Turkey between Tonasket and Republic?

[-CA-]

Went hunting for the first time last year outside Tonasket and had a great time, my dad has some land about half way between Tonasket and Republic. We drove around 3 days and while we saw a few hens in a couple spots, we never could locate any harvestable Turkey. The dudes in the bar in Republic seemed shocked we couldn't get any. We did hear them fairly regularly in our travels around the area so we know they're around. We're gonna try to make a trip over there next week for a couple of nights/day hunts and if anyone has any good tips that could put us on some gobblers we would really be in debt to you! 

[kevinlisa06]

Well the birds are there I know that.  If you drove around for 3 days that might be the issue.


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[Henrydog]

There is a ton of birds there.  1) get out of truck.  2) use some type of call...or even slam the truck door 3) no response go to the next drainage and repeat until you find one that is fired up

[-CA-]

Yeah we didn't have the greatest knowledge of the area, it was our first time really exploring. We know a little more this year, but appreciate all the feedback!

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Halfway would be like Wauconda? Their are birds right their too...

East and south facing slopes.... first

Clear cuts and meadows near a drainage even better.

Walk, call, listen, walk, call, listen. You can drive versus walk. Driving check the drainages. Walking... call every 300-500 yds or so.

[KopperBuck]

Halfway would be like Wauconda? Their are birds right their too...

East and south facing slopes.... first

This got my interest. Usually north/east and south/west show similarities. I'm no expert when it comes to turkey - what's the scoop on this?

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

Halfway would be like Wauconda? Their are birds right their too...

East and south facing slopes.... first

This got my interest. Usually north/east and south/west show similarities. I'm no expert when it comes to turkey - what's the scoop on this?

Personal observation. I heard it once watching a youtube video when I was first starting that merriams like to be on South and East slopes. After years hunting its all about what state you are hunting and where you are hunting in that state.

This is just my opinion of the NE. We typically get weather coming from the north or west. As you can read in the articles attached this plays a factor. They will choose the side of a hill based off of wind/weather.

We generally have snow on the ground when our season starts... there is still some now. Green up happens first on the south side of a hill versus the north in the spring.

As the season goes on, things warm up, and there is food everywhere, they will roost about everywhere.

Just my observation, but here are a couple links of other peoples opinions and I'm sure others will chime in.

https://wildturkeyzone.com/articles/michels9.htm (South and East)

https://www.turkeymanagement.com/habitat/merriams-turkey-habitat/ (North and East)

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/strut-zone/2014/03/spring-turkey-hunting-how-find-best-roosting-sites/ (East and Northeast)

http://roehuntingresources.blogspot.com/2012/02/scouting-for-mountain-merriams.html (South and Southwest)

https://www.turkeyandturkeyhunting.com/featured/learn-wild-turkey-roosting-behavior (East and Northeast)