Calling all Turkey Hunters

[down2hunt]

Well, it's almost turkey hunting season and I'm getting excited. I've only had the opportunity to go turkey hunting about 4 times and I've never got a turkey. I wouldn't call myself a "turkey hunter", but I'm trying to learn. I know I'm going to get to go at least 3 times this year and I want this to be the first year I get a turkey (with a bow).

So I'm looking for advice on what it takes to be a successful turkey hunter. Here's my scenario:

A buddy of mine has about 600 acres and has invited me to go hunting the first week of turkey season. I've hunted here one other time so I'm familiar with the land, but not familiar with the patterns of the turkey on this property.

We will be arriving in camp on a thursday night. My plan is to go out predator calling that night, locate a roost, set up the blind, and hunt the next morning.

What else can I do or should I do to increase my chances to be successful? I get so excited when I heard those gobblers, I can't wait till I nab one! Any advice is appreciated.

[Hawg Slayer 4]

If your going to be hunting out of a pop up use your bow if not go with a shot gun. Are you calling or will your friend be calling

[down2hunt]

Yes, sorry for not making that clear. I will be bow hunting.

I will be hunting alone, so I will be calling. I have a box call and a slate call and I think I'm decent. I have a diaphragm call, but the turkey would probably run the opposite direction if I used it.

[Smart]

Learn to use that diaphragm call if only to cluck or putt a little when they get near....handsfree when the bird is in range is a big plus....especially with a bow.

[junior]

I would try to find the roost the night before, don't do any predator hunting that night. Set your blind up that night, and not too close that you spook em off the roost. they like big open areas to fly down to. Get in there early the next morning, try not to use any flashlights if possible. Set up a decoy, and make a few calls a daylight. If they answer, call a few times more, but don't over do it. Just let them know your there. Once they fly down from the roost, they should come to ya. The key is to not over call!
Good Luck!

[DoubleGArchery]

Hunt from a ground blind,dont over call,put ot some feed,dont put decoy out to far from blind I'd say not further than 15 to 20 yards.

[Playa]

junior is right on, save the predator calling until AFTER you have killed a bird. Put the birds to bed (determine where they roost), pin point as near as you can. Then sneak in early, i mean archery season early. don't go an hour before sunrise and expect the birds to play along.

Try to pattern the birds. Figure out how often they are using that roost site and what direction they head when they come off the roost. Amazing how much of a creature of habit those birds are if left un-disturbed.

in my experience if you go in too late, no matter how sweet your calling is the pre-dawn noise and distraction sends the birds going the other direction. call less, look more.

I'd also suggest going with gun for your 1st successful hunt. believe you will still have one heck of thrill. But that is just me.....

[down2hunt]

Thanks for all the advice.

When I said I was going to predator call I meant that I was going to use my owl call as a way to locate the turkeys in their roost. Is that not the appropriate way to locate the turkey? If not, what should I do? Thanks.

Playa - I probably will have my shotgun in the blind just in case. Either way it will be a thrill you are right!

[junior]

Owl cal in the morning to locate the roost. In the evening sit close to where you think they roost, and make a few calls late in the afternoon. If they are roosting close by, you'll hear them, if not by the gobbling, then when they fly up to the trees to roost.

[Playa]

Ok we just misunderstood your statement. We thought you were going to be bawling a dying rabbit call and spotlighting coyotes. Yes owl hoot blown like "who----who- whocooksforyou" is appropriate for early morning locator gobbles.

but like i mentioned before, if you are trying to sneak in on birds awake enough to gobble, they are awake enough to avoid the distrubance in the woods. You are better off figuring out where they are the night before, and sneaking in while they are tucked tight in bed and not letting them know you are there

[hogdaddy]

when in the search mode use locater calls first, don't want them in your lap before you're ready for company.