what are your preparations for spring turkey?

[birddogdad]

Thought i would start a thread to discuss things that you do to get ready for spring season. you can ask questions , bring your ideas here....

i will start by saying i am not a field/ blind sit hunter, i walk and talk working mountains for birds so maybe more to prepare for my adventures.

I have verified i have my TSS ammo in hand by this point (enough for several states runs) and last weekend i sorted my gear boxes, calls,  deep cleaned my shotgun, (trigger assembly needed TLC from dragging in the dirt) in prep for coming season. I also have a small motorcycle trailer i use as base camp, have cleaned, charged batteries and setup my bunk cots inside. Next step is washing camo and prepping with Permethrin and UV sprays. Thru my inventory process, i noticed my leafy jacket needs replacing and is on order. Also short a box of hand warmers here!

still on my list, one shot to verify red dot and some call practice!   

[hunter399]

We need a warming trend .
Mother nature needs to figure out what season we are in.
Took this picture an hour ago.
Snowing like a banchy over here in the east.
If we keep going this way,your gonna need snowshoes to turkey hunt.

[bearpaw]

The toms have been gobbling good on the roost in the morning for over a week, snow or no snow, they are ready!

[jrebel]

My preparation is primarily getting all the kids amped up.  Last year was a rough year for the kids and they were being lazy and wouldn't get out of their bunks to whack birds.  After dad went out and hit a double.....all of a sudden they were amped up.  Told them this year, If I fill my tags first....I'm the one that will be sleeping in.   

With a little luck we will be getting two new hunters their first birds.....both under the age of 10.  Should be fun.   


Shotguns are ready, ammo is good, blinds are ready....we just need April to get here a little faster. 

[hunter399]

I've been also preparing for it.
Ammo
Shotguns cleaned.
Need to go through and get my bag ready.
Sometimes I also double down on stuff.
Like .......
Trail cams or predator hunting also.
April is a busy month for me.

[cjjcb]

Calls are in the truck for some fine tuning practice... Drives the wife and dogs up the wall when I practice in the living room... My son and I just bought some light weight camo this last weekend as the last few years it was in the 70's in the afternoons mid to late April and a lot of sweatin' going on... Not sure we'll need it this year...

Everything else is squared away...Just getting excited!

[pickardjw]

I've been e-scouting some new spots. Still need to nail down the dates that I want to go and see if I can squeeze in a scouting trip or two...I have plenty of ammo since I never have to shoot any of it hopefully that's different this spring!

[hunter399]

I guess I still have one shotgun to clean.
And a red dot to sight in.

The sight in will have to wait for better weather.

[ghosthunter]

Itching to pattern guns, but burr wet and cold here. Not going the opener this year. End of April. I like to hunt with different guns every couple of days. So trying couple Coach guns this year, Longfowler,KSG, Long Boy single shot. Still working on the same box of shells I bought years ago.

Tents are ready.

My buddy few years back. 2nd photo is me and my retirement hunt plan.

[dyhardhuntr]

I’m getting a late start on prep as I’m just finishing my shop. My goal is to get my son on a bird and have fun in the process. If you guys were to have one kind of decoy, what would it be? Are 3D ones the best? I’m planning on getting out to find some roost trees here soon.

[pickardjw]

Lots of turkey stuff on sale today on camofire.com

Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...

[Ghost Hunter]

Waiting for someone to say the road is open.      

[turkeyfeather]

Lots of turkey stuff on sale today on camofire.com

Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...

I sprung for the Avian X set a few years ago. Thought they looked great. Have not had one bird come into them yet. Beginning to think there's something about those dekes the Tom's don't like.

[Russ McDonald]

Most of my stuff has been prepped since January with seminars sports show.  Blind setup with chairs.  I am mainly working with taking people out.  Paraplegic opening day.  Mentor hunt the following weekend.  Will see if I get out for myself this spring.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[High Climber]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

[pickardjw]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

The push calls are probably the easiest, but with a little practice a box or pot call are more versatile while still being easier than a diaphragm.

For locators I've found the crow calls totally useless. Fell out of my vest at some point, haven't missed it. I usually do the back half of a barred owl call as a locator. A little practice in the car and you can do that well enough to get a shock gobble.

Big fan of the turkey vest if I'm moving a lot. Probably not necessary if you're just walking into a blind and sitting all day.

[hunter399]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

The push calls are probably the easiest, but with a little practice a box or pot call are more versatile while still being easier than a diaphragm.

For locators I've found the crow calls totally useless. Fell out of my vest at some point, haven't missed it. I usually do the back half of a barred owl call as a locator. A little practice in the car and you can do that well enough to get a shock gobble.

Big fan of the turkey vest if I'm moving a lot. Probably not necessary if you're just walking into a blind and sitting all day.

I just use box call for everything.

[Ridgeratt]

The "Oklahoma can" call seems to work pretty well. Thats what a buddy from Oklahoma says.

[turkeyfeather]

Best locater call I got is the truck door. 

[Russ McDonald]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I went to an alps sling bag.  I would seem to over load my vest I carry a hoot owl and a predator howler.  Easy to use calls and box call or pot and peg call but hard to do when you have a bird un close.  I tell everyone to learn how to use a diaphram call.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

[timberfaller]

Take it out of the freezer first then let it thaw out! 

[bearpaw]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

Decoys
They can be fun, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, a lifeless decoy can tip off wary birds that something is not right. I've seen birds run to decoys and I've seen birds run away when they see decoys. I haven't carried a decoy much for about 25 years, I don't like exposing myself to set one up and then not being able to move it without exposing myself again. Turkeys see everything!

Calls
Find the call that YOU can make the best sounds. Everyone is different, diaphragms work best for some people, pot calls with slate or glass are best for some, and box calls or other calls are sometimes preferred. If you go to a sport show try a bunch of calls at different booths to which you can make the best sounds. If you have friends with various calls ask to try them. I use a diaphragm and a glass call the most, I get the best sounds with them. If you have a hard time using most calls you could try a "push button yelper" for a starter call, they are the simplest to use. I used a push button yelper when I first started turkey hunting and it worked, but I found that with a little practice I could make better sounds with other types of calls. Remember, if you don't sound like a turkey you are telling the birds you're not a turkey and they will avoid you, it's better to not say anything than sound wrong! Calling is like poker, you have to know when to hold em and play em, and when to fold em. So if calling isn't working, figure out how to sound better or don't call.

Locators
Sometimes anything will work, they hear a noise and they gobble, its sort of a "you surprised me" reaction. For myself I like a loud shock call, I carry the loudest crow call I could find and it works well most of the time. Sometimes an owl, woodpecker, or coyote howler will work when the crow doesn't, so I carry them too, and fairly often none of them work. Later in the season birds seem to quit answering many of the things they have heard often, but if you make an unusual noise like a horn, a car door, a gunshot, or even starting your engine, that might work when nothing else would work.

Vests
When I grab my vest I have everything I could possibly need. But in reality, I mostly use one locator, one diaphragm, and one pot call, they would fit in two front shirt or jacket pockets, so a vest isn't a necessity. The vest and all the other gadgets I'm packing just make me look like an experienced turkey hunter to all the other turkey hunters. That guy must know what he's doing! 

How Have I Wasted The Most Money
By buying turkey hunting gear I never use and turkey calls that I can't make good turkey sounds, if you can try calls first that is smart!

I've been using the same type of diaphragm and pot call for 20+ years, I recently stocked up on diaphragms, I wear out 1 or 2 a year, plus I keep spare locater calls and a spare pot call on hand, so I'm good for a few more years.

And I recently stocked up on turkey loads!

[konradcountry]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I went to an alps sling bag.  I would seem to over load my vest I carry a hoot owl and a predator howler.  Easy to use calls and box call or pot and peg call but hard to do when you have a bird un close.  I tell everyone to learn how to use a diaphram call.

I don't use a vest but they are definitely useful for people that bring a lot of gear. Otherwise you are stuck with someone that spends half the time going through their pockets.

I only use a small box call and I use it with one hand. So I can sit perfectly still and use it. I've tried the diaphram calls and I don't like the feeling of plastic in my mouth.

The best is to have your friend call while you read a book.

[Cougartail]

It's to early to get your feathers ruffled yet. ( ) Still a lot of snow blocking roads.

[salish]

Lots of turkey stuff on sale today on camofire.com

Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...

I sprung for the Avian X set a few years ago. Thought they looked great. Have not had one bird come into them yet. Beginning to think there's something about those dekes the Tom's don't like.

I did the same thing last season with a pair of Montana Decoys Purrfect Pair XD Combo. The birds just didn't seem to be interested. I'll give them another try this year.

[salish]

i don't have a TON of prep stuff to do, other than work my clothes over with Permethrin a few days before the opener. That one application should last until May 31st or tags filled, whichever comes first. I've been working a bit with a couple of new mouth calls I recently purchased, as well as a new Rowden pot call, but I don't need a lot of practice with either. I'm totally familiar with where I'll be hunting so no scouting necessary.

I won't be needing to sight in a red dot on my "new" shotgun but I do need to pattern it:

[Machias]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one.  I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls.  If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help.  Been killing turkeys since the late 70s.  Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.

[hunter399]

Best locater call I got is the truck door. 

No joke
True true...  

[High Climber]

Good stuff all around on here 
@Machias I would appreciate that, I’ll send you a pm

[salish]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one.  I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls.  If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help.  Been killing turkeys since the late 70s.  Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.

Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.

[Machias]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one.  I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls.  If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help.  Been killing turkeys since the late 70s.  Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.

Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.

You should have good luck in that area!!

[salish]

Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have?  Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck   
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?

I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one.  I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls.  If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help.  Been killing turkeys since the late 70s.  Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.

Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.

You should have good luck in that area!!

I think so, too.

[carlyoungs]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

[Machias]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in.  I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range.  Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest.  Try some different calls.  I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in.  Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses.  Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone.  They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature.  Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call.  Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.

[syoungs]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

were just a handful of weeks away now, ill make sure to put on a clinic for you this year.

[carlyoungs]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

were just a handful of weeks away now, ill make sure to put on a clinic for you this year.

At least we can focus more on hunting this year than babysitting.

[carlyoungs]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in.  I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range.  Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest.  Try some different calls.  I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in.  Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses.  Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone.  They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature.  Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call.  Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.

I can get them to gobble back most of the time. They just don't come walking my way. Usually they go over towards my cousins blind and ignore me

[Machias]

I never use a blind, lots of times you have to go to them.  Run and gun is the only way to go!   

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Definitely like to run and gun at times. Found if running them they fly into a tree and then it gets real.

[jasnt]

Been hearing gobbling for few weeks now.  Even a few mid day.  Been ready since January.  I typically start roosting birds end of March- April 1st.  Seeing a bunch of good toms this year.
Run and gun is my favorite.  Rarely use decoy.   Pretty much use box call exclusively. Running hand loads again this year

[syoungs]

I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.

Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in.  I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range.  Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest.  Try some different calls.  I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in.  Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses.  Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone.  They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature.  Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call.  Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.

I can get them to gobble back most of the time. They just don't come walking my way. Usually they go over towards my cousins blind and ignore me

I felt bad, thats why I sent an arrow over its back instead of through it. It had nothing to do with mis judging yardage...