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Spend as
much time as possible scouting. The earlier you can
start keeping an eye on them the better off you may
be. |
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Don't
get your hopes up "courting" that big tom
you see in the corn field every morning on your way to
work. Chances are that you're not the only one
drooling over him. Don't be afraid to take a morning
and try your luck but more often than not, the
"visible" bird is hunted more frequently.
Most will either talk, talk, talk, or do just the
opposite. Nothing. |
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Put your
bird to bed. No, not your children, your bird.
Roosting him the night before will help your plan of
attack for the next morning. Don't assume that he uses
the same roost every night. You might get an unwelcome
surprise when he flies out of the tree 75 yards behind
you instead of the one 60 yards in front of you. Even
if he was in the same tree every night for three days. |
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Get
there early. 1-2 hours before first light so you can
get close enough without spooking him. |
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Don't
call too much. I'm sure you have never heard your
mother say that but a big gobbler is a different
story. The instant you let out that first yelp he knows
exactly where you are. If he has other hens with him
he may only gobble once, twice, or not at all. |
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"And
remember, turkeys don't wear watches. Just because you
only have a couple of hours to hunt doesn't mean a
thing to them; they have all day. Lots of hunters lose
patience when a tom shuts up just after fly-down. Too
many decide the birds are gone and get up to hunt
somewhere else, only to scare off a flock slowly
moving in." - Jim Maturen, Founder of the Pere
Marquette Chapter. |
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Argue
with the women. Meaning- talk to the hens. If you know
the tom is with hens and he seems just content with
them make HER mad. A series of sharp cackles, or
clucks should do the trick. If she feels there is
competition she will investigate. Normally the tom
will lag behind. NOTE: Never try to sneak up on a hen.
There is a possibility it's another hunter. Even if
you are on private property. Think Safety First! |
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Remember
the three P's-Preseason scouting, Patience and
Persistence. |
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