Knowing when to say when!
02-21-2002 | 11:35 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 0
From: Calif
Knowing when to say when!
Experience teaches a hunter a whole lot of things and a wise ole tom has many lessons to humble the best of turkey hunters.Here's something I'd thought I'd share with you all thats helped in the past.I'm as persistent and patient as the next guy when it comes to stayin in the woods and truly believe that without these two qualities we shortchange ourselves in the turkey woods.But I do believe that there are times when we are better off calling it a day.If your at this sport long enough you'll run into those days that nothing you do will persuade ole longbeard to pay you a visit.This is usually the time when we end up spooking the bird out of the country.Out of frusteration we move in to close,we overcall,we get to aggressive on our calls,and so on.It all usually ends up with the same conclusion,the bird that was once there vanishes.Anyway we could go over a # of reasons as to why he wouldn't come your way,hens,terrain,call shy,etc.And in all this it could be that no one answer may be definate to solve that particular days problem.Worst case scenario is that you end up spooking the bird.Anymore when I encounter a bird like this I just give him time.In otherwords if he's totally un-cooperative I may give him a day or two to calm down and sort things out,or possibly loose his hens.Even on a lot of public ground places after that opening weekend rush of a hunter on every ridge things will calm down a bit.I cant tell you how many times I've returned a few days later or even that afternoon and found that things had calmed down substantially,to the point that the birds were responsive again.We talk alot on the forum here about turkeys that are tough to work and i truly believe the toughest toms to work our those that are spooked.And thats at any age that particular bird might be from a jake to a longbeard.I realize its tough for many to call it a day,but sometimes we are better off because we didn't spook that bird and in return we may be making the next hunt that much easier by doing so.Obviously short seasons,and amount of time we have to hunt play a big part of this,but know this, that just because your leaving the woods empty handed doesn't mean the hunt was a bust,if you do it right knowing "when to say when" then you may just be setting up your next hunt to be a successful one. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
02-21-2002 | 12:39 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: park falls wi
RE: Knowing when to say when!
I agree with your idea on leaving them alone for a couple of days.In WI we only have 5 days to hunt so we don't have that luxury,you have to hunt agressively or your season is done before you get another crack at them.
02-21-2002 | 05:37 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 0
From: Spokane, WA & King George Va & Andrews AFB, MD
RE: Knowing when to say when!
GOOD POST BG2, I WOULD ALSO HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU. THE SEASON IN WASHINGTON RUNS FOR A MONTH, AND I HUNT ON PRIVATE LAND SO I HAVE THE OPTION OF WALKING AWAY WITH OUT FILLING MY TAG.
02-21-2002 | 07:49 PM
#7
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Auburn Alabama
RE: Knowing when to say when!
I agree. A tough old bird on public land is gonna be hard anyway. One thing you don't want to do is spook him after he has heard your calls all morning. Then he won't ever come to you unless you switch on him. I usually just go find another bird to play with. Maybe come back around 10 or so in the morning.
No jakes!
No jakes!
