Turkey Sightings

[AmericanThunder]

Have a question for some of the seasoned turkey hunters here in AZ. How often when scouting or hunting do you come across birds? I have been on two turkey hunts here in AZ and have only located 1 flock in that time (that includes scouting and hunting time). I have put a lot of time in learning to call and what to look for when out in the field, but am having trouble locating birds.

[PRDATR]

I have found that they like to roost within 100 yards of a water source. If you stumble across them while out in the woods then try coming back to the general area this time of year when they are gobbling and get up high (if possible) an hour before the sun comes up and listen for them gobble while they are on the roost.

You should be able to hear them from 300-400 yards away on a cool clear morning provided there isn't much wind.

[JLW]

i try to pay attention when i'm out hunting deer or camping, glassing, and or scouting. I've noticed they will be around the same general areas... having more than 1 roost. usually can locate pretty easy before the sun starts crackin... callin them in is another story for me. sometimes you can glass em up in the afternoon out feeding on bugs and such if the area you are in will allow..... see em in big meadows quite often... flocks over 20 birds sometimes. not sure if they stay together or separate when they roost.

 

James

[Big Browns]

I don't worry about seeing them during scouting. I concentrate more on finding fresh sign on water or roads. This gives me some indication if birds are in the area.

 

I highly recommend you listen to the 7 part series Jay Scott put out on his Pod Cast Channel. It is very informative and you are guaranteed to learn a lot. I've had a lot of success Turkey hunting over the years, but after listening to his pod cast I'm going to try some new things this year. I'm hoping the changes will fill in some of the gaps I've had in my success ratio.

 

The biggest piece of advise I can give anyone is to not give up! I've called in birds in the morning, mid day and afternoon. At any time during the day you could strike a hot bird.

 

Adam

[BowHuntAZ]

I used to have a tree stand spot I hunted out of for years (for deer) and a couple years in a row I had turkeys roosting in trees 15 yards from me. Hilarious to see them fly up and a bunch land on the same dead branch and it breaks so they all fall back down to the ground. Sometimes they would do it over and over again until they would land on a good live branch. This would happen right after sun set, before dark.

 

I also have a spot I hunt every couple of years that they seem to always be within a few hundred yards of the same tank and call at the first part of the morning then shut up and hardly ever come to calls. They respond but don't move in on me very often. I think that's just the nature of Merriams turkey from what I hear.

 

I'm no turkey expert by any means but I hope this little tid bit helps you learn. Good luck!

[AmericanThunder]

I don't worry about seeing them during scouting. I concentrate more on finding fresh sign on water or roads. This gives me some indication if birds are in the area.

 

I highly recommend you listen to the 7 part series Jay Scott put out on his Pod Cast Channel. It is very informative and you are guaranteed to learn a lot. I've had a lot of success Turkey hunting over the years, but after listening to his pod cast I'm going to try some new things this year. I'm hoping the changes will fill in some of the gaps I've had in my success ratio.

 

The biggest piece of advise I can give anyone is to not give up! I've called in birds in the morning, mid day and afternoon. At any time during the day you could strike a hot bird.

 

Adam

Yeah I am on part 5 of the series. Some great info.

[PRDATR]

Well there you go. Some very good information.

[AmericanThunder]

Thanks for the insight guys. My hunt starts this weekend, wish me luck. Looks like rain all weekend too. Who doesn't love being cold and wet right?!

[AmericanThunder]

It was a great weekend, but still holding my tag. Got into birds each day, but was unable to get them to come in close enough. Any tips for hung up birds?

[cjl2010]

30-06

[Presmyk]

I've found instead of yelps just some soft purrs and clucks help. I use the same technique elk hunting and turkey hunting you know everyone and they're mom will be doing the usual basic calls turkey it's just wondering around yelping elk wonder around and generic bugle, just change it up. That's just from my little experience

[Rombo]

Best call of all is silence. Once you have his attention, shut up and sit tight. He will eventually come looking for you. In the natural world, the hens go to the gobblers when it is that special time. Create your own little special time by sitting quietly and waiting on your suitor...

[PRDATR]

I've found instead of yelps just some soft purrs and clucks help. I use the same technique elk hunting and turkey hunting you know everyone and they're mom will be doing the usual basic calls turkey it's just wondering around yelping elk wonder around and generic bugle, just change it up. That's just from my little experience

 

This stratedgy worked well for me a couple of weeks ago. The toms were staying with the hens so I did my best to duplicate the hens calls back to them to pike their curiosity and bring them to me.

Once I had them interested and replying I would stop for a bit which seemed to urk them and they couldn't help but to come closer.