Difference in Fall and Spring Roosting Locations

dtk913 · 12-20-2006, 03:14 PM

I was wondering what peoples opinions are on the difference in roosting locations. I have found a couple of areas that the turkeys are using a lot for roosting this fall while I have been deer hunting. They are areas that I haven't turkey hunted too much in the past, but if the roosting locations won't change much from fall to spring Isure will be this spring.I know a lot of you guys have turkey hunted a lot longer than me, so I thought I would try to get your opinions.Thanks in advance.

triggerhappy · 12-20-2006, 03:32 PM

My experience in most of the areas I hunt is that the spring and fall areas are indeed different. I would say moving primary location from 1/2 to 1 mile easy. The area I deer hunt holds several hundred birds during the fall and winter but in the spring most have moved just off the property with just a few moving in and out of the area. Another spot I turkey hunt in the spring you will be hard pressed to find a bird in the fall but seem to be everywhere by spring.

I can't tell you how many times people have told me oh I have hundreds of birds I just counted over 200 in a field. This always during the winter and then if I can hunt the property they are astonished there are no birds around.

Food source, breaking up into smaller breeding groups spreads them out and I think just pure habit.

I would however not rule out this property based on what I have written. You definitely want to go back in the spring and check it out.

fishstix · 12-20-2006, 03:39 PM

I agree, I find that Turkeys do roost in general region, they move Roost tree sometimes. We have to remember the differance of spring and fall. There are alot of invaders to the turkeys home in the fall, so it will affect them obviously, as well as food supply.

RDHunter · 12-20-2006, 06:02 PM

I've been hunting turkeys spring and fall going on six years now and from what I have learned , there roosting locations do change and with good reason.
They will roost close to there food and water sources and as you know that changes from season to season and they'll also roost for good cover from the bitter cold and winter winds.
In the spring you may find them roosting in the oak and maple trees and in the fall and winter you'll see them in the pines and confiers.
Where ever there roosting , once they fly downto feed and drink they willwalk around all day in one big circle and retrun to the same roosting area.
When go you go out to do a little pre - season scouting , look on the ground around big trees fordropings and feathers that will tell you where there roosting at that time.

huntndad · 12-20-2006, 07:36 PM

In the spring the hens have there favoretnesting sites. Thus this will determane the roosting sites of the hens and as we all know the boys will not be far behind

r33h · 12-21-2006, 08:21 AM

Roosting location will change from what I have seen. The best thing to do is go out two or three weeks before the season and listen to see where they are roosting. I wouldn't do any calling...and if you do call, don't do very much at all. You are wanting to find out where the birds are, not get one comming to you. I have done this in the past and have pretty good success with locating birds before the season starts. Scouting is the key to good success when turkey hunting. If you know where the bird is roosted and where they are going to go when they fly down, get between the two and you should be good to go.

OntElk · 12-21-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

In the spring the hens have there favoretnesting sites. Thus this will determane the roosting sites of the hens and as we all know the boys will not be far behind

Yup. I agree. A successful hatch in a nest location and you will find birds back there in spring. If there is no good winter/fall food then they'll be other places. 2 seperate focuses. Really useless to scout now. Wait like was mentioned but certainbloy coulod be a good spot.

3 of 4 farms I hunt are all full of birds in fall/winter and then hold a good few during breeding season as well. There is some areas close by that deer hunters probably never see turkeys on. Come spring they are there however.

Ridge Runner · 12-23-2006, 10:56 AM

gobblers always roost uphill from the hens in the spring, in flat country where they can hear the hens as they awaken and flydown. In the fall a gobbler flock has a feeding routine and they roost somewhere in this loop, where they feel safe and protected from the weather. So look for hen roosting spots in the spring, and protected areas with evergreens (this is they're preferred roosting tree) with gobbler sign in the fall.
RR