When to Turkey hunt?

gzg38b · 01-09-2008, 07:42 PM

In Michigan, our turkey season goes from mid April to the end of May. I have two options for hunt dates in my area. The first one is April 21 - May 4 (14 days). The second is May 5 - May 31 (27 days).

Which one would you choose, and why?

eldohunter · 01-09-2008, 07:45 PM

early is always better for me

Rob/PA Bowyer · 01-09-2008, 07:47 PM

I agree, the earlier the better before many are educated and before most of the hens are nesting. Get them while they are hot and not taken however, the later can sometimes be best, when all the hens are ON nests and gobblers are still looking midmorning towards noon and after can be very productive.

gzg38b · 01-09-2008, 07:51 PM

I'm leaning toward the early hunt.

I don't like hunting with bugs and mosquitoes. I like the cooler weather. And I like bare trees.

I've had the late hunt the last two years and I didn't have much luck in May. The birds didn't seem very responsive and the weather was starting to get too hot for my liking (bugs!)

joshw020 · 01-09-2008, 07:56 PM

The earlier, the better. They're makin' alot more racket, they're "hotter" and easier to get on. . .and more willing to come to your calling.I usually hunt MO on their opening week. This year, I'mswitching gears and heading to KY. Both states come in a week before Ohio.That 1 week makes a huge difference IMO.

demoIL · 01-09-2008, 09:45 PM

I usually don't go the first "season" but will go second or third.. Still early but the first one is during the week and I normally have to work.. lol Or I would probably try for that one also...

BowHuntingFool · 01-09-2008, 09:52 PM

Last spring the later season was better on my Property in Michigan(NLP). The birds were no where to be found early season, I heard like one Gobble. During the later season they were non-stop! I had the early season![8D] The later season you have a bit more green on the ground, which I think is good! I don't hunt out of a blind though. Good luck!