New Turkey hunter hoping for some advice

[Fish_Slayer-95]

Hello, brand new turkey hunter here, due to recent work changes I unfortunately wasn't able to do any pre season scouting so this years season is basically gonna be a long scouting trip with a tag in hand just in case. But I was wondering if you experienced turkey hunters could give a newbie some advice. I have an area that I am considering in the kettle falls area but still pretty new to hunting in general and completely new to turkey hunting I was wondering what i should be looking for when trying to e scout? Ill be able to make one scouting trip before season starts but was wondering what are things you all look for when seeing a map of a new place you've never been to and are trying to put a game plan together? Any help is greatly appreciated and hope you all have a great Turkey season.

[hughjorgan]

I like to to look for agricultural that borders public/private when e scouting for turkey.

[baldopepper]

Gotta look for public ground you can for sure hunt.  Kinda of rough for the opening weekend as lots of the available property gets pretty crowded. Might try knocking on a few doors as sometimes they'll let you hunt later in the season but are committed for the opener. Doesn't hurt to stop and talk to hunters in the area, while they won t usually give up hot spots they'll often point you at least in the right direction. Tons online and threads on this sight that can help you with tactics. Turkey hunting has a steep learning curve so don't get discouraged on your first try..
 

[Russ McDonald]

E scounting.  Look for large mostly open trees most of the time on south facing slopes.  They roost in trees also will be near a food and water source.  They do come out of the roost and tend to pitch down to an open area.  They tend to take paths of least resistance so looking for trails or skidder roads.  They like to feed on field edges.  Depending on the weather hopefully it will warm up a bit more.  First weekend is usually tough if they get the breeding going.  A lot of times you are getting into the tale end of breeding the first 2 weeks of the regular season.  Like I said though depends on the weather.  If you get a chance when scouting go out before the sun goes down look for birds follow them.  They are going to their roost tree.  Mark that on gps because the birds will stay in that general area.  Good luck

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[cem3434]

Drive around opening day and find the crowd of hunters in the area you're considering hunting. By the 2nd weekend the crowds will be thinned out and most hunters are seemingly out of the woods by 10 AM. Stay in the woods during the late morning to early afternoon as I've seen lots of toms die looking for love once the hens go to nest.