hello-
how do you guys scout for turkeys? i know i have to look for the roosts, but i dont know where to begin. I probably will be hunting on GreenRidge state Forest in Allegany County, MD. It is so big, i have no idea of where to start. How early should i start scouting?

thanks alot

I would start by taking a drive and trying to locate some from the road if thats possible. I would probably take some walks in the woods looking for turkey droppings and looking for scratching in the leaves. I would also check any water source for turkey tracks or droppings. You will have to be there in the evenings to find there roost trees when they fly up for the night.

Good advice AM. Find low, muddy spots where turkeys will leave tracks. Creek beds, Ponds, logging roads are good places to look. Fields are a great place to look in the early morning hours and especially as spring approaches. Hens nest around field edges so turkeys who may spend the majority of winter in the woods, will move back around fields towards spring. The easiest way to find turkeys is to start going to the woods at least 2 weeks, maybe more before season starts. Be on a ridgetop where u can hear along way, IF its warm and clear i shouldnt take too long to find some turkeys as they will be gobbling as daybeaks. IF it warms up in Maryland earlier than normal, then turkeys will probably be gobbling and strutting earlier. Around here though its usually 2-3 weeks before season starts that they crank up. Good luck and let us know how you are coming along. Your about to get addicted to the best thrill in the world of hunting!!

If you are hunting public land, (personally), I wouldn't count on the birds being in the fields as soon as season comes in. Every idiot in MD will be trying to kill them. BUt it is a good start to actually see turkeys.

Here in SC, most are still in their winter patterns. I have been seeing more with the hot winter we are having. In a month or so, they are everywhere.

Come along about mid/late March, go out to this state park b4 daylight. Find a elevated listening point and listen for roost gobbling as first lite begins to invade. This will help u home in. Scout in the woods now, but stay out come spring roost gobbling time. I realise tho that in a state park, while your stayin out and doin your part not to spook birds, others will be.