I have been hunting turkeys only since 2002. I used to try to get a reply to my calling and keep calling and following the birds and getting frustrated. I normally got my spring bird but some times 15-20 outings. I want the birds close since most of my hunting is with a flintlock. I gradually learned a few things and the success increased. I found I killed most birds after 10am and after May 1st. The most fun is in the dark, call when on the roost and get him to march right in, but seldom happened. I have found that getting out there in the dark is the most fun but if I can't don't worry about it. If I hear a henned up bird don't chase him but stay put. He may come in about 10am. Reduce my calling. If he answered me, he knows where I am. I find that I have the best luck getting them close if I am behind a deadfall or some kind of blind.
Because of ill health of my mom the last three years I didn't get out a lot, last year only one time, so I made the best use of my time. It took 4 hours to find a bird last year. I got him to respond to the call from about 400 yards. I moved about half way to him, got behind a deadfall and gave short little yelps with a scratch box call. One answer to every 2-3 gobble. When he was within 100-150 yards I shut up. I shot him at 17 steps from me.
