Turkey Hunting

[Riffer]

I have never hunted turkey before but I want to start in a few years because I cant right now im 14, gotta wait at least till im 18 because my dad wont go. But I get a bit of information about it?

[ultimag]

thats too bad man, you do not have any uncles or grandpa that could take you? I would read all you can get your hands on

[Riffer]

No I dont know anyone thats goes so im going to have to wait for about 3 year until I can go unless I convince my dad to go but I doutI can, so can you tell me a bit about it?

[ultimag]

Sure I like too scout around and look for sign tracks, feathers,scat,scratchings (places where they move leaves and dirt for food) and especially in the spring strut marks. When I find an area with good sign i will try too roost some birds the night before. The next morning slip in close and try and call the gobbler into range.

[Riffer]

Are there different methods of hunting turkey?

[ultimag]

yes you can wait them out in a blind, run and gun, bust up the flock,use dogs,single call ,multi calls

[Riffer]

How do you prefer to hunt them? and what about camo because on t.v whenever I watch hunting shows they have camo everthing right down to their guns, are the birds that smart or what?

[kingvjack]

Don't worry about all the crap you see on TV. Those guys dont even pay for half that crap... Its all endorsements. I also know that a bunch of H.S Strut guys got thrown off a certain someones property in Upstate NY.

Anyways, Go get some camo, as you can see from other peoples pics... You dont need all that fancy stuff. Hell, my camo hasnt even matched for 3 seasons now. So for starters... Get in some camo. Watch the patterns in the area you hunt.. If its spring and theres alot of trees, Get some green and brown patterned camo... If its dead trees and rocks, get more greys... Make sure the fabric feels tough enough for walking through thick woods without tearing.
Next, If your not accostomed to sitting and being still for a while... and I mean a while... Get a blind... I bought one I can throw in my vest for 15 bucks...
Get a slate or box call... They are the easiest to master and do not depend on alot of experience... I only use a slate... One slate and thats it... Its all personal preference but I dont buy all the fancy stuff.
For a box call I recommend one of the new waterproof ones for starters... They are a little forgiving of common mistakes.
Guns.... Everyone on here harps about guns... Its all just talk.. Go to a gunstore with a parent or guardian and put one up on your shoulder... Find the one that feels good and you can snatch up quickly and see down the beads without repositioning it...

Turkey.... All Turkeys are different. Go scout after deer season and find em... They are generally not overly smart... Just paranoid as hell... and they can see everything... So a paranoid animal with good eyesight... Learn to use shadows and ditches, creeks hills... whatever to your advantage and get close....
Everyone has their own way of doing things and you'll learn yours... You may not get one the first time out... But eventually, you will... and it'll rock...

[Riffer]

Well I already hunt upland and deer so I have a 12 gauge already for birds so I'm sure it will be okay for what Im using it for and for both deer and upland I walk them up, but I think that I will try calling them in and use a decoy, what should I use for a decoys a hen or another rooster and for calls Im sure that it takes a bit of practise to get them to work good.

[ultimag]

does your 12 gauge have screw in chokes? it is better to have a fuul choke and pattern your gun so you no where it hits. start with a box call or a pot style slate. camo is good just stay still and no sudden movements. when you have a bird coming in bring your gun up when his head is blocked by brush or trees or when he is strutting away from you.