have very good eyesight and will pick you out if you are slacking in this area. Turkeys are very familiar with the area in which they live so you have to be able to blend in as not to alert them.
You need to be well versed in the use of an assortment of turkey calls. There are a wide selection on the market today. Hand held calls such as slate calls and box calls as well as diaphragm mouth calls are popular. If possible you need to learn how to use a variety of them. They each have their own unique sound. Watch your favorite hunting show or buy a how to call DVD to help you.
You also need to be proficient with your choice of weapons. No matter how good a caller you are, if you get the turkey in range then you have to be able to make an accurate shot for success. The only way to make this happen is by practicing on a regular basis. Don’t take this for granted. A turkey is not an easy target.
Finally, you need to learn to be patient. There will be days when you will feel that the turkeys have packed up and left the country. If you have done your proper scouting, it’s just a matter of time before success happens. I don’t know how many times I have hunted all day and just when I was about to conclude my hunt, the sound of an eager gobbler has changed my mind.
