How close can you call in a turkey?
 

Ok every year I have wanted to go turkey hunting, but just haven't ever seemed to make it out there. I am wanting to try one with a bow, but I'm not sure if the distances I'm comfortable shooting one at are even close to how far I'll be able to call one into. I've only been turkey hunting a couple of times with friends and just sort of tagged along so I'm not really sure what to expect. I really planned on getting a tag and trying it with my bow for a while and if all else failed take a shotgun out for a while, but my friend told me to shoot one with a bow you need an archery only tag. Also I haven't been able to figure out how to use mouth calls so I'll have to rely on a box call if that matters.

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

You can call a turkey in as close as you feel comfortable having him. However, you'll need to learn to use those calls without making a lot of movement.

I shot my first turkey (with a shotgun, mind you) at less than ten paces. I had someone on the opposite side of the tree calling for me, but you can get those birds in close if you want to.

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

Thanks Washington thats what I need a little confidence boost. I'll get an archery tag and see how it works out because its not like if I don't bring a turkey home I'll starve or anything. I've really been itchin to get back out into the woods with my bow :)

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

TRY A POP UP BLIND FOR YOUR FIRST HUNT REALLY HELPS CONCELE MOVEMENT

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

It really depends on the bird. I've called a couple in so close I could have whacked them with a mp handle. LOL Those times it wasn't my intention, but stuff happens. LOL I was calling for my buddy Chuck one time. I had started out into the field when I saw birds coming out down below us on a hill. A big gobbler and a harem of hens. I only had time to just drop to the ground prone beside an old log someone had skidded out in the field and left. Chucks about 20 yards behind me on the edge of the woods so sat quick against a tree. Long deal short, I never could convince the gobbler to come but I did tick off one old matriarcal hen that came looking hoping to kick my butt. I was resting my forehead on my arm with my floppy hat pulled down. At one point just peaking out from the edges I could see the hens feet about 2 feet away. Chuck said he thought she was going to walk on me. I'd like to have them about 15-20 yards. It's a slam dunk shot and you can usually get a shot somewhere in their moving and peaking. I've had several birds get way to close for my way of thinking. I've had a WHOLE lot more not get close enough.LOL

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

There was a video that I watched back in the early90's(had to be 91 or 92) where some guy hid under a downed log, and had his buddy throw leaves all over him.He called a jake in so close that he actually was able to grab its leg for a second when it stepped onto his hand, before it got loose and took off. I wish I could remember what that video was called.

I've had gobblers within 5 feet. At that range, you can't even turn your eyes or blink. You even have to watch how loud you're breathing.

One time I missed agobbler's headcleanat no more than 2 yards. The concussion off the 10 gauge 3.5" magnum actually rolled him flat. I thought he was dead, but now I think he was just k.o.'ed from the muzzle blast for a second. He got up and took off. LOL I couldn't move my cheek to the beavertail, so I just kinda had to eyeball it and guess when his head was passing the muzzle and pull the trigger. I guesstimated wrong.

Moral of the story is that when you're calling, you'll get turkeys to come in and look for the other bird. If you have no dekes out, they'll come to the area, and continue to search. Turkeys are excellent audible locators, so they can usually pinpoint the origin of a sound, and if they're looking for you, chances are that they'll be able to pin you down with a small margin of error.

If you don't spook 'em, they'll come right in and practically run you over.

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

I've called some jakes in so close I could have reached out and grabbed em by the neck. I don't let tom-tom get that close.

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

Fran, if you ever put out a book on your hunting experiences, I want to be the first one to buy it! I love your stories ..... Serously, you should think about it ... just keep yer politics out [8D]

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

"How To Ruin a Perfectly Good Day Afield" By Me.

Seriously though - have any of you guys ever seen that video? Just by way of memory, and remembering the kids that I watched it with - it had to be 1991 or 1992'ish. I remember it was an old VHS tape (at the time we watched it), so it was probably filmed in the 80's.

I think itmight have beenthe same guys who put out that video where they hunted bears and deer with giant spears. They were totally nuts.

RE: How close can you call in a turkey?
 

LOL ... I bet that title would sell .... you'd be the next McManus