Fall hunting in thick timber

[mac266]

I'm new to turkey hunting, and as I discussed in another thread I will be hunting with a rifle (please, NO arrogant, snide remarks about rifle hunting...if you want to make one rather than answering my question, just go away). Rifle hunting *IS* legal where I'm hunting this year.

My question: How should I hunt (in the fall season) in an area that is only comprised of thick timber? There are no open fields, no fences, etc., just thick timber and a few small streams. There is a little terrain (eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains), but nothing like I'm used to in Colorado. Shots will all be 40 yards or less, based on the thickness of the vegetation.

Should I treat it like "still hunting" deer? Spot and stalk? Hide and call?

[Seif5034]

I'd hunt it the same way I would with a shotgun. A turkey has good hearing and Great eyesight. If the Tom spots you while you're standing or walking, you're busted. Hunting in thick timber, the turkey has the advantage.IMHO it'd be Better to sit tight and let him come to you.

I'm new to turkeys as well, just contributing my $.02



PS: make sure to zero your rifle for close-range

[RockyMtnGobblers]

I would sneak in before the season and observe their routine then set up for hunting where you think they will be, I play it all by ear if my plan isn't working I run and gun setting up ahead of them. You could stay back get their direction of travel then set up ahead of them.

[stefani88]

Originally Posted by mac266

I'm new to turkey hunting, and as I discussed in another thread I will be hunting with a rifle (please, NO arrogant, snide remarks about rifle hunting...if you want to make one rather than answering my question, just go away). Rifle hunting *IS* legal where I'm hunting this year.

My question: How should I hunt (in the fall season) in an area that is only comprised of thick timber? There are no open fields, no fences, etc., just thick timber and a few small streams. There is a little terrain (eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains), but nothing like I'm used to in Colorado. Shots will all be 40 yards or less, based on the thickness of the vegetation.

Should I treat it like "still hunting" deer? Spot and stalk? Hide and call?

Thanks you for the post.

[Uncle Nicky]

Hunt them the same way you would hunt them in the fall with a shotgun. Your best bet is to try to find the flock, scatter them, and call them back in (easier said than done). If you have seen them in a general area, start there and call sporadically. You can run and gun and try covering a lot of area also.