Turkey Hunting

[pcgoosehunter]

I have never turkey hunted before and I want to begin. Can one of you veteran turkey hunters give me some advice on where to begin, what calls are good, etc.

Appreciate the help!

[Mark Brendemuehl]

On the odd chance that Brett Bienke doesnt see this post, send him an email- I know he will hook you up. Get a diaphram call now, and get used to it. Getting used to that thing in your mouth for some people is very hard, and will take some time. Box calls are easy to operate and can do a multitude of calls. The drawback is the motion.
Get a good set of camo, and get rain pants... I have never hunted when I had a dry seat. Pattern your gun early too- just to see what shoots best.Just about any turkey hunting video can be a help too. Scout and get permission early, and get in the woods early to let everything settle down. IF Brett doesnt see this post soon then send him an email like I said- he does a ton of turkey hunting.
Mark

[Ben Duff]

Jeff,
My first turkey had an 11 1/2 in. beard with 1 1/4 in. spurs. All I had was an $11 call and a 20 gauge. Granted I did have a dad who has killed lots of turkeys and knew what he was doing, but on that particular day he was fishing a Red Man tournament so I did it all alone at 14 yrs old.

I said that to say this, you don't have to be proficient on the call to kill a turkey, but you do need a little luck if your not. I would agree with Mark, but would recommend you start with a slate because I think they are easier. I use everything, box, slate, diaphram and think the slate is the easiest to learn or you could even buy a push button box call, they're really easy. However, in my opinion, I think the diaphram when used correctly sounds the most realistic. Also invest in good camouflage that looks as close as possible to your spring conditions. I think turkey hunting requires you to blend in more than any other game hunting.

As far as learning how to do all of this, you should watch as many turkey hunting videos as you can because every single scenario can teach you something. I watch as much hunting as possible for this reason. I think, though, the best possible way to be successfull is like I said in another post and that is to HUNT WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING! Someone who has proved themself in the field. I truly believe this is the best way to learn and develop the skills necessary to seduce them ol' long beards.

Hope this helps and good luck gettin' ya a big gobbler!

Ben Duff
Avery Regional Pro Staff

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Hey.. Ben has a good point. Do you have anyone that can hunt with you? Maybe call for you? That can be a deadly set up too... have someone sitting behind you so the bird is focusing on him, and not you.
Ben- just curious, how do you store your diaphram calls in the off season? Mine always dry out on me, and I end up pitching them. Any ideas?
Mark

[Ben Duff]

Hey Mark,
I usually do what you do, keep them, throw them away, then buy new ones. I keep them in the the plastic cases that some of them come in. I have had a few last a couple of years and had a double reed that I kept for three years, but I usually by a couple or so every season because unfortunatley latex dry rots when left exposed to the air. If you really like the call, I'd suggest trying things like a zip lock bag or something that will keep it from the least amount of oxygen possible. Personally, I like the thrill of buying new calls every year. smile.gif

Ben Duff
Avery Regional Pro Staff

[Rusty Hallock]

If you want to keep diaphram calls for several years, wash them in mouth wash and store the calls in their original container in the refrigerator. I have diaphram calls that are several seasons old. When you shoot several birds with the same call, you hate to throw the call away.

In my opinion, the most important tool for turkey hunting is woodsmanship. You need to know the topography of the land. More importantly, if you know were the birds are roosting and there destination after fly down. You will increase your chances for success. You need to spend time in the woods scouting. Stay quit. Look and listen for the birds from a good vantage point.

Find a type of call that works best for you. Hook up with a seasoned and successful turkey hunter and learn as much as you can.

[Brett Beinke]

Great suggestions and Rusty is really right on. Woodsmenship is the number one "tool" that will put a bird in your truck. Just as in duck and goose hunting, calling and decoys are just a tool, sometimes not needed and often over used and sometimes underused. You need to learn how to use the terrain to your advantage. Reading will help you out a bunch. Tom Foolery 2000 is a great book. The Magazine Turkey and Turkey Hunting is also very good. Remember movement is your enemy. If you are hunting a small piece of property you best plans may be sitting in the one spot that has the most activity and waiting them out. If you have a lot of land you can hunt runnin and gunnin for the active birds might be your best option. As far as calls, keep it really simple at first. Learn the basic yelp on a slate and be confident with it. As you practice and get more confident you can try other call types. You should learn how to do loud and very soft calling. Start soft and go from there. If you have specific question, shoot me a PM and I'll address them when I can. Turkey hunting is very fun. The only thing better than having a Tom gobbling within 20 yards is a bull elk bugling within 20 yards...but thats a different storey!