Spring is here, and that only means one thing for serious hunters… turkey season! Turkeys are some of the most intelligent animals in the woods, and killing one is no easy task. In order to successfully hunt them, you must first master the basics. Let’s go over a few simple things to know and be familiar with before you head out turkey hunting this spring!
Scouting and Turkey Habitat
One of the first things you will need to become familiar with is the turkey habitat and where they prefer to live. If you are hunting in an area where there are no turkeys, it is impossible to kill one. With a little bit of scouting, you can explore potential hunting areas and figure out where the turkeys are hanging out and where you stand the best chance of hunting and killing one.
When looking for good turkey habitat, think about what a turkey needs such as food, shelter, and water. Turkeys will roost in tall trees, so look for bigger trees with branches that can support these birds. They also love green fields and food plots that provide them with plenty of green plants, insects, and seeds to feed on. They also like a little open space to allow them to strut.
Calling to Turkeys
By far the best method of hunting turkeys is calling them right to you. Turkeys are very vocal animals, especially during the spring when it is their breeding season. By learning the calls that these birds make, you can mimic them and trick the turkeys into coming near in order to kill them. There are a few different types of calls that you can use, such as box calls, slate calls, and mouth (diaphragm) calls.
Each of these different types of calls has its own ease of use and specialty when it comes to the types of turkey vocalizations. It is a good idea to experiment with each type to find which one works best for you, and then get as much practice as possible!
Concealment and Camouflage
A turkey’s best line of defense is its eyesight. This is why it is so important to be fully concealed with good camouflage. Try to avoid any shiny objects, such as watches or sunglasses. Many hunters will even paint or tape their shotguns in order to keep the sun from shining off of the gun’s barrel and metal parts. If you are hunting with a bow and arrow, make sure you keep your movements slow and methodical, as to not be seen by nearby birds.
Don’t forget to check out our other Turkey Hunting Article for more savvy tips & tricks: 4 Spring Turkey Hunting Tips to Help You Get a Big Gobbler
Final Thoughts
Hunting turkeys successfully requires a hunter to learn the basics before ever heading out to the woods. By taking the time to learn these simple basic tips, you can be more prepared and kill a giant tom turkey this spring!
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
