How to get birds back??
 

Let me start off by saying this is my first time turkey hunting, the property I hunt has had turkeys in the past 2 groups of about 15 birds each (last spring) but since then the owners have put up a fenced in horse pasture in the field where i used to see all the turkeys. Now I have not seen any birds in the past year. (not that I have really been looking for them) The land also has about 25 acres of woods that I deer hunt in. my question (finally) is any chance of getting the birds back? I can hear gobbling when scounting for deer in the woods but never see any birds.

Thanks Slim

RE: How to get birds back??
 

depending on the fence, a turkey will go where ever he pleases. If you're hearing gobbles, try to get in that area without busting birds off of the flock. If you hear gobbles on private property, which you can't hunt, then get as close to the border as you can and when time is right, start calling. Hopefully, he isn't henned up and he'll come right in to your calls. Turkey's, typically in the south, like to migrate, in search for other food sources, or where they feel the most safe. If there is water in your general hunting area, then pay close attention to this feature. This area can be a magnet to turkeys, especially if it's open and flat. Good luck this season and hope you get a big one!

RE: How to get birds back??
 

I am hunting in extreme north central Indiana. There is a small pond (maybe 250'x75') on the back edge of the property. there is a small clearing on my land on the edge of the pond and I was thinking of trying to plant some seed dropping food plots? just an idea. I hear most of the gobbling come just est of the property. but i am not sure where they are roosting.

RE: How to get birds back??
 

sounds like you've got a great area to hunt. If I were you I would ask all land owners for permission to hunt their property. Ask all owners that have property which borders your hunting tract. This allows for a little more room to kill a longbeard.