Tucannon Turkeys

[EDT]

I know its late, but did anyone have good luck in the Tucannon spring turkey hunt this year.  We went up for three days, and did not hear a thing.  We found out however, that the turkeys stopped gobbling 1-2 days before we arrived, but it was first week of May, I assume the turkeys got busy later on, but I dont know.  Any help for next year would be very appreciated.  Also, would you stay on the Wildlife area or on the National Forest.  Info or PM's would be greatly appreciated.

[yelp]

The Tucannon Area is great for turkeys.  Don't give up on it.  Late in May try at higher elevations.  Also birds get a lot of pressure the first couple weeks..so birds hear a lot of calling up the Tucannon.  I would hike up onto some of the benches and also hunt those ridges.  Use a coyote call to locate gobblers.  Many of the hens are usually nesting by the first week of May.  Anyways get over there earlier to find birds and learn where concentrations are.  Also the Tucannon is very popular.  Try going over towards Asotin Creek or the Grande Ronde Areas if your not finding any birds.  There are lots of birds down there.  Good Luck!

[EDT]

Thanks Yelp! I have not heard of the coyote call tip, I would think the turkeys would shut up to not give up their location.  Im still learning the way of the merriams and rio grandes.  I spent years hunting goulds, and have been successful.  I know they will act similarly, but I expect to see some differences.  Thanks again.

[yelp]

Thanks Yelp! I have not heard of the coyote call tip, I would think the turkeys would shut up to not give up their location.  Im still learning the way of the merriams and rio grandes.  I spent years hunting goulds, and have been successful.  I know they will act similarly, but I expect to see some differences.  Thanks again.

Goulds...nice  Arizona or New Mexico?

[Rudy]

Tucannon was awesome this year!  5 birds taken out of there in my group (6 hunters)

[EDT]

Rudy, thats awesome.  What time of the season were you there? 

[turkeydancer]

Yelp was referring to "shock" calling --- coyote, crow, peacock, owl, woodpecker, hawk, etc.  They have been waiting a year to have their way with the hens and fighting with all the other toms for dominance (ie - the right to breed), and are wound up as tight as a clock's spring.  A high pitched, sudden sound will make them "shock" gobble before they can even think.  They give up their location (without coming in like they would to hen sounds) and many times allows you to move in fairly close (without bumping them) and setup.  Once you're in "their kichen" throw out some sexy hen clucks, purrs, and/or soft yelps .  Bingo ... turkey dinner .... just add gibblet gravy, dressing, yams, and cranberry sauce.
   

[EDT]

Thats some great info turkeydancer, thanks.  it makes sense and now that you explain it, I have heard "shock" gobbles, quite often. Thanks again.

[yelp]

Yelp was referring to "shock" calling --- coyote, crow, peacock, owl, woodpecker, hawk, etc.  They have been waiting a year to have their way with the hens and fighting with all the other toms for dominance (ie - the right to breed), and are wound up as tight as a clock's spring.  A high pitched, sudden sound will make them "shock" gobble before they can even think.  They give up their location (without coming in like they would to hen sounds) and many times allows you to move in fairly close (without bumping them) and setup.  Once you're in "their kichen" throw out some sexy hen clucks, purrs, and/or soft yelps .  Bingo ... turkey dinner .... just add gibblet gravy, dressing, yams, and cranberry sauce.
   

I'm bringing sexy back!  lol   

[42Willys]

Hunted there 3 days this past May. Saw hens each day and saw one Jake standing on a log next to the highway. Went after him but he gave me the slip. I'll try that spot next year and set up early.  Had a nice trout dinner from one of the little stocked lakes next to the highway. I'll go earlier next year - weather permiting.

Also tried western Washington. Just looking for new areas.

Got my bird just north of Spokane and helped a co-worker get his first one.

Happy Hunting!!