I can still recall taking my first spring gobbler as if it happened yesterday — although it actually happened up Wallis Run over 60 years ago! Since then, well over 100 longbeards have fallen to various weapons that I have used as I pursued them in all 49 states that have a huntable population of turkeys (Alaska does not). Along the way, and through numerous discussions with fellow turkey hunters across the country and around the state, several things come to mind that just might lead to greater success for first-time turkey hunters.
It is never too early to scout. With the snow currently on the ground and the occasional snow that may occur over the next few weeks, identifying where turkeys are located and their travel areas is much easier. True, birds will tend to move from wintering areas to springtime travel locations, but the sooner you locate turkeys, the sooner you can seek to gain permission if they are on private property, and it is common courtesy to seek permission now, rather than wait until just before the season opens. The one-day Youth Hunt will occur this coming spring on Saturday, April 27; the regular Spring Gobbler season starts on May 4 and runs until May 31. Even if you plan to hunt on State Game Lands, the sooner you locate turkeys, the sooner you can develop your game plan for opening day. Start scouting now — opening day will be here sooner than you think!
Practice often and become very comfortable with your weapon. If you are not already an experienced hunter, it is best to leave your archery equipment on the rack and focus on taking your first turkey with a shotgun. A 12 gauge would be best, but if you are a young hunter, a 20 gauge might be preferable. Either way, the ammunition available today, particularly the various brands of TSS turkey loads, makes either gauge extremely lethal on turkeys. TSS ammunition is expensive, so use less expensive ammo to familiarize yourself and become comfortable with the gun, then fire several rounds with the TSS to verify how that ammunition patterns in your shotgun. Practice taking shots from standing, sitting, and even awkward positions since wise old gobblers often seem to appear in the most unlikely and uncomfortable places!
Practice your calling at home and limit your calling when on the hunt. When you are out scouting before the season begins, never, never, never do any calling that imitates any turkey sounds. If you must, use a locator call (owl hooter, coyote call, or peacock imitation) and do so sparingly. If you get a reply from a nearby turkey — stop! If you use a turkey call or if you overuse a locator call, you will succeed in educating the birds, and they may become call-shy and not respond later on when the season has begun. On an actual hunt, call sparingly. If you watch any of the various TV shows or videos about turkey hunting, it seems like the hunters are calling continuously. Still, it is merely a result of editing and trying to fit as much story in between commercials throughout the show as possible. In reality, try to limit your calling to a series of calls every 20 to 30 minutes and listen intently for any response. Once you have a bird answering your calling, begin the back and forth to lure him into range. Even if there is no answer to your calls, constantly scan the area in search of an approaching old Tom — they frequently walk in silently to a call.
When preseason scouting, select your setup location and have confidence in it. The more preseason scouting you do, the more opportunity you will have to locate a prime setup location. Do some scouting at daybreak to hopefully find where the birds are roosting overnight and try to observe their initial travel route after flydown. Locating travel routes — often on old logging roads — and feeding locations will help in identifying a setup location. On the actual hunt, have confidence in your setup location. Don’t be wandering around looking for a better spot. Turkeys have extremely good eyesight and hearing, and once you have made a call or two, they know exactly where the call is coming from.
Patience! That one element — being patient — has killed more turkeys than any other factor. Have confidence in your equipment, setup location, and calling, and above all — be patient (and Good Luck!)
