I've always noticed, in the fall, since I'm hunting deer instead of turkeys, that I'm able to sneak up close to a group of birds a whole lot easier than a group of birds in the spring. They just don't seem to spook nearly as easy. That's just my experiences. What do you guys think?

For instance, just that last time I was out, a watched a flock of 31 turkeys feild in a feild, and they were all walking the other way to their roosting tree. Without any calls, I puttted and yelp with my mouth. And here come the turkeys to within 10 yards of where I am sitting on the ground. all the way from about 125 yards. Hens, jakes and toms. They just seem dumb in the fall, and very patternable.
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Edited by - kshunter on 01/10/2003 20:21:39

Edited by - kshunter on 01/10/2003 20:23:02

If turkeys aren't hunted they seem to lose a lot of thier fear of people . When they are hunted out in the fields you can't get close to them ,but once the hunting stops they settle down . I have stood out in the open and had birds come within twenty feet of me when I would do a gobble, trying to see where the bird is . I have to agree they do seem awful dumb at times then I'll watch someone try to call one in and have to change my mind again .

probly like Halcon said, their not hunted near as much in the fall.

as far as being more patternable, I disagree. these turkeys around here don't stay in one place long enough to pattern them this time
of year.

as far as bein dumb- turkeys are dumb. it's their excellent sense
of eyesight, hearin, and plain ole instinct that makes em so
wary.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

proof that a turkey is dumb- anything that will stand out in the rain
with their mouths open till they drown, has got to be dumb!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I know, that's domestic turkeys that do that. just thought I'd throw
in a little humor<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

daytona 500 winner- Ward Burton
go Cat-22

This is my thinkin on this subject,Turkeys by nature are a social critter.In the fall when they are in a flock I think they just feel more comfortable and safe.safety in numbers I guess.Just let one of those birds sound an alarm putt and they'll all be gone.In the spring even when the birds are together they are actually on their own.The urge to mate over rules their social way of thinkin.So it's more like every bird for himself.I think this just makes them more leery of everything.Don't know how well I explained this.I have trouble puttin my thoughts into words.

Young turkeys,little huntin pressure can add up to alot bolder birds!No question pressure makes them much more spooky and wise to hunters!Jim makes a good point because they do feel more comfortable in numbers especially during the fall.But with that said I have had on a # of occasions during the spring been working a flock or even a group of two year old gobblers where one of them actually made me out or saw me move but because the others didn't and weren't acting nervous the bird calmed down!So Jim I believe your right on the money also!

Monarch isn't a butterfly it's the King of the Spring!

They're not &quot;dumber&quot; in the fall, they're just more wary in the spring.
Hopped up on hormones and all...<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>