Other Hunting > Turkey Hunting

Needing some help

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coot man:
I've lived here in washington for about 7 years now, and have finally decided to take advantage of the turkey population here in the state.  The only problem is I have no idea how to get started.  From watching shows and hearing conversations that its a lot like elk hunting (scouting, learning to calll, etc...)  I guess my question is without giving hotspots away can anyone tell me good places to go and the best way to locate birds.  Any advice or suggestions would greatly be appreciated.  Thanks Guys!!!

GOcougsHunter:
coot man,

First... look at the WDFWs site regarding distribution of turkeys
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/turkey/turkey3.htm

Find out where generally you want to hunt.
Then, this site will get you information about public access to areas by big game GMU.

http://huntwashingtonstate.com/HWS/Fur%20top%20page.htm

There are a ton of turkeys out there.

Machias:
This time of the year if you can put one to bed your way ahead of the game.  Right at dusk, in a high spot, you can hear them going to roost and letting the ladies know where they are.  If you have been scouting and know where they normally fly down and strut first thing in the morning then you are even farther ahead in the game.  If not, no biggy.  If you can't be right there when he flies down, generally, at this time of the year your almost better off waiting till 0800 or later to start.  The gobblers right now are gobbling hard on the roost and a little on the ground, but then mostly spittin & drummin and displaying after that.  Once 0800 and later rolls around and the hens have all been mated and have left the tom, gobblers who answer this time of the morning can be very receptive to your calls.  They are not always the most vocal, but can be fired up pretty good this time of the day.  Pretty much anywhere you can find public land along Lake Roosevelt you'll be into a bunch of birds.  They really are pretty mcuh scattered all over Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties now.  When you call, since your new to this, you will make mistakes in calling, don't worry about, just throw another series of yelps or clucks out there.  Don't rush in too fast as alot of new hunteres tend to bump birds that are on their way in.  Good luck and if I can help in any other way drop me a line.

boneaddict:
There aren't alot of birds around local.  A few if you know where to look and if you are lucky.  Your best bet for a healthy population of birds is to head south to the Klickitat country or go north to the Colville region.  The most birds being the latter.  If you have Okanogan connections, there are a few birds up there.  The best way is to put yourself where there are birds and go from there.

coot man:
Thanks guys, for the great advice and help!!  Another question I have for you is calling.  I've purchased a Primos Ol' Betsy slate call and a Primos power crow call.  Are these any good (for a beginner)?  Or would you suggest box calls, reeds?  What is your thoughts?  I'm an avid duck and goose hunter so I know that calling can either make or break a hunt.  And I know I will probably make a bunch of beginner mistakes, but is there a certain type of call to help eliminate some of these mistakes?

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