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.
