turkey territory
 

i saw several turkeys this past deer season, and they were all pretty much predictable. unfortunately i haven't been able toscout yet and our season starts in 10 days.what are the chances that they will stick to the patterns this spring?

RE: turkey territory
 

They will usually do a little different in the spring from what they do in the fall. Around here there are places that will be covered up from november through february but by the time season rolls around you'll never see one in these areas. But this is not always the case. I don't think it'll hurt a thing to go opening day and see if they are doing the same. I've had times when I didn't have time to scout and all I can do is go hunt anyway.

RE: turkey territory
 

they are typically in large winter flocks and feeding and using diffrent areas in the winter opposed to spring...but than again to be hunting already you must be in the south...so things can be diffrent..id definently try to scout. theres spots i know ive never seen any sign of a turkey in the fall and winter...come spring i can goto my vantage point in the mornign and hear 20 diffrent gobblers. and theres spots in the winter that had huge flocks...go back in the spring and theres nothing...you can try to go out and hunt and hope to get lucky..or use hunting time to scout...i always scout before the season and learn the patterns..that way come hunting season i just gotta get it all to go right

RE: turkey territory
 

I agree. They will usually change their pattern a little....atleast in my area.If you can make it out one morning before your season starts, it will be a big advantage for you. Find out where they roost, fly down, feed, and strut. From there you adjust to fit.

RE: turkey territory
 

Fall is about food source and spring is about breeding/nesting grounds. Hens will return to nest areas if they have had success there. The gobblers are where the ladies are in spring. If however this area does not offer good food source for fall and winter flocks they may be in a completely different location at these different times of year.

Quite often an area will offer both.

RE: turkey territory
 

You guys would have fun here in CO. Merriams have been known to move 60 miles from breeding areas to wintering areas. In the spring time they will follow snow lines up the mountain to get back to breeding/summer areas. They have been recorded to move 20 miles in a single day. Pattern, whats that? Go forth yonder and seek.
Gselkhunter

RE: turkey territory
 

Fall and winter just means there are turkeys in the area. They don't eat the same or act the same in the spring. You'd better get your scouting in.