Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

Turkey Hunting Tips:  Most experienced turkey hunters have had the pleasure and excitement of arriving before dawn, setting up in a good location, calling and getting a gobbler to respond. At times like this, the gobbler gets fired up and practically comes running in making for a short but successful hunt. There are however, many more situations, when the turkeys just don’t respond. The following is a few techniques that can be used on tough hunting days.

Technique One: The Challenge

One approach that can be used is to challenge the boss hen. This is assuming of course that the turkeys have been located, but refuse to come to normal calling attempts. The goal is to get the boss hen all fired up, making her want to locate her challenger. This is done by aggressively calling repeatedly to the flock. The idea being that the boss hen will bring the flock with her when she searches for this overly aggressive hen.

Technique Two: Be Patient 

Another approach is to locate the flock and softly call to them using only purrs and clucks. The hunter must be patient to convey calmness and contentment. Often this will bring in the hens with gobblers soon to follow. This technique will require the hunter to move along with the flock if the first set up doesn’t work. Try to get close to the flock without being detected.

Technique Three: Leave 

Another approach is to leave the area for awhile and come back later in the day. Often, turkeys that don’t respond well first thing in the morning may respond as the day goes on. If the first set up or two fails to gather results, stop calling and move to a different hunting location. The idea is to continue moving until a responsive turkey is found.

Technique Four: Get Ahead 

Another approach is to get ahead of the turkeys and wait for them to come in close before calling to them. This will require prior knowledge of the terrain and turkey habits. If the hunter has an idea of where the turkeys go throughout the day, set up in those areas could be effective. For this approach to work, the hunter must have scouted the area and be familiar with movement patterns.

Try some of these turkey hunting tips on days when turkeys don’t respond to normal set up tactics. They may allow for a better chance at success.