scouting for turkeys

[Brent B]

I'm new to turkey hunting and don't know much about it. May get a chance this year or next to hunt. So I've got some questions for ya. When you scout for turkeys what are you looking for. Where do you start. Once you find a roost or whatever where do you set up.

[springcaller]

Hey Brent B, I may not be the right one to give you advice but I'll try. I usually go out about a week before season comes in and hit the ol' crow call and hoot owl call. Normally this will provoke an answer from a bird. Since turkeys move a lot it's kind of hard to pick a spot and hunt it like you do deer hunting (This is for Spring gobbler). Normally once you have located some birds you will have a general area to start hunting in. Try to keep them located throughout the week, put them to roost the night before opening morning. Morning of, locate them to make sure there still there. Hike in close, not too close, 150 to 200 yards. Get set up in a good fly down area, a place that doesn't have a lot of brush or next to a field. Locate them again and start calling to them as long as it's starting to get daylight, you don't want to becalling to them on the ground when it is still dark outside (an old bird might pick up on that). During the fal I here it's pretty easy if there is birds in the area, most people are deer hunting anyway, just set on your hunting stand and give some lost calls and you might bring a feeding group of turkeys by your deer stand. I tried to help, like I said, "I may not be the wright guy to be telling you. I ahve only been hunting(Spring Gobbler) for a year but killed a bird with a 9 inch beerd and 1 1/4 inch spurs. Killed a jake in the fall 2years ago. Good Luck, it's really a joy when there talking to ya. Even better if you can get more than one going.

[Arrowmaster]

I myself am constantly scouting all year round. I try to find out their patterns for spring andfall hunting. A roost is where they go to bed at night. Usually in bigger trees. When looking for roost trees look for plenty of droppings. A lot of times they roost in the same trees or close by. Also while your in the woods try to find scratchings. Thats where a turkey scrapes away the leaves to find food. Also look for strut zones and dusting areas. Strut zones are sometimes fields or openings in the woods. Logging roads can be strut zones as well. Dusting areas are just that if you notice a bare spot and it looks patted down its usually a dusting area. You might even find a couple feathers in it. Check for turkey tracks, especially in fields and creeks. You should try to get up early a few mornings and try to locate turkeys roosting or put them to bed at night. Many times you can hear them fly down in the morning or fly up at night. During the spring is when most of the gobbling takes place, but I have heard them gobble in the fall as well. They just dont gobble much in the fall. You will need to get some calls and practice. Get a good locator call. Use an owl hooter, coyote call early in the morning before daylight. You also will need a crow call to try and locate one after sun up and before they go to bed. Hope this helps. BTW WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF TURKEY HUNTING. Once you hear that first gobble in the spring time while your hunting you'll be hooked. Arrowmaster

[Mudder]

Hey Brent, if you get it in your blood like most of us do, you never stop scouting for turkey. I agree with springcaller. During the deer and squirrel season I'm always looking for them feathered boogers. I keep a crow,duck and goose call in my huinting bag just to shock-em during those seasons. If you sit in a deer stand you'll soon discover that deer and turkey use some of the same travel routes. Ask some of the more experienced hunters around where you are going to be hunting and see if they have any tips for you.Mind Ya now Turkey Hunters are like Fishermen, some of their tales and tips might be true or not. Good Luck to Ya, and remember-Its not a sport, It's a sickness.