FWIW.
This has been strange. Late spring. I'm into my 25th day as I'm hunting the full 6 weeks. Maybe more if I go to another state.
But so far nothing like last yr. I thought winter kill had really taken its toll. But I am wrong. Plenty of birds. They just are not that vocal.
Out of the 6 taken so far. Only 1 played the traditional game.
I have seen far more hen strutting right along with the Tom than ever.
The hens have been really quiet. Early was just purring. As of late a few yelps with purrs.
So I have stuck more to very soft calling.
I scout a ton and cause of my physical well being I sit high traffic areas.
My partners younger than me still R&G. They are also witnessing the same. Once and a while you'll get gobbled at. But nothing has been like it should be.
Soft calling has been our best success.
JW