Interested In Turkey Hunting

[Froggy]

The first time I ever tried, I killed two big gobblers. I went out on the Grasslands where I knew some birds roosted. Got there about 15 minutes late. Set up a hen decoy and crawled up under a cedar tree. Pulled out the slate and barely scratched it. Two gobblers responded that were close. A hen walked out by my decoy followed by both long beards. I blasted the first one and knocked the second one out of the air.

I wasn't there 3 minutes. Tagged them and headed home. Told the wife, "there ain't nothing to this turkey hunting. It's easy." I've been humbled many times since.

Good advice above. Roost them at night and slip in close the next morning. I only call enough to get their attention. If they gobble back from the roost, I put the call down and let the birds hunt me.

[Gummi Bear]

Spring turkey hunting is the most exciting hunt of the year. I absolutely love it.

I am apparently one of the few people who just don't "get" how to use a mouth call. No matter how much I practice with one, it still sounds like a very sick and wounded bird.

I love my slate calls. I carry a slate, glass, ceramic and a metal call, plus a handful of strikers. Different combinations make for different sounds, and if you juggle them, it can sound like a party going on, which will drive a lovesick Rio just bonkers. I also have a box call, a crow call, and a push/pull call that I use to cluck when they are hung up just out of reach.

They will sneak up on you where you don't expect them, scare the pee out of you, and frustrate you to the point of cussing. I've also had some predators come in when calling for spring birds. That is pretty neat too. I've killed them with both a shotgun and a rifle. I have not connected with my bow yet, been trying for the last 3 years, and just no luck getting them in range without getting busted.

Last year my daughter tagged her first tom, and now she is excited about getting a jump on this spring during Youth weekend.

[Terrychester]

Will get a slate and start learning. From what I understand the mouth calls are made with latex, unfortunately I'm allergic to latex.....

Again thanks for the advice

[Gummi Bear]

Not all mouth calls are created equally. There are nitrile diaphragm calls available. Just do some shopping, if this is something you are interested in.

A good slate, is a fantastic thing to have. You do need to understand, however, that weather can impact its performance. Do some reading on this, and keep your calls and strikers clean.

[2B4Him]

I am definitely no expert. In fact, when I'm using my box call I never know if I'm communicating "I'm a hot and ready hen" or "I've got a headache, don't come close."
However, I've killed several turkeys that appeared to be responding to my calls.
It is fun.

[Terrychester]

Lol, that is good 2B. Never was good at foreign languages. But I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks to all for the advice, stories etc.

Geeky sendin you a pm.

[Geezy Rider]

And PM returned.
Turkey hunting is exciting, fun, frustrating and rewarding. It takes patience, knowledge, skills and luck.
Come this spring I'll get you out on my place and we'll do some calling. Can't gurantee the birds will be there but it'll get you in the field and I'll be able to coach you in setting up and calling.