turkey hunting

Patience

The first day of turkey season comes with excitement and anticipation like what a child experiences on Christmas Eve. Distance gobbles and strutting toms glistening in the sun fill a turkey hunter’s dreams as they wait for first light on opening day. Confidence is high as the memories of last year’s successful hunts are still fresh in the mind and the failures long forgotten.

The Language of Love

Calling in a springtime turkey is a deceitful ploy. The hunter mimics the sounds of a hen in hopes of luring a tom into range. When the curiosity of the gobbler gets the best of him, the result can be an adrenaline filled hunt and meat on the table. There are three “types” I play in the turkey woods: The Copy Cat, The Drunk Chick, and the Shy Librarian. Deploy these tactics on your next turkey hunt to increase your chances of filling a tag.

Something You Have to Try This Turkey Season: Reap a Wild One

Half way across the river water rose above my belly button.  I had never turkey hunted in chest waders, however I was glad Rod talked me into going home and grabbing them.  My original plan was to cross in muck boots, and that would have ended badly.  For now I was dry and heading to the opposite bank…bow in one hand and my reaping decoy in the other.

Something You Have to Try This Turkey Season: Take a Youth Hunting

“What do you mean you can’t find your glove!?!  It was there last night!” Rod exclaims.                

Two sleepy eyed boys stumble around looking for the missing item.  Eventually it is found and the trio moves on to the candy drawer for supplies. 

“Better take a couple, we might be there for a while” Rod suggests.  Ethan and Carter stock up on candy bars and Cokes and now they are ready to hunt.