7 HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TURKEY HUNTING TIPS

For Improving Your Spring Turkey Hunting Success

 

There are many good reasons for you to participate in turkey hunting. Among them is your ability to help contribute to the population growth and survival of this wonderful bird. The money you spend on everything from hunting gear to licenses is used to help wildlife agencies manage all types of wildlife. Native to North America, the turkey has been an inspiring comeback story. Populations now soar around 7 million, from 30,000 in the early 1900s, credited to the efforts of hunters and wildlife restoration programs.

 

Tradition is another important reason to hunt. For centuries turkey hunting has been an American family tradition. Can you imagine a Thanksgiving with the gobbler and gravy? Turkey hunting has provided generations an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild the bonds of family.

 

Finally, Turkey hunting is safe. Did you know that according to the International Hunters Education Association (IHEA,) turkey hunting is one of the safest sports? They report that in 2005, there were only 2.95 injuries per 100,000 hunters nationwide. Football had 18.8 per 100,000 participants and volleyball had 3.1 injuries per 100,000.

 

In an effort to improve your enjoyment and skills before the hunt, I offer the following 7 tips for improving your spring turkey hunting success:

 

TIP 1: LEARN TO TALK TURKEY ON A DIAPHRAGM CALL

 

One of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a turkey hunter is calling a big tom within range after mastering a few sounds on a diaphragm call. The adrenaline surges through your veins the moment you finish a simple Kee Kee, only to hear the leaves explode with a loud gobble.

 

Learning to speak turkey is simple if you follow these 3 steps:

Step 1: Insert the diaphragm call in your mouth and place on the roof with the latex strips toward your teeth and the horseshoe frame toward your throat. (The small bump in the horseshoe frame should be down)

Step 2: Slightly roll your tongue so the edges hold the diaphragm firmly against the roof of your mouth and position the tip of your tongue against the latex so air can pass directly over the latex reeds when you blow.

Step 3: Blow air over your tongue, across the reeds. Remember to blow from deep within your diaphragm rather than your mouth. (Thus the name, diaphragm call.)

 

Practice these sounds to speak the traditional language of the turkey:

CLUCK: This one is simple. Just blow a quick “PUTT” sound across the reeds.

YELP: There are a couple techniques that can produce a clear sounding yelp. First try saying the word “Choulk.” Another technique is to form your mouth into an “O” shape, drop your jaw and blow short bursts of air across the reeds.

PURR: This one is kind of like rolling your “R” in Spanish. It will take some practice; it will tickle and is a lot of fun. Try vibrating your lips, rolling the air in the back of your throat or pushing rapid, short bursts of air over the reeds while making an “UR” sound.

CUT: Kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-kit, as fast as you can or try the words “put-ut-ut-ut,” pushing your lips together like your pronouncing the letter “P,” then letting the silent “U” sound slip out rapidly. Block the air between calls with your lips.

KEE KEE: Pronounce the “EE” sound through your lips or just make 2-4 high-pitched squeals.

KEE KEE RUN: Same as above just add 1-3 YELP sounds behind your 2-4 high-pitched squeals.

 

Finally, learn to control the noise level. If your family is annoyed with you so will the turkeys. Soft and quite is best, especially when you have a big gobbler drawing near. A loud CLUCK or YELP translates in turkey talk as danger and when your trophy tom flies away, you’ll be left alone thinking, “What did I say?” 

 

TIP 2: OH BEHAVE!

 

There’s nothing more important than knowing why your game does what it does in the woods. For turkey spring is all about strutting your dominance and showing the rest of the flock just who’s the toughest turkey or as like to put it, “Show me the real MACHO LIBRE.”

 

It’s the typical story of the birds and the bees and why not, a turkey is a bird. Spring is the time for the big toms to put on their best blue head and look for a honey to give him some sweet lovin’. Oops, did I just say sweet lovin’ in a CROSSHAIRS for CHRIST article?

 

TOM STRUTS

To a turkey there are only two things that matter in life, survival and reproduction. After a long winter the toms have only the later on the mind. Spring is about displaying dominance and making sure their flocks grow. It’s about strutting through the woods like you’re the biggest, baddest jake to ever live. I even believe there’s a verse in the bible about this behavior, “Tho I walk through the valley of death I will fear no eagle…” Again, I digress. The reality is a big tom will foolishly storm in on the unknown in even greater fear of looking like a lesser prairie chicken to the hens. It is this behavior and the desire to be “all-powerful” that causes the hillside to ignite in gobbles when you blow that early morning crow or owl call.

 

OH LADIES!

Unlike the tom, a hen puts survival foremost in their thoughts. Hens will feed furiously in the spring as they work to build the nutrients necessary to lay their 10-12 egg clutch. Hens begin laying in mid-to-late April. During this time, they spend less time strolling for gobblers and more time focused on the task at hand. Often a hen will go to nest in late morning to early afternoon, leaving the toms alone, strutting for the few remaining ladies in the woods. You may notice gobbling pick up during these periods of the day.

 

TURKEY TIMING

So what does all this strutting and clutching mean to improving my hunting success anyways? It’s all about timing. In early spring competition is fierce as all the hens are looking for a man. The action starts early and you’d better be set before the sun as well. By mid-spring, the behavior changes. Gobblers who grew used to having large receptive flocks of hens are now spending more and more time alone. They are often spooked more easily. They are looking for love later and later in the day. It’s the stragglers that provide the most opportunity for the desperate toms. Finally, as the spring season winds to a close, you may see a short lived resurgence in breeding activity, but mostly you will see the big birds heads clear and a return to the true priority – survival.

 

TIP 3: TO DECOY OR NOT TO DECOY

 

Now answer to the big decoy question… Do turkey decoys work? My answer is “I don’t know.” What I do know, is that Bob’s decoys, set out so perfectly in the meadow last year, made my adrenaline surge more than once.

 

EXPERT OPINION

I have heard many experts debate over the use of decoys. Most agree that toms either love them or hate them and there is no middle ground on the issue. What they don’t agree on is actually using them.

 

Knight & Hale Ultimate Hunting Team Member Chuck Tiranno, who prefers to hunt with multiple decoys and has great success doing so, admitted in a Peterson’s Hunting article written by David Hart, “when it comes to spring gobbler hunting, and a decoy won’t take the place of basic woodsmanship.” Hart’s article, www.huntingmag.com/small_game/fake_0702, goes on to make a strong case for using decoys.

 

In a 2005 article titled, “The Decoy Experiment,” Jerry de Bin, Chief, Information and Education Section for Outdoor Alabama, conducted 3 similar hunts with and without decoys and concluded, “What I do know is that turkey decoys are like magnets. Both attract and repel with great force.” In the end de Bin, concludes that decoys are like fishing lures, whether they work or not, the fishing or hunt in this case is ultimately unchanged.

 

IS IT REAL OR MEMOREX

Technology and realism has improved and with the true purpose of a decoy being to distract the tom’s attention away from you and draw him into closer range, you could easily make a strong case for using decoys. Manufacturers now offer decoys to fit every hunter’s need. Collapsible, inflatable or molded as photo-realistic tom, hen or jakes, the choices are abundant. Next time you stop by the sporting goods section, just take a look at all the options now available.

 

MY OPINION

As I think back to Bob’s decoys, I these three thoughts ring loud in my mind. One. You can easily solve the “distracting toms” issue by wearing better camouflage and learning to call better. Two. Decoys are just another thing to haul up and down the mountain. Three. Decoys work really well on people. I thought seriously about taking home a photo-real inflatable with fresh shot in it.

 

TIP 4: DUDE! I CAN TOTALLY SEE YOU

 

Do you look like a “Glow-worm” in the woods? If you’re wearing camo you may not think so, but you’d better think again. One of the most common mistakes hunters make is to break out that old ragged BDUs they’ve grown to love. So many times I’ve heard guys open up the conversation with “I bought these at the Army surplus store.” There is nothing wrong with the Army surplus store. In fact, I love the gear and deals you can find. The clothing is comfortable and very effective on a deer hunt, but bucks, unlike turkeys, are color-blind.

 

Turkeys have sharp senses and can see the subtle movement of your eye. The little flash of white is enough to send your tom running for the hills. Why do you think, turkey hunters scrap the blaze orange and take their chances in the woods?

 

I SPY SOMETHING GREEN

Give yourself the edge this year and pick up a new pattern. You will get more than enough use out of it, with deer, elk, dove, duck and javalina seasons still on the horizon.

Seasoned hunters collect various patterns over several years and when the season hits, they are ready to match their environment. Mossy Oak, Real-Tree and God’s Country Camo in Oak, juniper, spring leaves, fall foliage and snow patterns are all superior choices in the right environment, under the right conditions. My best advice is to pick what you like.

 

NWTF’S DRESS FOR SUCCESS RULES

Next, I turn to the National Wild Turkey Federation as the true authority on dressing right for your turkey hunt. They offer the following 6 rules for dressing for success:

1. Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler.

2. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.

3. Camouflage your gun.

4. Keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.

5. Select a spot that is in open timber rather than thick brush: wearing camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is more critical to success than hiding in heavy cover.

6. When using a camouflage blind or netting, maintain a clear field of view.

 

IT SMELLS GOOD WHEN IT’S CLEAN

Finally, think about the care and maintenance of your apparel. Choose your detergent wisely. I recommend the non-scented liquid you find in sporting goods sections. Not because I believe they are truly fragrance-free, or that turkeys even care, but because the chemicals are gentle on the fabric. Camo works best when the color is vibrant like new. It works best when the browns are brown and the greens are green. When everything is worn out and the colors are faded – YES, you look like a “Glow-worm.”

 

TIP 5: SURVIVE

 

Too often people get lost, hurt and even killed over poor decisions in the wild. The most avid hunter trades in common sense for foolish pride. In that single exchange, they learn that the most dangerous thing in the woods isn’t a bear or cougar rather one’s self.

 

Getting lost in the wilderness is serious, dangerous and even life-threatening. Often we hear the stories about search and rescue teams working tirelessly only to turn up the body of a hiker who did everything wrong. I have even seen the news stories that indicate they died of fatigue. Fatigue, I always wonder why they didn’t just sit down and rest. Why would you push yourself to the point of death?

 

With the right preparation, gear and mindset you can survive even the harshest situation. If lost STOP. Sit down. Think. Observe. Plan. In order of importance; treat injuries, find shelter, build a fire and find water and food. Remember a person can go weeks without food but only days without water.

 

THE SURVIVAL KIT

Before the hunt, consider building yourself a survival kit in a water-tight container, which can be used as a cup or bowl if needed. Stock it with the following 25 items:

 

 

•   Flint & Steel Fire Starter
•   Matches in Waterproof Container
•   Tinder or Fire Starter Stick
•   Whistle
•   Water Purification Tablets
•   Energy Food (Bullion Cubes, Granola Bars)
•   Salt
•   Antibiotic Ointment
•   Peroxide or Iodine Swabs
•   Aluminum Foil (5-10 feet)
•   Adhesive Bandages (2-8)
•   Triangular Bandage
•   Sterile Gauze Bandages (4”x4”)
•   Sunscreen
•   Asprin
•   Tape
•   Pocket Knife
•   Emergency Blanket or Lawn Trash Bag
•   Wire Saw
•   Signal Mirror
•   Cord or Rope
•   Safety Pins
•   Assorted Fishing Hooks, Lures
•   Fishing Line (20-40 feet)
•   Compass

 

 

Plan for the worse and enjoy the best. With proper preparation you can make sure you come home the same way you arrived…ALIVE.

 

TIP 6: THE SHELL YOU SAY

 

Turkey hunting is fast growing market and with the rise in popularity, companies are working hard to expand the options available. Traditional turkey hunters used to head out in the field with basic 2 3/4” high-brass 6 shot shells – also used for ducks, quail, pheasants and rabbits. Today the options are endless. Shot is made ot tungsten, steel, hard lead or copper and offered in BB, 2, 3, 4, 6 sizes. The shells are cased in 2 3/4”, 3”, 3 1/2” and made for all gauges of shot guns. Even a 20-gauge shotgun can pack enough punch to level a large tom.

 

LEAD VS STEEL

Most shells used for turkey are hard lead shot, but the non-toxic steel shot can certainly put one down. In fact there is a large segment of hunters choosing to adapt the waterfowling loads for their turkey hunts. Either choice is acceptable, just remember, steel can cost a little more, is a little heavier and can really beat a barrel up if shot repeatedly out of your shotgun.

 

BEST BRAND CHOICES

One could pose strong arguments for one brand over another and in each case they would be right. Every year, manufacturers role out new technology and make legitimate advances in their shotshells. The one steadfast fact I know to be true however, is despite the slick marketing and improved patterns, when a hunter finds a shell they like that becomes the shell they use. With that said I offer what I use first and then some other notible, quality shotshell choices.

 

Remington shells have that extra edge to reach out with penetrating power and dense, concentrated patterns. My top choices:

•   Remington® Nitro Turkey loads, 3 1/2”, #4 shot, 1300 fps
•   Remington Premier® Magnum Turkey Loads, 3 1/2”, #4 shot, 1150 fps

 

Winchester is my clear second choice. They offer a superior shell with optimal performance. They are noted for having shells that consistently demonstrate dependable knock-down power. The choices I recommend:

•   Super-X® Turkey Loads, 3 1/2” #4 shot, 1210 fps
•   Supreme Elite™ Xtended™ Range HD Turkey, 3 1/2” #4 shot, 1225 fps

 

Kent is the new discovery of many C4C hunters and at the price, Kent could easily top my personal list. The Kent shell is packed full of lethal power and vicious speed. Two of their finest shots:

•   Kent Tungsten Matrix® High Performance Turkey Loads, 3”, #4 shot, 1330 fps
•   Kent Ultimate® Diamond Shot®, 3 1/2”, #4 shot, 1300 fps

 

Other notable ammunition makers include; Federal, Aguila Ammunition, Hevishot, Bismuth Cartridge Company, Estate Cartridge, Nitro Ammo, Fiocchi, Sellier & Bellot and the Gamebore Cartridge Company.

 

REACH OUT A TAG SOMETHING

Finally, many successful hunters would argue that turkey loads are simply the same old shell, with inflated prices due to a name on a box. They choose to use basic game loads in BB, 2, 4 or 5 shot shells. In my opinion, that’s fine. Especially since a good turkey shot occurs between 5 and 10 yards away. Still I like that turkey loads are designed to give you an optimal pattern at a greater distance, especially since I take my kids with me and getting them to sit still is impossible. I need to be capable of reaching out and tagging my bird.

 

TIP 7: KNOW THE CODE

 

As we head for the woods this week, I once again use the National Wild Turkey Federation for guidance. As a member or participant of CROSSHAIRS for CHRIST, we all strive to do every aspect of our hunts right. Members check and re-check hunting licenses, shooting hours, bag limits and laws governing our hunt areas. We work to set an example and stay focused on the purpose of our ministry. We hunt and fish as if GOD himself wrote the rules, because in doing things right we show others that Christians care.

 

The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Code of Conduct

 

As a responsible turkey hunter, I will:

 

•   Not let peer pressure or the excitement of the hunt cloud my judgment;
•   Learn and practice safe hunting techniques;
•   Hunt the wild turkey fairly;
•   Know the capabilities and limitations of my gun or bow and use it safely;
•   Obey and support all wildlife laws and report all violations;
•   Respect the land and the landowner and always obtain permission before hunting;
•   Avoid knowingly interfering with another hunter and respect the right of others to lawfully share the outdoors;
•   Value the hunting experience and appreciate the beauty of the wild turkey;
•   Positively identify my target as a legal bird and insist on a good shot;
•   Share responsible turkey hunting with others and work for wild turkey conservation.

 

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Lance Cherry, a native of New Mexico, has worked several years in the outdoor industry, with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division. Lance is a founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Lance Cherry, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.