The best way to know if there are turkeys on the property is look for scratchings in the leaves. The best thing to do is listen for birds before the season. If you hear birds gobbling you know they are there. If you dont hear a gobble chances are theres not a bird there. For calls everybody has their own preference. I would start off with a box or a slate call. They are pretty easy to get use to with a little bit of practice. Just keep checking this forum day to day and you will be ready by the spring. There are alot of great folks on here that are willing to help. Good luck and we cant wait to see pics of you and your turkey.