Tips on turkey hunting

Camo

Camo

New member
Im planning on turkey hunting next April on a small (15 acres) section of woods. It's the only propertie I own that has turkey on it so im limited on where I can hunt. Can someone steer me in the right direction as far as loads (what size shot and length), calls (which ones and how to use them), camo (3-D, headnets, etc;), setups (where to sit down and start), and any other tips.

Thanks,
-Curt
 
Camo...You don't know what kind of fun you are getting into. This was my third yr hunting Turkey and whether or not I get one it is always fun and a good learning experience.

Some outdoor stores have informational classes not too long before the season opens and there are many hunters there that are very helpful.

I use 6 shot turkey loads, a couple different slate calls and a box call. You want to mix it up sometimes because somedays one call sounds better to them than others.

I wouldnt suggest a diaphram call for a beginner. Plus I cant do crap with one.

I go all out camo...DONT move unless you have to...They will see you. I use face paint because I dont like masks and the moister they leave on your face.

You want to be there just before day light.

Also a locator call such as a crow call is very helpful.
 
Start off by scouting to find the roosts. Best done right before season begins. Go in and listen for the toms to gobble and/or fly up before dark. Unless something happens they should be there the next moring. Once roosting areas are found, move in well before sun up as close as you can without bumping them off the roost and I stress don't bump them off, there is a fine line between close and oops!

Start with a pot type call, slate, glass or crystal.etc. and maybe a box call. They are easy calls to work with to start. Practice with them until you can make several of the turkey sounds. You can find these in most stores or there are some call makers here that make some pretty ones.

I recommend Hevy shot in #4 or #5 with a choke tube designed for hevy shot loads, make sure it is a turkey choke. Pattern check the gun before you hunt with it, keep in mind that you may have to settle for a differant load and/or choke to get a good pattern from your gun. I shoot 3 1/2 inch shells, but know a lot of hunters use 3" or even 2 3/4. Try the 3 or 3 1/2's first.

Camo should blend in with the area your are hunting, cover everything you can and sit as still as possible when on the turkey stand. I go with the no skin showing mindset.

This gives you a nice place to START, and is just my opinion on most of the topics, hopefully others will join in soon.

Good Luck,

Scott
 
this was my first year turkey hunting and what a rush...
here is what I use...best investment I made....

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...requestid=33788

I cant set on the ground I have two bad knees and I have a hard time getting up...this tent works great...
I used 3 1/2 #5s and that dropped him were he stood...about a 45 yd shot....One thing with the tent you can move and get away with it....but you still have to be careful....good luck on your hunt....its a rush....stump
 
Only 15 acres? You'll have to make sure there are turkeys nearby when it's time to hunt. Otherwise you can wait a long time for a gobbler to wander by. 3rd Alarm has given some good starting information. I'd recommend that you research some good books and videos to learn by. You really need to hear the rythem of the calls to understand how they should sound in the woods. Turkey hunting is about as addicting as predator calling, so look out!
 
I just bought 600 acres in South Carolina that has turkey on it!!!! Limited land isnt a problem now.

Thanks guys,
-Curt
 
as far as hsot size goes, this is what i usually do, i usualy chamber a six shot, then i put a 4 shot in the mag and follow that with another six, diaphram calls dont be afraid to give that a try, its tricky at first but you should get the feeling pretty quick, you shouldnt really worry about making mistakes anilmals arnt perfect... camoflauge, anything will work but ive always heard that military type works best, but any kind should work, like they said above make sure you break you face up with a mask or paint, and gloves are just as important for that matter, you can generaly get away with some movement just as long as its not like a reaction.. ive killed em, this is what i do and it works for me..
 
Shot size 3.5 4 to 6s depending what patterns best for you. Pretty much what everyone else said is good, but I dont think anyone mentioned one of the most important, A COMFORTABLE BUTT REST. Sitting still is important so a good cushion is a must.
 
This is an old post, however, I just had to say amen to this:

Quote:
A COMFORTABLE BUTT REST. Sitting still is important so a good cushion is a must.



Also, good tick/chigger repellant such as Permanone. And comfortable boots, you can cover a lot of miles chasing those dang birds. Finally, a good turkey vest to pack all your gear, and, very importantly to pack that gobbler out. Slinging one over the shoulder is not comfortable if there is any distance at all involved in getting it to the truck. Turkey hunting can be very addictive and aquiring the right stuff is about half the fun.
 
Fifteen acres will be tough because turkeys change locations through the season. However I've taken three toms off of a piece of ground that size the last three seasons.... but in my area... the turkeys are limited to roosting sites and I'm the only guy hunting the ground. I know their habits and I stay completely clear of the ground until hunting season. Have you thought about using a feeder to get turkeys in the habit of using that land and having it on the regular buffet route? They can be conditioned with bait. Also, can you sit off from the ground and glass it...watching turkey habits, travel patterns, and common roosting areas? Ditto on the roosting the night before. Once you have the roosting area sighted the next morning's hunt is much more likely to succeed... especially if you have an idea of travel patterns from that roosting site and can set up on a common travel lane.
 
Quote:
as far as hsot size goes, this is what i usually do, i usualy chamber a six shot, then i put a 4 shot in the mag and follow that with another six, diaphram calls dont be afraid to give that a try, its tricky at first but you should get the feeling pretty quick, you shouldnt really worry about making mistakes anilmals arnt perfect... camoflauge, anything will work but ive always heard that military type works best, but any kind should work, like they said above make sure you break you face up with a mask or paint, and gloves are just as important for that matter, you can generaly get away with some movement just as long as its not like a reaction.. ive killed em, this is what i do and it works for me..



First off, don't mix shot sizes. Pick a size pratice with it at different distance and know what it will do. You can't do that mixing shot sizes. And you will only get one (clean)shot at a turkey and its over.

Second, if you make a crazy shreek sound while calling in a wise tom its over, they are not stupid.

Third, "military types work best", if you go in the wood wearing some Military BDU pants and shirt you are wasteing your time. Camo is the most important (right up there will proper calling) thing in hunting turkey.

Lastly, if you so much as re-adjust your arm on a tom at 40 yards you will get busted. They have the eye sight of a hawk.

Sorry, I have hunted eastern wild turkeys for fifteen years and I seriously disagree.
 
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A lot of good stuff to read in this thread. I agree with N Georgia. You can have the best camo,seat,shotgun,calling tactics, & decoys but it all means very little if the shot pattern isn't up to the same standards you have set for the above mentioned items in your bag of tricks.

Stump-- Here's a new blind that came out in '06 I believe but were hard to find. My Dad really likes the one we got for him. He uses it to handgun deer.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...&hasJS=true

Here's the chair I now use as well 1st thing in the AM. If I have to move I leave it & use the cushion on my vest for mobility.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...&hasJS=true

Sorry for the long URL's!!
 
Quote:
I know of several guys who have lost birds over the years simply because they never patterned their shotgun!



Kinda like when someone buys a ML'er & has the scope bore sighted & takes it to the field without shooting at the range isn't it?? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

The sum of the hunt falls squarely on the path of the projectile. In this case the shot pattern. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
Maybe our birds arent as pressured or my calling is supurb but Woodland BDU's work just fine. Heck, I called one in with blue jeans and a blue sweatshirt just to prove to a friend it could be done. Movement is the key, just like hunting anything else. If you have woodland bdu's you'll be just fine, keep your face and hands covered. Only move when the birds head is behind a tree, rock, etc etc and keep it to a minimum. Sometimes if you place a hen deke out there the focus is all on it and not you.
If you get a diaphram call now, you should be able to work it by spring time.
And... like everyone else said "Pattern that Shotgun"
My 12 guage patterns best with 3inch federal 2oz 6 shot out of a .660 primos tight wad choke.
 
Put a scope on your shotgun . this way you know EXACTLY where it shoots and this also eliminates the chance of IMPROPER sight alignment . its great for low light early morning conditions also . I put a standard 3x9 on mine and works great
 
3x9 scope to shoot 40 yards? I use to use red dots but had a couple break so lost confidence, fiber optics are alright but they aren't real strong either. Back to a double bead for me. I don't shoot super tight loads anyways.
 
The property that I hunt has a river that runs through it, the turkeys that I have found are a couple hundred yards from the river up in large oak trees, I like to hide in cedar trees, they provide outstanding cover. I use my Remington 870 Express Super MAG. I use an extra full choke and shoot 3 1/2" 4 shot.
 
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