New to site! New to hunting! Going after fall turkey!!

[KeeKeeBlamo]

I'm 37 never hunted anything before and thought I'd better before I got too old. Going after fall turkey!  Got my gear, gun, decoys etc.  Have some private land near Colbert to hunt on. Some public out around Diamond Lake. 

What's the best beardless bird to take?  Any other areas to scout/hunt?  I have the whole season off from work and can travel.

I love the site. Enjoy reading forum stories and checking out the photos.

[yelp]

Turkeyslayer welcome..but there is already one "Turkey slayer" on this site..might think of changing your name. It might get confusing.

95% of fall turkey hunters stalk and shoot..not a lot of calling involved.  The thrill of turkey hunting is calling...killing in my opinion takes a second seat.  I have killed lot of fall birds..most fall birds are in large flocks in fields.  Usually a female hen and her poults..a family group.  Many times you will see several family groups in one flock as we go into winter.  Many hunters that shoot fall turkeys usually pick the biggest bird out..usually the adult hen..leaving the poults without the hen.  So if you do have the opportunity to shoot one shoot a young bird versus and adult (larger) turkey.  The beardless season was meant to harvest hens primarily..however some young toms don't have beards yet..Also some hens have beards..be aware of your target.  Also make sure you pattern your shotgun and know how far you can effectively shoot.  Many fall turkeys are in flocks and make hard targets..you must select one that has seperated a lot of times.  Good Luck.

[KeeKeeBlamo]

Thanks for replying yelp!  I appreciate the information. 

I saw the other "Turkey Slayer" after you pointed it out to me.  I feel like such an a&* for not noticing that before.  Is there a way to change your username?  I can only find a way to change my password. 

I was thinking about trying sherman creek or le clerc for turkey if my first two spots don't work out?  Do you know if anyone has ever had any luck in those parts?

[jackelope]

Thanks for replying yelp!  I appreciate the information. 

I saw the other "Turkey Slayer" after you pointed it out to me.  I feel like such an a&* for not noticing that before.  Is there a way to change your username?  I can only find a way to change my password. 

I was thinking about trying sherman creek or le clerc for turkey if my first two spots don't work out?  Do you know if anyone has ever had any luck in those parts?

Turkeyslayer, I can change your name if you want...let me know.

[dirty24d]

LOL well being that you stated you've never hunted or killed anything before you probably dont want to use the name Turkey slayer anyways.          I'm sorry I'm just busting you balls.  Welcome to the site let us know your new  screen name when you pick one. May i suggest "40 year old turkey virgin"..        Again i apologize normally I'm the one getting ribbed for posting something like saw a bear today and blew it.      

[BigD]

40 year old turkey virgin. That's funny, wonder if it will stick.

[dirty24d]

profile pic.. 

[Curly]

 

[Gobble Doc]

TurkeySlayer (newer member),

I can completely relate here.  I'm 46 and also not got a turkey yet.  This is my first year hunting as it was something my family never did.  About a month ago we went to a place that planted pheasants so my kids and I could get a chance to actually get something and it was a lot of fun.  Way better than I thought.  I actually now understand the dilemma between hunting and fishing as the seasons overlap.  I'm taking my younger son out to try to get our first bird here and we'll post as well if we're successful.  Spring hunting was tough for us but we learned a lot.  At least I hope we learned something.  Good Luck. 

[carpsniperg2]

yep the guys have it right not much calling you can sometimes shock them into a gobble to locate the birds. but most the time take binos and do a lot of glassing. stalk in and get your shot. welcome to this great site

[WAcoyotehunter]

the birds were gobbling like crazy at my house the other day...wierd.  For fall calling, if you break up a flock you can sometimes sit and call one back to you. 

Shoot me a PM if you would like any other ideas, I'm up in Newport and could point you in some direction (hopefully the right one!) 

[turkeydancer]

I do call, but even less than I do in the spring and differently.  In the spring you try to sound like a "sexy" hen with some yelps, cuts, purrs and clucks (you can listen to these sounds at www.nwtf.org).  In the fall, hen assembly calls and kee kee runs if you are after beardless, and gobbles if you are after the toms.  

You don't have to spot and stalk ... you can scatter the flock and then setup at the breakup spot and use fall calling technique (do not over call). Almost impossible though to get a good scatter with just one person running at them like a screaming bush ... usually will take at least two coming from separate directions ... and even then a second or third scatter often is necessary.   If you know where they roost you can even sneak in after dark and whack their roost trees with rolled newspapers to scatter them to the four winds.

Check your game regs close : Units 105 - 124 two beardless birds in early fall with most other units such as Sherman 1 additional bird of either sex.

Note that turkeys have spotting scopes for eyes so don't let them see ya, don't let them see ya, and don't let them see ya.  They also have Walker Game Ears to hear with ... so as Elmer would say, "Be very, very quite."
Very easy to get busted by the turkeys ....  

Welcome to the site!  Good luck ... don't let these guys get to ya .. I didn't start turkey hunting until age 49.

[quadrafire]

I was thinking about trying sherman creek or le clerc for turkey if my first two spots don't work out?  Do you know if anyone has ever had any luck in those parts?

I was up Leclerc a couple of weeks ago. Didn't see a bird. Saw a few feathers, but no fresh tracks/scat.

[turkey slayer]

You can only call your self Turkey Slayer if you have 25+ Toms and Jake's under tour belt .. Good luck on your 1st turkey hunt, you will be hooked.

[yelp]

You can only call your self Turkey Slayer if you have 25+ Toms and Jake's under tour belt .. Good luck on your 1st turkey hunt, you will be hooked.

I guess I am one too!..LOL