When do you start scouting? How close to the birds territory do you get. I hunt in dense forest of Wa. and to find where the birds live (so to speak) I have scared many birds. I Have heard gobbles but can't examine terrain because I'm scared that I will scare the birds. And they will be unhuntable. Please help!

Don`t be scared, this is supposed to be fun. Make sure you camo yourself better.With all the killer camo out ther you should be able to blend right in.Scouting turkeys to hunt is all year round, so you become more familiar with the turkeys and the woods.

you have to know the terrain,to hunt that bird.just scout very carefully and watch the land for streams,fences and thing of that kind.
don't spook them if you can help.just go after him and have fun. if you spook a few,thats learning to hunt.


Edited by - tree climber on 02/24/2002 07:05:59

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Big35 anytime your moving around in a turkeys home territory your going to spook turks.Locating feeding areas,strut grounds,roostsites, and travel routes are all things i look for when i scout turks besides the lay of the land.A few things that might help in not spooking your birds is good camo,alot of patience, and scout with your ears instead of your legs.I like to start my scouting before daybreak because this could very well clue you in on a regular roostsite.Once I find a roostsite (by listening)I try to determine where the birds our generally flying down and then procede to wait and listen to which direction they leave the roosting area.Once they leave the roost area I like to check it and where they hit the ground out thoughrly.I always take the time in this situation where they hit the ground to look for a possible place to set-up during gun season.Before season starts I make a habit of staying back from the birds when i know they our in the area.I do this because turkeys our very patternable.They have there favorite roostsites,feeding areas,and strutzones.I make an effort to try and not bust them because I want them to go through there daily routine of things and by listening,waiting,reading sign, and staying back you can accomplish much of this instead of walking around your turkey woods. Hope this helps some!