Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

I've been hunting all week and have not had one bird respond to my calls. I've tried calling aggressive as well as light and sparingly to no avail. the only time the turkeys are even gobbling isfrom an owl or crow call. This morningItree yelped to one on the roost but he never gobbled back, he just pitched down a few minutes later the other direction. Any advice would be appreciated.

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

Was the Tom with hens? It is pretty early...and the Toms are likely henned up. They will follow the hens & strut to show off...but don't need to gobble. Then chances are the live calling hens are more attractive than your foam decoy. Stick with it. As the hens start to nest, the Toms will become more responsive. Good Luck.

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

Same here in Northwestern NJ, we heard them in the morning on roost, but by 7am they got quiet, I didn't go this morning, but my friend did, and he didn't even hear a bird. It has been cold, morning temps in the high 20's/low 30's

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

I hunted 2nd season in Hamilton CO up by Carmi. The only time those danged birds would answer was when the sun came out and it warmed up a little. But, the sun never stayed out near long enough to call a bird in.

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

If they're henned up, good luck. If you call within ear shot, he knows your there. If he goes off with hens and they leave him later in the morning, he may come back looking for you. If running and gunning isn't panning out for you, try some soft calling every 15 mins or so and stay put til at least 10:00. You might get a visitor sneak in silently any time in the next couple hours. Another tactic would be to call aggressively and tick off the boss hen. If she comes looking for you, he may just follow her to you. Good Luck!

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

Well guys you were very helpful! Shot one after daybreak on Saturday. Two came in running!

Thanks!

RE: Tough week in East Central Illinois!
 

Congrats man, post up pics when you get a chance!