Bagging a big buck is tough, yet hoisting a mature gobbler over your shoulder can be even more challenging.
Wild turkeys can see color, catch the slightest movement and can hear you walking in the fall leaves. Since they often travel in bachelor groups, you must fool multiple eyes that work like radar. Thank goodness they can’t smell!
With fresh leaves falling, gobbler scratching can be quickly covered, and locating a flock of these elusive birds can be tough. However, trail cameras can help. In what is normally the domain of the deer hunter, turkeys and deer often travel, feeding on some of the same foods, such as acorns and soft mast.
These pictures were taken along a narrow woodland corridor where turnips were planted in September. Unfortunately, a lack of rain ruined the crop, yet the fresh green vegetation attracts deer and turkeys. Once you’ve located a flock of gobblers, use these tips to score.
- Be in the woods before daylight. Turkeys can be noisy on the roost and fall toms sometimes gobble, allowing you to get a fix on their location
- Use a gobbler calling box and call slowly and sparingly. A gobble may help as well.
- Be patient. Note that this flock of turkeys travels this route around 10:00 in the morning.
- Unlike deer, turkeys seem to keep a rotating schedule, visiting the same area about every three days.
- Finally, use all of your camouflage and patience skills. Know the yardage and be sure you have that red head lined up before shooting.
Good luck!
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