Are all Easterns mute and invisible???

[CJ1962]

ok, so I know they are not. just frustrated in my pursuit of one.  Since I retired 3 years ago, I have stepped up my attempts to get an Eastern.  The closest I have gotten so far is finding poop and getting a hen on camera.

Yesterday morning I went out to where I have several pictures of a hen.  I got in before shooting time and just sat and listened to the woods come awake. One of my favorite things about hunting.

A little later in the morning I had a Raven perch in a tree close by and it started squawking a lot.  So much so that if I was in the NE corner of the state every Merriam Tom within 5 miles would have shock gobbled.

But in my little corner of the woods nothing.

I know that in the P50 South West zone only about 40 Birds are killed each year, so odds are long.  But I have hunted all times of the day, stayed out well past dark, tried all kinds of different turkey calls and locator calls and have never heard a yelp or a gobble.

If I ever see a Tom, I'm worried I will be so shocked I'll forget to shoot!

[ThurstonCokid]

I think you’re chasing one of the hardest if not the hardest animal to kill in Washington. (Besides some Westside private property)

Been out and about in western wa my whole life and have seen a handful of hens. Good luck..


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[MerriamMagician]

They tend to really spread out in the vast timberlands, almost to a fault sometimes. There is a chance that there could be a few hens using that area with no male birds within earshot. Without knowing exactly what the habitat looks like where you are hunting, get on the highest points you can find ideally close to newer age clearcuts. 95% of all Easterns we hear gobbling in this state like to roost in timbered creek bottoms adjacent to 2-6 year old clearcuts. Sometimes you can hear them up to a mile away, other times you have to be pretty close if they are in a steep bottom. PM me if you would like more help.