Get out there in the dark before first light - you want to hear the early morning gobbling to identify roost sights, number of gobblers, where they fly down and direction they go in.

Distance - that varies by the terrain, cover, wind, etc. I have spooked turkeys from 800 yards in an open field, but last weekend I snuck to 25 yards on a bird that I killed.

The main thing is not to spook any birds. You don't want to be spooking birds you wish to hunt 2 days before the season. Take a good set of binos, dress like you are going hunting with gloves and face mask, and don't call any. Sneak around and observe any turkeys you see from a distance.

Good luck

Mouthcaller