Tip 1: Find the birds before you hunt:
To effectively roost a turkey and plan a successful hunt, it’s critical to identify the area where the turkey’s have settled for the night. Finding birds in the afternoon and watching them roost can be the most successful way to tag one in the morning.
For your pre-dawn setup:
- Determine the most accessible route to your setup in the darkness of early morning.
- Select the exact tree you intend to use for cover and where you’ll position yourself, or a good spot for a blind.
- Anticipate the direction the turkey is likely to fly down from the roost.
- Evaluate the terrain to discern where the bird is unlikely to go.
Remember, a strategic approach the night before lays the groundwork for a successful morning hunt.
Tip 2: Don’t sleep in:
The goal is to be nestled silently in the predawn darkness, well-positioned and ready at least a half-hour before the turkeys commence their morning calls—be it the clucking of the hens or the gobble of the males. This early arrival allows the natural environment to return to its tranquil state after you intrusion into their roosting territory.
Arriving ahead of schedule also affords me the luxury of executing a backup plan (Plan B), should any unexpected obstacles arise before you settle in. Another benefit of this preemptive approach is gaining the edge over any competitors; securing the optimal spot before other hunters arrive can significantly enhance the hunt’s success. Commitment to an early start is a strategy I recommend—it’s a choice that invariably plays to your advantage.
Tip 3: The more calls, the better:
We all have our favorite call but sometimes to attract those elusive gobblers, it’s advantageous to possess an assortment of diaphragms, slates, and box calls in your turkey calling arsenal. Different season and different birds sometimes have preference for a particular type of call. Being unprepared and without the correct call can be immensely frustrating and may lessen your chances of success. Don’t be afraid to gobble.
Tip 4: Make yourself hard to get:
Entice the turkey with a call, but then go silent. Often, the most effective strategy is to ignite their curiosity with a few calls and then go quiet. Allowing the turkey to gobble twice before each of your subsequent calls can be a persuasive tactic. This approach can provoke a great response, leading them directly to you. Although there’s a chance the turkey may lose interest and depart if you cease calling, those that have been sufficiently intrigued will continue on their path toward you. Patience is key; this technique is perhaps the most valuable lessons.
Tip 5: The right decoys:
To enhance your turkey hunting success, proper decoy placement is critical. Try different setups. Start by setting up your turkey decoys at a 45-degree angle to your position, anticipating the gobbler’s approach from the opposite direction. When used strategically, decoys are an invaluable tool in luring gobblers closer. Conversely, misplaced decoys may deter them from your desired location.
Once a birds coming in, silence and stillness are essential. The bird will be searching for the source of the call—your movement or noise can easily spook it. Once the gobbler sees the decoys and shifts its attention towards them, patience will reward you!
The right decoys help. The more realistic the better, if one setup doesn’t work don’t be afraid to try a different setup. If you starting with new decoys, my go to: A Jake and a hand.
