Post by: screedler on February 05, 2019, 06:32:57 PM
Got a slate call I've been practicing with, although it sounds like a diaphragm call would be the best if I could get sufficient practice...
Just looking for any advice ya'll would impart on a noobie :)
Thanks!
Post by: kevinlisa06 on February 05, 2019, 08:09:16 PM
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Post by: kevinlisa06 on February 05, 2019, 08:11:24 PM
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Post by: 270Shooter on February 05, 2019, 08:21:00 PM
Post by: Cab on February 14, 2019, 10:07:46 AM
-Face masks are your friend, be covered head to toe in camo and DO NOT MOVE turkeys have incredible eye sight.
-I would plan on finding a spot, parking then hiking away from the crowd.
-Get there early preferably the day before you want to hunt so you can see whats going on(with people and birds).
-LISTEN at sunset, sometimes the toms will talk a little bit and you can locate them for the next morning!
-Ticks wise I personally have not had too many on me but thats purely because I spray down with permethrin spray(READ THE INSTRUCTIONS some sprays state to NOT spray on clothing that will be against the skin, follow this).
-Slate calls are my personal favorites don't worry about diaphragm calls if your new, focus on hunting location since that is much more important. I called in a tom my first day turkey hunting ever and it was on a cheap box call and I had almost no idea what I was doing.
- On that note DO NOT CALL TO MUCH! number 1 thing new people do that they shouldn't, call once if you get a response wait at least 15-20 mins. That Tom knows where you are and is going to usually come in slow. It can take an hour to get a tom to come in 100 yards. Remember you are trying to get this Tom to go against the normal practice of mating. normally he calls and SHE comes to him so playing hard to get can help. I've had bird stay in the same spot gobbling over and over and only until I learned to make them look for me was I able to kill birds.
-Terrain, generally speaking turkeys if nervous prefer to walk UP hill rather than down.
-Weather effects birds, birds can be moody and day to day change how much they call but generally I have noticed ESPECIALLY when it's foggy or poor visibility they won't talk at all. Don't get frustrated, they're around just not talking.
-Decoys are a must in my eyes, go ahead and get the super cheap foam ones they work just fine and actually are much easier to pack.I run just a lone hen as I've had jacks get super nervous around jake decoys and not come in. Decoys are meant so that the Tom has something to focus on, if you don't have one he will be looking around a lot more meaning he can spot you or you moving a lot easier. Place decoys about 20 yards from you and have the backside facing the direction you want him to come in. Ive heard in the morning that Toms like to come in with the sun at their back because it will show off their tail feathers to a mate. place it in a way so that he has to walk PAST you, I also like to have a tree he will go by and that allows me to pull my gun up.
- If you're going to get another call I would get a crow/raven call as a locator call. They are natural enemies and crows/ravines have done wonders for me while running and gunning. I use a simple roll out blind and a butt pad with my pack which has 1 foam hen rolled up. if you use a locator call or any call be in cover of some sort, bird can pop out of no where.
-Morning time is talking time, around 9-10ish hens go off to lay an egg so some birds will start talking again. I personally if I haven't heard anything like to run and gun to locate birds to set up on plus it's more exciting.
-Finally learn how to identify Morels and bring a bag to pick some, it's one of the best parts of turkey hunting because you don't have to go home empty handed. It's almost as fun as turkey hunting honestly and when the birds can't be found or heard it's a great way to stay positive!
Hope this helps and if you want any other tips feel free to PM me, I'd be happy to help. Turkey hunting is wonderful, frustrating and incredibly challenging.....welcome to the long beard addiction :tup:
Post by: boneaddict on February 14, 2019, 10:29:43 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 14, 2019, 10:32:30 AM
Post by: Cab on February 14, 2019, 10:35:03 AM
......I’ve found some nice sheds in the neighborhood in years past. Keep an eye out.
Yup great point, I find a few every year turkey hunting like this guy I found 2 years ago. Was my first time hunting out west and coming from New England when I found this shed I about died.
Post by: screedler on February 28, 2019, 05:34:34 PM
I am wondering... Do any of ya'll know if there's non-toxic shot requirements, like certain wildlife areas have? I am wondering if lead shot is OK or if certain areas require non-toxic shot or not. Maybe that's only a waterfowl thang? Please forgive my ignorance!
Post by: 270Shooter on February 28, 2019, 05:57:53 PM
Post by: BeerBugler on February 28, 2019, 07:11:34 PM
Post by: konradcountry on March 01, 2019, 06:24:58 PM
I wouldn't worry about ticks. Lyme disease is more of an east coast problem. The ticks here just want to suck your blood.
Getting a tick while turkey hunting is a badge of honor. :P
I'm near Thurston if you want to PM me.