Wind gusts topped 20 mph. I settled next to the tree that would be my backrest for the foreseeable future thinking “there is no way a turkey is going to hear my call.” I overcame my doubts by whispering “stick to the plan, this has worked before.” My watch read 3:35 p.m. and I let out a few basic yelps from my mouth diaphragm.
Fifteen minutes later, I glanced over my left shoulder and saw him coming. A nice Nebraska gobbler in full strut slowly worked my way. Raising my shotgun as he passed behind a cedar tree I knew it was only a matter of time. He stepped out less than 20 yards away. I aimed, squeezed the trigger, and the tom folded from the blast from my Bennelli. My 2019 turkey drought was over.
Turkey hunters often overlook the afternoon hunt. Morning hours tend to be more exciting as turkeys are vocal and tend to respond to calls better. As noon approaches, most hunters leave the woods to take naps, do yard work, or attend to whatever activities demand their time. Justifying their absence from the woods with the belief that turkey hunting is slow during the afternoon.
I have found the opposite to be true. The afternoon hunt can be a productive time to fill your tag. Especially, if you follow these tips:
Check the regulations – Make sure hunting turkeys in your state is legal during the afternoon. Missouri, for example, does not allow turkey hunting past 1 pm.
Leave the flock at home – This isn’t the time to put out every decoy you ever purchased. I stick with a lone hen or even opt to leave the decoys at home. Just make sure that the tom has to come into range to see what all the commotion is about.
Stick to the plan – I commit to a two hour sit. My favorite time range during the afternoon is 3:30 to 5:30. I have not had much luck after 5:30 as the birds tend to be more call shy and start heading towards their roost. I also don’t want to “spook” them off of their natural pattern. This is a waiting game, so commit to the sit.
Call sparingly – 30 to 60 seconds of basic yelps from a diaphragm followed by 4 minutes of silence works the best for me. Trust me…less is best in the afternoon. Watch your watch and stick to five-minute intervals.
Embrace Silence – We all love that mid-morning tom that gobbles off in the distance and responds to every call in-route to his demise. However, most of the toms I have called in during the afternoon came in silent or only gobbled once way off in the distance before closing the gap without making a sound. Don’t get discourage by silence.
How Does This Apply to Business
Don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking. Are turkey more vocal in the morning than the afternoon? Yes. However, that does not mean the afternoon is worth sitting out.
How many times have you accepted things at work because “that’s the way they have always been?” Or followed other people’s lead because you thought they knew what they were doing?
Challenge the status quo. Look for new ways to do things. Be innovative. Curiosity is your friend. Most importantly remember…you can’t get a turkey from the couch.
Until next time remember…you are going to have to earn it.