Tony Scavo Posted April 12, 2007 Report Share Posted April 12, 2007 Ways to identify a top-notch turkey-hunting spot and avoid making rookie mistakes. Plenty of things can go wrong during a spring turkey hunt. Some are avoidable, some aren't. We can't control the actions of a turkey, no matter how good we call. HUNT THE ROOST The first thing you must consider is the turkey's position and likely fly-down spot, as well as the terrain and density of the vegetation. The distance from your calling site to the roosted bird can vary anywhere from 100 to 300 or more yards. CALL SMART Before determining your calling location, scout the area and identify any obstacles to turkeys, such as a fence, a small creek, a gully, an irrigation ditch or other breaks in the terrain. BUILD A BLIND A blind might help if you're in sparsely vegetated country, such as at the edge of a field. Pile brush and branches loosely, but make sure your view isn't obstructed. Natural foliage is the best blind material. PICK YOUR SPOT Place yourself in or near whatever vegetation is available. If possible, sit in front of a tree to block your outline. Don't sit where there's a small sapling or branch that prevents you from swinging your gun or bow, crossbow freely from side to side. READY YOUR GUN, BOW, OR CROSSBOW Position your gun, bow, crossbow where you can raise it easily, with no jerky movements. STAY COMFORTABLE Use a seat. Many turkey vests come with one attached ( i own such a vest ). I like a collapsible, lightweight aluminum stool with a webbed seat. Cut away any pesky branches or vines that might touch you as you move. FIND YOUR RANGE Pick out objects that are 30 yards away to help you range the bird. I tend to overestimate, thinking the gobbler is father away that it is. Use a range finder ( i do ) or actually pace off the distance to trees and stumps around your position and make a metal note of these points. CAMO UP Conceal anything that might give away your presence. Be sure your wristwatch is not showing. Wear camo from your nose to your toes. A hat, face mask, shirt, pants and gloves are mandatory. MAKE THE SHOT Practise, practise, practise you might do everything according by the book, but mess up when the bird appears as you prepare for the shot. Always have the gun up and at your shoulder before the gobbler moves within range. If you're caught off guard, raise the gun only when the bird walks behind a tree or brush or turns away from you while strutting. These tips will not guarantee you a turkey! But you will be prepared when your bird appears. Good luck to my fellow turkey hunter's i hope this information helps you this year out in the field. Have a safe and successful season. T>Scavo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Andrews Posted April 12, 2007 Report Share Posted April 12, 2007 Good write up Tony. You'll have Joes job when he's done with it Couple more tips (for any game) from a guy who's never bagged a bird. Your blind: If home made be sure you have a clear firing lane. A nearby branch will not appear in your field of view when lining up your shot. Shoot through screens are ideal and safer than brush. Range: If your spot is already picked then go place marker tape now so the birds or whatever your hunting are used to it come time to hunt. Camo: Some game pick up on different things. Site is a specific for turkeys but remember scent and sound. Leave the aftershave in the cupboard and consider scent blockers. Also flannel will not alarm game when reaching for that turkey jerky. Consider your clothing choice for those wind free mornings. Don't eat chili the night before unless your hunting boar Location: Don't look for them where you see them today. These turkeys are smarter than the ones on this board. The OFAH Wild Turkey Seminar is being held at the Holiday Inn in St Catharines (North service Rd) on April 21st. There will be plenty of merchandise available. Visit ofah.org for remaining dates (Toronto) if your interested. Click the picture for the redneck video. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Scavo Posted April 15, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2007 Good write up Tony. You'll have Joes job when he's done with it Couple more tips (for any game) from a guy who's never bagged a bird. Your blind: If home made be sure you have a clear firing lane. A nearby branch will not appear in your field of view when lining up your shot. Shoot through screens are ideal and safer than brush. Range: If your spot is already picked then go place marker tape now so the birds or whatever your hunting are used to it come time to hunt. Camo: Some game pick up on different things. Site is a specific for turkeys but remember scent and sound. Leave the aftershave in the cupboard and consider scent blockers. Also flannel will not alarm game when reaching for that turkey jerky. Consider your clothing choice for those wind free mornings. Don't eat chili the night before unless your hunting boar Location: Don't look for them where you see them today. These turkeys are smarter than the ones on this board. The OFAH Wild Turkey Seminar is being held at the Holiday Inn in St Catharines (North service Rd) on April 21st. There will be plenty of merchandise available. Visit ofah.org for remaining dates (Toronto) if your interested. Click the picture for the redneck video. Very well said chilli but you can use as much aftershave as you want when turkey hunting they can't smell ya !! ! T>Scavo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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