Turkey Hunting

[pitch bait]

Im going on my first turkey hunt this year. Im looking for some tips on what to do and what not to do. I have place here in NJ that has alot of turkeys. I see them all the time when Im deer hunting. Should I have my gun totaly camo? Also should I build a blind or should I just sit against a tree? I was thinking about buying a decoy, what kind should I buy? I also have to have a call, any suggestions on a brand or type? Thanks all info is appreciated.

[Nobody]

The more camo the better. Turkey see 7x better than man 320 degrees around there head and are one of the few that see in color. Their hearing is 4x better than man. They will not give you that stupid look deer do , at the first sign of danger they are gone. Move slow. Durring the spring it is nature that the hens go to the males. If you hear a bird gobble far away call to him if he answers you cut the distance between you and him in half as fast as possible but don't get so close that he see's or hears you walking and then call to him agian, this should help spark his interest. Try to hunt them on a higher plane or parralell, it is difficult to call a bird down from above you. The more turkey ground you have the better . In the spring they are very vocal , If you have not heard anything for 2 hours (sometimes less) its time to move to another spot . Try to go out the evening before and watch the fields edges for turkey going into the woods just before dark (within an hour or 2). If you see them they will not be far from there in the morning. Know the property in which you hunt Very well they don't like to cross water , thickets, or roads most times. They need big trees with heavy branches to roost at night. They eat bugs, salamanders,seeds ,berries and nuts(fall) and like clover. If you have any farmers that spread horse manure watch it for bird when the crickets are jumping, they will also be in that for the undigested alfalfa and rye seeds. Take you time when calling that bird has all the time in the world you can not rush them , pay attention to what you hear and see it will tell you what the bird is doing and where he wants to go. For basic callers the slate, box or push button yelper will get you started easily but try to learn how to use a diaphram call it takes some practice. I took 3rd in the National calling championship in 1983 . Trust me diaphrams are where its at. I shoot a 3 inch shell in # 5 out of a 12 ga and have killed many with a 16 and a 20. Aim for where the feathers meet the skin on the head.Theres a lot more to it but that will get you started.Good luck its addicting.

[pitch bait]

Thanks that helps a ton. Do they always roost in the same areas? I hunted in the tall pines and one time in the afternnon I saw them flying up into the trees. Should I use a decoy?

[striper101]

Im going on my first turkey hunt this year. Im looking for some tips on what to do and what not to do. I have place here in NJ that has alot of turkeys. I see them all the time when Im deer hunting. Should I have my gun totaly camo? Also should I build a blind or should I just sit against a tree? I was thinking about buying a decoy, what kind should I buy? I also have to have a call, any suggestions on a brand or type? Thanks all info is appreciated.

Bobby,
First off, camo everything! They can see like a Eagle. Blinds are a good idea, decoys are great for Spring Toms. Most decoys are good & will work. If your using a blind get a good box call, if no blind try the mouth call. It takes a little practice but once you get it your gold!

And another thing, enjoy! Because you'll be hooked for life after that first hunt, especially if your into a whole flock of birds the first time out!

[striper101]

Thanks that helps a ton. Do they always roost in the same areas? I hunted in the tall pines and one time in the afternnon I saw them flying up into the trees. Should I use a decoy?

Bobby,
The best thing to do is the night before get in the woods and put them to roost. Get a owl call and go through the woods and hit the Owl call a couple times and the Toms will answer it, then you'll know where they are roosting.

Don't forget the owl call in the morning to, just before sunrise try the call and you'll can make sure they are still there.
Good Luck!

[pitch bait]

Thanks Paul Im exited to go try this. I have been watching on tv and it look very difficult. It will give me something to do for a couple days.

[striper101]

Thanks Paul Im exited to go try this. I have been watching on tv and it look very difficult. It will give me something to do for a couple days.

You'll love it! It really is adicting just like archery hunting. After you get a couple you'll want to try the bow! I've gotten 1 with a bow, that's a really hard hunt. Best of luck to ya! Take some pics!

[austin ensor]

put them to bed the night befor!!!! then step up a safe distance away and wait fot sumlight.

[weekender]

All good info above. At first light they will gobble while still in the tree. Try not to call very much while they are still on the roost. Nature tells the tom to wait till he sees the hen because she is suppose to go to him. Call very soft, only a few yelps. When you hear him fly down or know that he has moved, call all you want. The tighter your gun choke is the better. Usually about 40 yds is max for a clean kill with a well choked 12ga.