Hoping for first WA bird

[kyle78]

Since moving here 6 years ago I've yet to connect with a bird. I've had a couple of chances where the birds wouldn't come close enough or headed the opposite direction. I live in the Wenatchee valley and hunt Chelan and Kittitas counties, which I know really effect my outcome do to low numbers. I see birds when I hunt and I've seen them in the fall when I chase grouse and deer. My wife gives me a hard time and tells me it is cheaper to go to the store. I am open to all and any suggestions that are out there. I do hunt public land but don't run into a whole lot of people. I also wouldn't mind looking for a hunting partner to hunt birds with either. Thanks

[kyle78]

Thanks. I think it probably is my calling. I get them to respond well but then nothing. I had one a few years ago come from about 300 yards gobbling like crazy the whole time but held up. I never did see him and he went quiet. I think that bird may have picked up a hen. I use box and slate calls mostly.

[Phantom Gobbler]

I didn't have much luck until I started spending more days in the field during prime time.  If you have scouted birds and there is not too much pressure ..... it really helps.  You might consider going with a friend to hunt the NE for at least a couple days this Spring, to give yourself a maximum chance of calling in a few hot birds.  Nothing like getting run over by a love crazed ole gobbler!   

[Machias]

Sometimes when they gobble like crazy on their way in they suddenly go silent, alot of times it's because they have a hen run in like you mentioned.  If it's before 0900 there a pretty good chance that's what is happeneing or even a hundred other things, coyote ran in, bobcat was sneaking in on them, another hunter tried to cut in on your dance partner.  But sometimes they gobble like crazy and then shut up, circle around and come slipping in silent, looking things over.  Lots of gobblers slip in see movement or the hunter gets up and starts after them and gets busted.  I have had several gobblers over the years slip in beside me or behind me.  If it's after 0900-0930 there's a good chance he's still coming in, hang out a little longer.

[turkeydancer]

I would suggest calling less and softer as they are coming in as hot as a missile ... let them at least gobble 3 times to each call.   If you answer every call, alot of times they will stop and strut expecting you to come to him which is what happens with real hens.  I have even stopped calling and had them come looking ... use their natural curiosity and sex drive against him by playing hard to get.  I had to learn the hard way that less is sometimes more.   Also scout the area and make sure there are no obstacles to him coming to you - sometimes they will not cross a fence line, small stream, etc.  If you find one of his strutting areas that help too ... you can setup there and just wait him out knowing he will eventually come.     Good luck ....

[Machias]

Great advice there!

[Limhangerslayer]

Depending on terrain sometimes those birds are closer then they sound, he might of shut up like that because he saw you. Also was he above you,   if you can, always try to be level or above them. He may have made it to his strut zone. Next time they shut up listen close for him to spit and drum. Hope to see a success pic this spring!

[Gobble Doc]

OK guys, all this talk of turkey is going to keep me up tonight just thinking about Spring.   

[kyle78]

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I can't wait to get out there. The count down has begun.