Turkeys

Cyclic-Rivers · February 26, 2020, 01:54:03 PM

Why is it, i can train the stupid birds to eat off your porch but can't seem to call a Tom into bow range?

Woke up to gobbling a couple days ago right outside my window

ron w · February 26, 2020, 02:42:53 PM

just crazy

Bowguy67 · February 26, 2020, 02:48:52 PM

If you can't call a bird into range, learn tricks to help you. If I can give advice feel free to bounce things off me.
There are specific forums just for turkey. Old gobbler is a good one w plenty of knowledgeable guys willing to help too

Trenton G. · February 26, 2020, 03:01:03 PM

I don't know. I've always wondered how something that acts so dumb at times can be so tough to kill.

Sam McMichael · February 26, 2020, 06:55:43 PM

Turkeys are not so dumb. They well know when you can hunt them and when you can only feed them.

Pine · February 26, 2020, 06:58:07 PM

Is a mystery.

During deer season, my wife can go out in the dog pen with the dogs and deer will be standing a few feet away and just stay there.

She has sent me pictures while I'm out hunting.

Cyclic-Rivers · February 26, 2020, 07:31:18 PM

This dumb jake is hell bent on waking me up on days I might have an opportunity to sleep in. Gobbling and strutting outside my window

kennym · February 27, 2020, 09:02:24 AM

That's prob a turkey ritual of becoming a Tom!!

Broken Arrows · February 27, 2020, 09:48:58 AM

You are in the best blind ever.... Just open the window.

hawkeye n pa · February 27, 2020, 09:55:17 AM

Couldn't agree with you more Charlie. They been teasing me quite abit lately and they can also tell when its Sunday. Last spring I called the hens in and they fed right at my feet while the Tom strutted behind the oak tree I was setting up against with a leafy suit on.. Was extremely exciting but.........

Wudstix · February 27, 2020, 10:22:05 AM

Charles;

BA has a point.

Bowguy67 · February 27, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

Quote from: Sam McMichael on February 26, 2020, 06:55:43 PM
Turkeys are not so dumb. They well know when you can hunt them and when you can only feed them.

Agreed. Geese do the same thing

durp · February 27, 2020, 12:31:44 PM

yep i have birds strutting all over the driveway and yard this am...they know they're safe FOR NOW!!!

Cyclic-Rivers · February 28, 2020, 02:32:53 PM

I know turkeys aren't as dumb as I make them out to be. They just have a funny way of making me feel inept when hunting them. My largest issue is I have too many hens. When I can call the hens in it seems Tom's have a way of getting into fights with each other outside of bow range lol

goingoldskool · February 28, 2020, 02:44:03 PM

Your season needs to start earlier!!!

Bowguy67 · February 28, 2020, 03:12:58 PM

Quote from: Cyclic-Rivers on February 28, 2020, 02:32:53 PM
I know turkeys aren't as dumb as I make them out to be. They just have a funny way of making me feel inept when hunting them. My largest issue is I have too many hens. When I can call the hens in it seems Tom's have a way of getting into fights with each other outside of bow range lol

So listen to what you're saying? Use jake/gobbler yelps/ fight rattles

Bowguy67 · February 28, 2020, 03:29:22 PM

Guys listen, turkeys are not impossible. You just need to know as much as possible. It's the best thing about the sport. The more you know the less birds you leave in the woods.
Gobbler sounds are way underutilized. Birds don't get blown up by em and the avg nimrod can't even distinguish a jake from a hen Yelp. He's not gonna come running like he might to a gobble. Fight rattles many have never even heard.
Hens w gobblers seems like a problem. It might be. Roost a bird. Get between him n his hens if possible. You raise your odds. If he does hen up you can try calling the hen or maybe better yet the gobbler sounds to tick him off.
You can also switch calls. You'd be surprised how often that works. Don't over do this.
If he leaves, I'd let him. You should have numerous birds located. Hopefully a couple roosted. Go to another area. Try to find another bird. It doesn't pan out go to your next target. Later morn you can try original bird but don't push him.
One day he gonna want to die so allow that to happen. It's less likely to happen camping out in one blind all season. Also less likely in fields. Those birds are tougher. Practice set up, repositioning, etc. Practice from realistic positions
Hope I gave you some ideas. As stated feel free to ask. Been at it a long time and coached many people, lots kids to birds. If I can help you all I will.