Roosting birds?
#12
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: drummond mt.
I hunt vast areas, and our birds move allot. I like to roost them for the next morn.Do not forget about a little wing flapping to go along with those soft tree yelps before slippen out of there.
#13
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson County, Missouri
ORIGINAL: ultimag
I hunt vast areas, and our birds move allot. I like to roost them for the next morn.Do not forget about a little wing flapping to go along with those soft tree yelps before slippen out of there.
I hunt vast areas, and our birds move allot. I like to roost them for the next morn.Do not forget about a little wing flapping to go along with those soft tree yelps before slippen out of there.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
I went to our club too early one day last year and hooted a couple of times. Next thing I knowa gobbler was flying over my head. Newby mistake, wont make that one again. Last year was the first year I have turkey hunted and it was a learning experience. I do try to roost them if I am going the next morning.
#19
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Brookport IL now in Colorado
I would try to roost a bird every evening if I had the chance. I have mostly hunted run and gun style on large areas of NF. If I can find a bird that gobbles on the roost I expect him to be hot in the morning or at the very least talking. That doesn't always hold true, but I've always felt a roosted bird put me a leg up in the morning.
If I can roost one late season w/ full foilage, I'll push in really close before light, especially if I'm sure where the bird is. Then I hope to never say a word and roll hima couple steps afterhe touches down.
As far as the wing flap goes. If I'm trying to work a bird off the limb, say I know he's got hens around or I can't get to the side I expect him to go or I'm trying to keep him from flying down across an obstacle, I'll always do a couple really really soft tree yelps w/ my head leaned back pointed into the tree. Then when I think it is time for flydown I'll do afly downw/ my cap from above my head and into the leaves. I may throw in a cackle during the wing flap, but I normally won't say anything after that until he touches down. You know he likes it when he gobbles at the fly down w/o any calls.
I've had the hens almost set down on me after that.
I can't imagine not roosting birds if I have the opportunity to get out.
If I can roost one late season w/ full foilage, I'll push in really close before light, especially if I'm sure where the bird is. Then I hope to never say a word and roll hima couple steps afterhe touches down.
As far as the wing flap goes. If I'm trying to work a bird off the limb, say I know he's got hens around or I can't get to the side I expect him to go or I'm trying to keep him from flying down across an obstacle, I'll always do a couple really really soft tree yelps w/ my head leaned back pointed into the tree. Then when I think it is time for flydown I'll do afly downw/ my cap from above my head and into the leaves. I may throw in a cackle during the wing flap, but I normally won't say anything after that until he touches down. You know he likes it when he gobbles at the fly down w/o any calls.
I've had the hens almost set down on me after that.
I can't imagine not roosting birds if I have the opportunity to get out.
#20
Unfortunately, most of the property I hunt is a 1 to 2 hour drive and you need to be out of the woods by 12 or 1:00 (depending on the state). Since I'm not hunting in the afternoon, it doesn't seem worth it to me to drive 4 hours just to hear where a bird is roosted.


