Chewelah

[Hunting7mm]

Ok so I have never hunted turkey before but plan on going over to Chewelah this year and trying my luck.  I'm purchasing a hand made turkey call and have an ameristep intimidator blind.  I have a crow call and from what I understand I'm to use the call the night before to find where there roosting. Should I buy a decoy?  Any other advise would be great.  Not looking for spots.  I plan on scouting a few days before season but any other advise I would really appreciate.  Thanks guys.

[carpsniperg2]

You can use the crow call at night or in the morning if you don't already have a bird found. I am not use to hunting fall birds but I am sure a decoy would still be a good idea.

[Hunting7mm]

I plan on going in the spring.  Right now it's ducks and predator time.   

[CedarPants]

Some will tell you that a decoy is necessary, some will tell you they aren't.  I personally don't use any and am successful, but I know guys that use them religiously that are just as successful.  I feel they can help you in certain situations but by no means are they necessary.

Crow call - same thing .... they work but aren't necessary.  Many a tom will sound off all on his own in the evening (I've heard them gobble until dark) ... just get on a ridge and listen around dusk, you will usually hear them if you are in the right location.  The birds I hunt near Chewelah aren't quiet, especially at dusk.  If you believe you are in a good spot and still hear nothing, give the crow call a try but use it sparingly.

If you have a few days to scout, which it sounds like you do, look to pattern the birds just like you would a whitetail.  They are creatures of habit and if not disturbed you'll know exactly where to set up after 3 days of scouting.  Don't call while scouting, just watch and listen.  Keep your distance and take note of what time they fly down, the direction they fly down, where they head after they fly down, etc - and do the same in the evening.  Once you've done this you'll know where to set up in the morning and afternoon.

Other things I'd recommend are getting a couple diaphragm mouth calls and becomming proficient at them.  Box and slate calls are great locater calls and can coax them your direction, then once they are getting close you'll want to curtail all movement on your part.  This is where the mouth call comes in handy, as you can coax them those final few yards without having to fiddle around with a call in your hands.

Last thing I can think of is even though you have a blind, sit still sit still sit still!  I swear turkeys have picked me off when i THINK about twitching my cramped foot, let alone actually doing it.

Just my take on it, others will likely agree or disagree but thought I'd share.  Happy hunting!

[Hunting7mm]

Thank you I appreciate the help!!!!

Some will tell you that a decoy is necessary, some will tell you they aren't.  I personally don't use any and am successful, but I know guys that use them religiously that are just as successful.  I feel they can help you in certain situations but by no means are they necessary.

Crow call - same thing .... they work but aren't necessary.  Many a tom will sound off all on his own in the evening (I've heard them gobble until dark) ... just get on a ridge and listen around dusk, you will usually hear them if you are in the right location.  The birds I hunt near Chewelah aren't quiet, especially at dusk.  If you believe you are in a good spot and still hear nothing, give the crow call a try but use it sparingly.

If you have a few days to scout, which it sounds like you do, look to pattern the birds just like you would a whitetail.  They are creatures of habit and if not disturbed you'll know exactly where to set up after 3 days of scouting.  Don't call while scouting, just watch and listen.  Keep your distance and take note of what time they fly down, the direction they fly down, where they head after they fly down, etc - and do the same in the evening.  Once you've done this you'll know where to set up in the morning and afternoon.

Other things I'd recommend are getting a couple diaphragm mouth calls and becomming proficient at them.  Box and slate calls are great locater calls and can coax them your direction, then once they are getting close you'll want to curtail all movement on your part.  This is where the mouth call comes in handy, as you can coax them those final few yards without having to fiddle around with a call in your hands.

Last thing I can think of is even though you have a blind, sit still sit still sit still!  I swear turkeys have picked me off when i THINK about twitching my cramped foot, let alone actually doing it.

Just my take on it, others will likely agree or disagree but thought I'd share.  Happy hunting!

[carpsniperg2]

I plan on going in the spring.  Right now it's ducks and predator time.   

I gotcha, I thought maybe you had a fall permit if there is one in that area.

[mallard79]

Shhhhhh......dont tell anyone but a quick blast on a loud predator call can work when other locators fail........

[BOWHUNTER45]

O.k Do not get me started ... There is no more turkeys roaming the hills around chewelah  :bash:Seriously after this winter I am sure there will not be more than a handful left So My advise would say head up around Nort Port I think thats where most of them ended up that have survived the last couple winters 

[Hunting7mm]

My sister and brother n law live in chewelah so I plan staying with them.  My brother n law knows the area well as he grew up there but he doesn't Turkey Hunt.

O.k Do not get me started ... There is no more turkeys roaming the hills around chewelah  :bash:Seriously after this winter I am sure there will not be more than a handful left So My advise would say head up around Nort Port I think thats where most of them ended up that have survived the last couple winters 

[CedarPants]

PM sent

[Hunting7mm]

I think I'll pull my tent trailer in to my sisters drive way!!!!! She may not be to happy   

[CedarPants]

 

[buckhorn2]

Not to jack the thread but when we were in montana people said they opened turkey hunting with rifles this year over there. Anyone know if this is a fact or just talk sounds maybe a little dangerous.

[Machias]

If you can hook up with a veteran turkey hunter even for one good day of hunting, you'll move years ahead of the frustration curve.  If you have trouble finding someone to take you out for the day let me know, I try and take a new turkey hunter out at least once a spring.  I'd be more than happy to spend a day passing along what I know.

[Hunting7mm]

Thanks I appreciate it....

[bearpaw]

If you can hook up with a veteran turkey hunter even for one good day of hunting, you'll move years ahead of the frustration curve.  If you have trouble finding someone to take you out for the day let me know, I try and take a new turkey hunter out at least once a spring.  I'd be more than happy to spend a day passing along what I know.

Fred, you are a generous person who truly does much to promote our sport. Hunting7mm this is great advice and a very generous offer.

One pice of advice I will offer, many times, especially once season has started, you are ahead to sit quietly at feeding areas and wait for the birds without calling and letting them know you are there. 

[boneaddict]

I was just going to say stop and listen and let them do the talking.   

[Hunting7mm]

I totally agree!!! I really appreciate the offer. I'm hoping to learn as much as I can before I head over!!!  I do appreciate all the help you guys have given me to help me be successful.
                              Thanks, Bill

If you can hook up with a veteran turkey hunter even for one good day of hunting, you'll move years ahead of the frustration curve.  If you have trouble finding someone to take you out for the day let me know, I try and take a new turkey hunter out at least once a spring.  I'd be more than happy to spend a day passing along what I know.

Fred, you are a generous person who truly does much to promote our sport. Hunting7mm this is great advice and a very generous offer.

One pice of advice I will offer, many times, especially once season has started, you are ahead to sit quietly at feeding areas and wait for the birds without calling and letting them know you are there.