I may have put this in another post, but I can't remember for sure. My advice would be to look around for a local NWTF chapter and talk to some of the members. Our local chapter does an annual Jakes (youth) hunt in which seasoned veterans take youth hunters out and show them the ropes. I'm sure that there are some turkey hunters in your area that would love to give you some in-person tips or even accompany you to the woods and help you out.

I started out on my own, and my most successful hunt for my first couple seasons involved me spooking a gobbler off a roost accidentally from about 100 yards! Not what you'd call a turkey slayer. I started a new job and met a turkey hunter who said he'd take me hunting and help me. He called in a jake for me that year, and the following year he called in a big tom. Since then, I've done it on my own and (knock on wood) I haven't been skunked yet. That's been quite a few seasons back.

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Be prepared to become an addict. All it took for me was to hear that first jake answer my buddy's yelp!

rw