Switching Gears and Talking Turkey
By Marina Childress
Deer season came to an end, shed season has begun in most places, the weather is turning warmer and the woods are getting greener.
So, you know what that means?
It’s officially that time of the year when longbeards start gobbling and strutting. It’s turkey season!
To me, when the season rolls around it’s the most addicting and exciting thing ever. I love nothing more than being in the turkey woods on a cool spring morning and hearing one gobbling his head off. It’s exhilarating — there’s not a feeling that compares.
Turkey hunting can be challenging, but the rewards are more than worth the effort .So let’s get down to the basics of what you need to make your turkey season a great one!
DON’T LET A BIRD OUTSMART YOU
Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or a seasoned hunter, the number one important thing is to remember when hunting this beautiful wild bird is how intelligent they are.
With eyes are sharp as a hawk, they are keen on noticing anything out of place in their surroundings. Thank goodness they don’t have a strong sense, or they'd be close to impossible to beat. Along with good eyesight, turkeys also have excellent hearing. Minimize any noise, especially when walking or setting up. Approach your hunting spot with care to avoid spooking birds. Being quiet and stealthy is your ticket to success.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT GEAR
Wear head-to-toe camouflage that matches the environment and terrain. Turkeys are highly sensitive to movement, so staying concealed is crucial and can make or break your hunt.
Also, keep in mind the climate and weather conditions for that day. Is it hot? Cold? Or wet? Investing in a good turkey vest is another great addition to your gear. Vests are great for storing calls, binos, bug repellent and shotgun shells for those run-and-gun moments.
Calling is another key to turkey hunting. You can luck into a bird now and then with good woodsmanship skills, but at least half the fun of turkey hunting is calling and hearing a gobbler answer back.
Learn how to use turkey calls effectively. Slate and box calls are great for beginners. Mouth calls take more effort to master, but they allow you to keep your hands free. Learning the different turkey vocalizations and understand their sounds, including gobbles, yelps, clucks and purrs. Matching the right type of call to what the turkeys are doing — or want to hear on a given day — is another key.
FROM ROOSTED TO ROASTED
Before heading out, spend some time scouting. Look for sign like tracks, droppings, feathers and dusting areas. Turkeys are one of the few animals that you can tell a male from a female by looking at their scat.
Identify where turkeys are roosting and where they are feeding. My absolute favorite thing to do during turkey season is putting turkeys to bed. Hearing them fly up or hearing one gobble on a limb where you know he’s staying for the night is the most exciting feeling. It's fun to have those high hopes that the morning will be successful, and it reminds me of being a kid on Christmas Eve.
THE EARLY HUNTER GETS THE BIRD
Turkeys are typically most active early in the morning. Get to your hunting spot before daylight to get set up near where turkeys roost. As the sun starts to rise and you hear that long beard all fired up, it’s time to break out your calls and convince that bird you're the greatest thing since sliced bread.
THE SETUP
It’s important to be set up properly, whether you lean up against a tree or in a low-profile, foldable chair. Make sure you're concealed but still have enough space to make a clean shot.
If you use decoys, place them in an area that’s easily accessible and within comfortable shooting range.
TAKE THE SHOT
The adrenaline rush you get when a gobbler comes in hot, spitting and drumming and putting on a show, is what turkey hunting is all about. I like to enjoy the moment and watch the bird work before I take a shot. Of course every hunt is different, and sometimes you don't have a lot of time to be a spectator, but definitely enjoy those moments when you can.
One of the most common turkey hunting mistakes is taking a shot when the bird is still too far away. Make sure it's within range — 20 to 30 yards is ideal — and aim for the base of the neck. Don't get caught up in the hype about new turkey ammo being good out to 50 yards and beyond. I'd much rather wait for a clean, ethical shot on another day than to wound a big bird, or further educate an already smart old tom.
There’s no greater feeling than having a successful hunt and carrying a turkey out of the woods. Turkey hunting can have its challenges just like anything else you choose to hunt, but having fun, staying safe and enjoying the action is what it’s all about.
Happy turkey season!