Fall Turkey Hunting

[GUscottie]

SO, I know this may sound kinda silly, but I figured I'd ask it here now, rather than wait and ask later.

I know that the birds aren't as vocal in the fall, what, if any are some good tactics? Should I find their typical food sources and water sources, or does calling work? I have had reasonable success in the spring, but in the fall, I haven't had nearly any success. Thanks for the advice, as I am sure it will help a few other people out as well. Thanks guys!

[blk_tmbr_archery]

It's a good question.  This is my first year hunting Turkey and have no idea what I should do (which doesn't really matter as I have fun anyways).  As of now I plan on going to where I saw them this spring and seeing what happens.  I saw quite a few birds earlier but never closed the deal; however, some technique tips would be helpful.

[yelp]

This time of year field edges, springs, seeps, etc..are all important for the broods.  The broods eat primarily insects (grasshopper, etc..).  They will feed in areas that produce insects..hay field, etc.. Once some of the grain fields (oats, wheat) are harvested you will see them out looking for grain too.  When scouting look for areas the enter and exit these areas.  Calling can work if you break up a flock.  Sit down near where they flushed from and start using a KEE KEE Run call.  The birds will come back to regroup and there you are.  There are also times where you may sit in a blind along a travel route and ambush them too.  Lots of methods out there.  

[blk_tmbr_archery]

Now who would guess that I would unknowingly respond to your post to only later go hunting together and watch you get a bird.  Don't forget to bring back the icechest; after all, I know where you live.

[GUscottie]

ice chest is cleaned and sitting in my mud room. Thanks Yelp for the advice. The birds were finicky, were moving the entire time, but were talkative as all get out. Had a fun time, but couldn't call them in, but did get one early in the hunt by surprising them and shooting before they got too far.

[andersonjk4]

The October issue of Outdoor Life has a one page article on calling in fall gobblers.  I have never done any fall turkey hunting, so this is about all the info I can share.  Hopefully this year I will have the time to go get my first fall bird. 

[Tman]

Turkeys are loud in the fall.. They just don't respond as well (as they do in the spring) to calling unless you can get the flock on both sides of you.