Post by: Bogie85 on April 17, 2021, 08:40:51 PM
I have now spent the last 3 years hunting these merriam turkey and I know I am doing something wrong. I am hoping to pluck someone’s mind to help me fill out some gaps I have had an exceptionally hard time learning. Other then I think I am cursed for hunting lol, I am 5 years into hunting period and have yet to get a deer. And I haven’t even seen a turkey yet. I am not asking anyone to give up hunting locations, or to give me information they don’t want to share. I am just hoping to answer some questions that I can’t quite figure out.
I can’t wait to finally get one, good hunting everyone!
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on April 17, 2021, 08:55:54 PM
I don't know you and may never, but if I were you (And I'm not) I would consider hiring a guide for a couple of days of turkey hunting. You will probably learn quite a bit by observation and selective questioning.
Let them know that you are a novice and hope to take away a few skills to help you in the future when you are hinting by yourself. A good guide will take the time to educate you as you are a source of future referrals.
Maybe contact BEARPAW or as an option consider joining a turkey hunting fraternity.
As for the deer, if your hunting blacktails, send me a PM. Otherwise, just keep at it.
Good Luck,
Rob.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 17, 2021, 09:14:44 PM
I appreciate the response for sure! Yeah it’s been on my mind to do for sure. Bearpaws prices aren’t bad at all either. But life decided to kill my dishwasher, furnace, and fridge all within 2 months of each other. My budget this year would be more like the guide that ties up a pet turkey gets em to gobble and then I can shoot em :chuckle:
It’s definitely on my list, as far as blacktail goes. I thought for sure last year was gonna be the year, I spent 6 months baiting and scouting using cams I had multiple pictures of bears, cougars, bobcat, deer and coyotes. Hunting season started and rayonier bought Pope resources, they told us it was going to be open. We got there and they shut it down earlier then they were suppose to. So I had to scramble to come up with a new plan, found a spot with 12 rubs. Came back the next morning early, and a group of 12-13 people went into the young trees with what sounded like dogs then I heard 3-4 gun shots. We ran into the group on getting way out and they looked suspicious so we backed out and went to plan d for the final 2 days and never saw anything.
Post by: highside74 on April 17, 2021, 09:19:41 PM
I would definitely be out at dark for a couple hours owl or crow calling to locate birds.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 17, 2021, 10:15:41 PM
Post by: KFhunter on April 17, 2021, 10:57:31 PM
One of my favorite ways to find Turkey are wing drags, when they're strutted out they lower their wings way down and drag the dirt with them.
So you'll see Turkey tracks with lines on each side from their wings dragging.
I usually get a gobble somewhere not too far from these wing drags.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 17, 2021, 11:21:08 PM
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 18, 2021, 05:17:02 AM
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Post by: hunter399 on April 18, 2021, 05:53:45 AM
Alot of people will say this with any species your hunting.
You have to find a spot where the turkeys are at.
Example.
If I pull up to a hunting spot. Shut the truck off for about 10 minutes,then do some Turkey calls. Then wait another 10 minutes and nothing gobbles back. I move on maybe another 1/2 mile to a mile down the road. Repeat again.
Sooner then later you will find a spot where you will locate some toms. Then lock your truck .walk in find a place to setup.All while your still working the bird and calling.
And it will come together.
Don't waste time hunting areas that don't have turkeys .
Find an area that has turkeys that are responding to your calls before you spend all day working that bird.
Everything has to come toghther ,sometimes toms will go silent,sometimes they will rush in before your setup.Somtimes they won't leave the herd of hens.
But the very first thing is Locate tom.
After that you can start to worry about other stuff.
That's all I got ,not a Turkey expert ,just how I do it sometimes.
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 18, 2021, 06:10:42 AM
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Post by: baldopepper on April 18, 2021, 08:31:35 AM
Post by: Bogie85 on April 18, 2021, 11:31:27 AM
I did a online seminar and recorded it. I don't know if it will help. I can post a link to the Google drive it is on here if you would like. Another suggestion is call up the local wdfw office and talk with the nusiance specialist. Lots of property owners will call them about turkey problems and will allow huntington their property.
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Heck yeah I am down to consume any information I can, so I would happily listen to
The video if you don’t mind sharing. And that tip about wdfw is super flipping awesome idea, I may try to get out one more time before spring season ends.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 18, 2021, 11:38:39 AM
Locate gobbles is key.
Alot of people will say this with any species your hunting.
You have to find a spot where the turkeys are at.
Example.
If I pull up to a hunting spot. Shut the truck off for about 10 minutes,then do some Turkey calls. Then wait another 10 minutes and nothing gobbles back. I move on maybe another 1/2 mile to a mile down the road. Repeat again.
Sooner then later you will find a spot where you will locate some toms. Then lock your truck .walk in find a place to setup.All while your still working the bird and calling.
And it will come together.
Don't waste time hunting areas that don't have turkeys .
Find an area that has turkeys that are responding to your calls before you spend all day working that bird.
Everything has to come toghther ,sometimes toms will go silent,sometimes they will rush in before your setup.Somtimes they won't leave the herd of hens.
But the very first thing is Locate tom.
After that you can start to worry about other stuff.
That's all I got ,not a Turkey expert ,just how I do it sometimes.
This helps a lot, thanks a ton for the info. If you hear gobbles but they are only responding to shock calls would you move on? We find gobblers, but we can’t ever get them to commit. We don’t know if they are seeing us or we are failing in something else. We are hunting public land, are they more cautious?
Post by: Bogie85 on April 18, 2021, 11:47:07 AM
I forgot to mention it took me 7 years before I got my first tom here in WA but I helped a lot of people get their first. I started hunting turkeys 13 years ago ago in CA and yes yes first time out with an hour I had a bird. 3 years in a row I had a bird. I am on a lot of turkey hunting Facebook pages and here. I tend to gleen some good info when wasing through all the crap sometimes. Out in the woods is the best place to look. Shock calling is also good. I found that birds out in the NE don't respond to crow calls. Friday morning I had 2 hunters setup and did a hoot owl just me no call and the trees lit up. Crows squaking around nothing. Geese they like to. If you do strike a tom with a box call and he isn't to far of I would say a mile get setup don't walk towards him. Most of the time if he is interested he will be coming towards you by the second yelp. Find a place setup and don't over call if you here him closing the distance be patient. Less calling gets them more interested. Yesterday once them hit the ground I would call every 10 to 15 minutes if I wasn't getting anything. Also a good thing out in the woods a tom does not come to the hen. The hen comes to the tom. That is why they strut. Your calling is just peaking their interest and they are curious. They want to know what that dumb hen is doing and why she isn't over here with me getting some of this.
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God I hope it doesn’t take 7 years lol, I do wait on the calls sometimes 20 minutes. Now when you say turkeys in the woods. Do you mean if they are held up in the woods? Or where you are hunting?
Post by: Bogie85 on April 18, 2021, 11:53:24 AM
I think the best info on turkey hunting is a series on you tube called Dale Outdoors. No videos of turkeys being shot, just a very experienced turkey hunter giving what I've found to be some very good info. This is the 26th straight year I've shot at least one bird, 2 this year, and his advice is very "right on"
That’s awesome! I would be super excited to even just get one to come strutting and or drumming. Closest I got was this year they were across a creek I saw the two males come out near the opening on the field and they thought about coming out then bailed. I was in a ton of brush I don’t think they could see me and I was using a diaphragm. I just don’t know what I am doing wrong. Driving 6 hours isn’t too bad, but
A little defeating leaving with literally nothing to show for it.
Post by: Meow on April 18, 2021, 12:25:38 PM
Choose a location that is fairly near where you think some toms are that affords good concealment yet good visibility of the potential approaches. Think like you're playing hide and seek or setting up an ambush for some hostile force and evaluate the ability to remain hidden even when they get close. If possible, have terrain or other features that guide the birds into your kill zone. Do not be afraid to try a couple different positions in the area you've selected, sitting down, and seeing what you can see and how your concealment is.
Scan the heck out of the possible approaches visually before even calling. Know what they look like so when something changes you can key in on it before the birds see you. Then stay vigilant, even if some corner of your mind is screaming at you that you're a loser and there's no way you'll see a turkey and why did you waste all of this money on turkey specific gear like calls.
Thanks to Russ and the others who put on the mentioned virtual seminar. I believe it contributed greatly to my success. I also listened to many hours of podcasts, and watched hours of youtube videos. Having spent time in the woods hunting people.
Post by: baldopepper on April 18, 2021, 12:32:50 PM
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 18, 2021, 01:00:49 PM
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Post by: Russ McDonald on April 18, 2021, 01:19:05 PM
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Post by: jrebel on April 18, 2021, 01:25:32 PM
I find most gobbles I hear happen in the first hour of daylight.....so you should be out listening half hour before the sun comes up. You can make them gobble with a crow call or car horn for that matter. As the day progresses, my experience is they don't gobble near as much. If the big boys are hen'd up they are not coming....at least to my calls. The gobbler my son shot last night strutted for an hour at about 100 yards around it three hens and did not give two craps about my attempt to call him. I do believe my calls kept the hens close, which eventually lead to my son shooting the gobbler as they were passing us on their way to roost.
I find more birds by listening for the hens. Study and know what sounds the hens make and be very wary of the short cluck.....if you hear that the gig is likely up.
With the above said....the last 5 years or so....I could have and / or have, shot birds after spotting them from the truck. Last year I was spring bear hunting and drove by a huge tom that had about half dozen hens with him. I drove about 50 yards past them out of sight, kept the truck running, got out and walked back to them and shot him. I have never.....OK almost never.....driven around for a day in the NE corner without seeing turkeys from the truck. I am not talking about the farmers fields either....I'm talking about in the middle of the woods. Look for their prints on the road and as mentioned above, look for the strutting wing marks in the dusty roads.
Lastly.....I have called birds one day and watched them ignore me, just to 12-24 hours later call the same birds and have them literally run to me. If you find birds hunt them.....you never know when the gobbler will be tired chasing the old hen that won't put out, just to come running to you.
P.S. Don't be afraid to stop and ask a farmer out working on his equipment if you can hunt his flock of turkeys. If the land is not leased out or his kids / grandkids aren't hunting, it is very likely he will say have at it. Most of the farmers I know hate those dirty vermin. We call them dirty birds for this very reason.
Good Luck and make sure to post success pics. :tup:
Post by: KFhunter on April 18, 2021, 05:00:06 PM
Right mow I need to be right next to her.
I carry camo burlap I drape over her legs, lap feet, and use shooting sticks cause gun is heavy for her. Helps hide movement. She sits on my toilet seat/stool I always carry in the truck.
I'll setup behind brush in shady spots.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 19, 2021, 01:19:12 AM
I'm not experienced by any stretch. This is my first season hunting, and I've made some mistakes and probably looked like a moron a lot, but it's better to be lucky than good. My guess is that your setup is a chief problem if you're getting them to respond to your calls and never seeing them. I know it is something that I'm struggling with.
Choose a location that is fairly near where you think some toms are that affords good concealment yet good visibility of the potential approaches. Think like you're playing hide and seek or setting up an ambush for some hostile force and evaluate the ability to remain hidden even when they get close. If possible, have terrain or other features that guide the birds into your kill zone. Do not be afraid to try a couple different positions in the area you've selected, sitting down, and seeing what you can see and how your concealment is.
Scan the heck out of the possible approaches visually before even calling. Know what they look like so when something changes you can key in on it before the birds see you. Then stay vigilant, even if some corner of your mind is screaming at you that you're a loser and there's no way you'll see a turkey and why did you waste all of this money on turkey specific gear like calls.
Thanks to Russ and the others who put on the mentioned virtual seminar. I believe it contributed greatly to my success. I also listened to many hours of podcasts, and watched hours of youtube videos. Having spent time in the woods hunting people.
I agree with the luck part, but it never seems to be in my favor. We let my buddies son take a spot we knew because it was easier for them to learn that area. We hunted it hard the day before. But wouldn’t you know their day one they get two gobblers within 30 yards but couldn’t capitalize. And here my cursed ass is going on 3 years without even seeing one come in lol.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 19, 2021, 01:21:46 AM
Honestly over the years I've shot probably around a dozen that I considered called in (called lots of jakes that I chose not to shoot, but have nothing against others who wanted a bird taking a jake) My best luck is being where the birds want to be and then being patient. I'll often softly call them closer or get them to turn a bit from their intended path. When they're henned up it's that old lead hen that you can often get to come over and see what's up and she'll drag the rest of the flock with her. Keep at it, the first year or two of turkey hunting can be a steep learning curve
The gaps in knowledge are incredible lol, like I don’t know where they want to be. I am always guessing, it does seem like they avoid open areas and seem to favor brushy wooded areas. I hear a gobble and I don’t know if I should stop ASAP hit the deck and try to call them in. Or if I should move towards them.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 19, 2021, 01:26:57 AM
Here is the link to the seminar along withblinks to gear. The chat dialogue we had going. Some cleaning/gutting videos. Open to anyone who wants to watch. We have lots of turkey hunters in here willing to give out some helpfull tips. Just don't ask where the easterns are on the west side.
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Thanks Russ!
Going to watch the seminar tomorrow, and I know better then to ask where anything is :). Hunting has been a very challenging and unfruitful affair since I started 5 years ago. It’s hard to not let it affect your morale, fishing is easier to get good at. But your window for fishing is much longer so you can fill a lot of experience gaps each year. But hunting you have very small windows of time to crunch as much as you can. It’s not going to stop me, because I am stubborn :). But I would be lying if I said it didn’t bum me out.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 19, 2021, 01:32:08 AM
Definitely not a pro....but have killed a few over the last 10 years.
I find most gobbles I hear happen in the first hour of daylight.....so you should be out listening half hour before the sun comes up. You can make them gobble with a crow call or car horn for that matter. As the day progresses, my experience is they don't gobble near as much. If the big boys are hen'd up they are not coming....at least to my calls. The gobbler my son shot last night strutted for an hour at about 100 yards around it three hens and did not give two craps about my attempt to call him. I do believe my calls kept the hens close, which eventually lead to my son shooting the gobbler as they were passing us on their way to roost.
I find more birds by listening for the hens. Study and know what sounds the hens make and be very wary of the short cluck.....if you hear that the gig is likely up.
With the above said....the last 5 years or so....I could have and / or have, shot birds after spotting them from the truck. Last year I was spring bear hunting and drove by a huge tom that had about half dozen hens with him. I drove about 50 yards past them out of sight, kept the truck running, got out and walked back to them and shot him. I have never.....OK almost never.....driven around for a day in the NE corner without seeing turkeys from the truck. I am not talking about the farmers fields either....I'm talking about in the middle of the woods. Look for their prints on the road and as mentioned above, look for the strutting wing marks in the dusty roads.
Lastly.....I have called birds one day and watched them ignore me, just to 12-24 hours later call the same birds and have them literally run to me. If you find birds hunt them.....you never know when the gobbler will be tired chasing the old hen that won't put out, just to come running to you.
P.S. Don't be afraid to stop and ask a farmer out working on his equipment if you can hunt his flock of turkeys. If the land is not leased out or his kids / grandkids aren't hunting, it is very likely he will say have at it. Most of the farmers I know hate those dirty vermin. We call them dirty birds for this very reason.
Good Luck and make sure to post success pics. :tup:
This is helpful, and I definitely listen to the hens and try to talk to them and get them engaged esp if the Tom doesn’t want to play. I did hear the dreaded cluck this trip, we were moving silently through the forest or as quiet as a human can be lol. And we heard a cluck and saw a big hen fly down the hill. We backed out and left, and tried a different area. I think the hardest part is not knowing if yelps are enough or purrs or when to use them etc.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 19, 2021, 01:34:21 AM
Once my daughter gets more experience I'm going to do like calling elk, setup behind the shooter 40-60 yards and call.
Right mow I need to be right next to her.
I carry camo burlap I drape over her legs, lap feet, and use shooting sticks cause gun is heavy for her. Helps hide movement. She sits on my toilet seat/stool I always carry in the truck.
I'll setup behind brush in shady spots.
I was thinking about getting one of those quick setup blinds just to hide any movement and maybe reduce extra possible errors. I know these beasts can see really well, but they are hard to see in the open unless moving let alone just a head popping up lol.
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 20, 2021, 01:36:02 PM
Post by: Bogie85 on April 21, 2021, 12:58:19 AM
I'm headed out 1st week of May. PM me the details if your season and I'll work on getting you set on some birds. Also, Bearpaw has a map he sells. I've seen birds in every spot he marked and harvested birds on most of the areas. It's worth the cost, I've been using it for half a decade and it still pays off.
I have been eyeing those maps, do you buy new ones every year? I have heard good things.
Post by: birddogdad on April 21, 2021, 08:00:03 AM
I'm headed out 1st week of May. PM me the details if your season and I'll work on getting you set on some birds. Also, Bearpaw has a map he sells. I've seen birds in every spot he marked and harvested birds on most of the areas. It's worth the cost, I've been using it for half a decade and it still pays off.
I have been eyeing those maps, do you buy new ones every year? I have heard good things.
never heard of this map.. link?
Post by: Sneaky on April 21, 2021, 08:13:10 AM
Post by: Bogie85 on April 21, 2021, 08:29:25 AM
Make sure you have a quality turkey call and you know how to use it. I use John Sinclair custom calls with rutland dymondwood strikers. This is a crucial investment. Having the ability and confidence to call birds in from extreme distances is a game changer. There are lots of sound files on John's website for the assembled calls. You can also pick a completed pot and choose your own surface/soundboard if that's what you like. A lot of dudes sound like absolute doodoo and still kill birds...In my opinion sounding real and being loud enough when it counts is key to locating and killing birds. You can give yourself a leg up right out of the gate by having the best call money can buy.
Now this is one I haven’t heard and is worth it’s weight in gold. Going to do some research. Thanks a ton, time to learn some new things :).
Post by: pickardjw on April 21, 2021, 08:53:49 AM
Post by: Sneaky on April 21, 2021, 09:40:39 AM
Rowden:
Sinclair:
Post by: Bogie85 on April 21, 2021, 03:48:05 PM
Do. Thank you all for the help, these things make sense to me.
Post by: Limhangerslayer on April 21, 2021, 04:20:24 PM
Post by: Sneaky on April 21, 2021, 04:33:06 PM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
I'm not sure what Stan charges, but I would encourage anyone who is looking to consider a call from a custom builder rather than a lot of the bigger brands. I saw the phelps/meat eater CNC pot calls going for 80 bucks and just about spit out my coffee. You can get hand turned custom turkey calls from Sinclair and I'm sure others for that price and less in premium woods.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 21, 2021, 05:59:23 PM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
This information is really helpful, I do have a box call and several different diaphragms. My slate call I got, I wasn't happy with so I stopped using it. But the distance thing is good to know.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 21, 2021, 06:02:53 PM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
I'm not sure what Stan charges, but I would encourage anyone who is looking to consider a call from a custom builder rather than a lot of the bigger brands. I saw the phelps/meat eater CNC pot calls going for 80 bucks and just about spit out my coffee. You can get hand turned custom turkey calls from Sinclair and I'm sure others for that price and less in premium woods.
Honestly I preferr hand made anything, there is more meaning behind it. You can see the the labor put into it and feel it. Some of Stans calls are 55 dollars some are higher but not by much maybe 75-80 for some super rare wood. But that seems more like a stylistic choice. Like if you want to wear kuiu because it gives you the right to *censored* in the road (I know from experience). Or if you wear sitka because it gives you the right to park your camper right in the middle of prime hunting ground (actually had this happen this year lol). Obviously I am kidding about both of those, I wear kuiu because hiking my butt up mountains in heavy gear just got to wear me out too fast. Otherwise I still tried my best to buy everything I could on sale.
Post by: salish on April 22, 2021, 09:57:49 AM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
I second the idea of not only multiple pot calls, but strikers, as well. One year I lost or misplaced my striker(s) and ended up using sticks, twigs and an empty ballpoint pen tube. All of them made my pot calls sound different, not bad, just different. I started playing around with stuff in this regard. Now, in addition to my store-bought wood & carbon-fiber strikers, I also carry a very cheap (free) chopstick made out of balsa wood I picked up with some Chinese food. It actually works and makes my calls sound completely different. It also makes cutting and clucks easier for me.
Post by: pickardjw on April 23, 2021, 09:36:01 AM
Post by: jrebel on April 23, 2021, 09:51:51 AM
Any thoughts on whether the rain this weekend is going keep the birds holed up? Hoping it's a lighter rain and they're out feeding in the fields and moving around more.
I'll give you a definitive answer Monday... :chuckle: :chuckle: We are gonna go kill a few this weekend and it is my experience that the birds will still be out moving and feeding as usual.....assuming it is not gale force winds at which point all bets are off.
Post by: pickardjw on April 23, 2021, 09:59:13 AM
Post by: baldopepper on April 23, 2021, 10:57:18 AM
Yeah wind forecast seems to be pretty light. Hoping the rain keeps some people home too.Don't wanna disappoint any hunters, but hope we get a really good rain. It's extremely dry, side roads very, very dusty and fire danger is going to be really bad if we don't start getting some rain
Post by: KFhunter on April 23, 2021, 11:31:11 AM
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 23, 2021, 03:49:12 PM
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Post by: hunter399 on April 23, 2021, 04:44:26 PM
The past few times out . We have been into some Turkey action.
If you have toms in a field with hens as well ,next to public land,toms gobbles,hens yelping everywhere.
What call you gonna use to pull them your way.
How long are you gonna sit and try to call at them before you give up.
Thursday had one in the field ,had him pretty fired up gobbles and struting. Called at him for about two hours gave up on him and left.But the ridge we where on was public and covered in Turkey poo ,pretty sure they roost there.
Next spot this mourning ,same deal had three different toms in the field with a few hens.
Called at them for an hour. A few gobbles out of them didn't really seem super interested with us ,lots of other hens yelping that sounded very similar to my calling.
Anyway started walking down this road that's on public but kinda stays about a 100 yards away from field.
So we are looking over the edge of the road at the field and trying to see where these toms went. And I look over and I see one crossing the road about 30 yards down the road.
So we head down there real fast and they are already like 70 yards above the road just out of shotgun range.
Two of the three toms,third I don't even know where it went.
But I don't think they where even coming to the call that's just the way they where headed I think.
So anyway don't take any advise from me.
But most of the toms I've encountered in the past few days have been pretty content on just sitting with the hens they already have.
Post by: baldopepper on April 23, 2021, 06:13:26 PM
Post by: konradcountry on April 23, 2021, 09:33:26 PM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
This information is really helpful, I do have a box call and several different diaphragms. My slate call I got, I wasn't happy with so I stopped using it. But the distance thing is good to know.
I'm up here and I just got one. I carry a single box call and locator.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 24, 2021, 02:34:42 PM
I own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
This information is really helpful, I do have a box call and several different diaphragms. My slate call I got, I wasn't happy with so I stopped using it. But the distance thing is good to know.
I'm up here and I just got one. I carry a single box call and locator.
That's flipping awesome! I have a box call, 3 diaphragms and 3 different locaters if I want to use them but I am shy about using the locaters as it seems to spook them. I do think we maybe just got there too early, maybe they were henned up and just not wanting to budge.
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 24, 2021, 09:43:32 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on April 24, 2021, 10:46:02 PM
I have been at it I think ten years. Never killed one. But I am intent on calling a bird in on public land myself. I have done it several times over the years. Called one from private on to public came like a text book missed him at 30 yards.
I have had them come in behind me and gobble feet from my chair. I have hunted all day never seen or heard one only to have one gobble when I shut my door back at camp.
I have laid on my belly for hours waiting for them to come back to the roost tree, only to have my buddy walk up to talk to me seconds before they flew in.
I have hunted NE and Asotin. Found birds near Twisp , but got busted. Had several come in silent. I sit for hours.
Just got back three us hunted the opener and the next week. Camped with them on public ground by the fourth day they were all but silent. The other two with me had never been before.
I know one friends group got 9 out of ten hunters. They Road hunted everyone of them. You name it I have had it happen Turkey hunting.They are the most irritating game I have ever hunted.
Every year I say I am not going than someone shows up at my door and begs me to go.
My buddy shot three so far, two with one shot once. But he runs and guns them.
No help here ,njust letting you know you are not alone. I may have to spring for the map next year.
I have any call you can think of and some that are off the wall. My grand son picked a rail call I had and couldn’t run and can Yelp and purr on it just like a Turkey.
Crazy.
Post by: Limhangerslayer on April 24, 2021, 10:53:37 PM
you don’t scare birds with locator calls if you use the right one. Crow calls work and we will use them right from where we end up killing the bird. Some things are obvious, no howler in close for sureI own a call from Stan now, but a lot of birds have died from the very inexpensive ok’ Betsy from primos. I think it was $15. You need to go into a hunt with a minimum of two but 3-5 different calls will help you immensely. Sometimes a bird will go stale to one call, but if you wait awhile and run a different call can make all the difference. With different strikers ran on different areas of your call you can make one pot call sounds like multiple birds. The first birds were shot this year took an hour and a half to call out of the flock and it was when I switched it up to a different call. A box call will get you your best distance and out are best for medium to close in. Diaphragm calls work for all distance.
This information is really helpful, I do have a box call and several different diaphragms. My slate call I got, I wasn't happy with so I stopped using it. But the distance thing is good to know.
I'm up here and I just got one. I carry a single box call and locator.
That's flipping awesome! I have a box call, 3 diaphragms and 3 different locaters if I want to use them but I am shy about using the locaters as it seems to spook them. I do think we maybe just got there too early, maybe they were henned up and just not wanting to budge.
Post by: pickardjw on April 26, 2021, 09:58:53 AM
Was reading about it after a quick google while failing to call in some birds yesterday morning...gave it a try and boy was that hen fired up. Didn't bring her in but I also didn't try for that long. Gotta love searching "how to call in henned up turkeys" while sitting 100 yards from them :chuckle:
Post by: Ridgeratt on April 26, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
Just my experience.
That is back when I hunted them.
Post by: jrebel on April 26, 2021, 10:04:37 AM
Post by: jrebel on April 26, 2021, 10:06:07 AM
Are you using decoys? In the turkies world the hens usually come to the Tom's and if you have a Tom coming in to your call and he spots the decoys he doesn't have to go any closer. He just spins and twirls. But if he doesn't see any hens he will keep coming and looking for the ladies.
Just my experience.
That is back when I hunted them.
I 100% agree. My decoys just piss the birds off and make them skittish. I rarely use decoys now.
Post by: shmacker on April 26, 2021, 10:34:54 AM
Post by: WaltAlpine on April 27, 2021, 09:53:32 AM
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Post by: Bogie85 on April 27, 2021, 10:42:13 AM
Follow up as promised. Weekend weather was not an issue. One bird down Saturday and had another hang up Sunday. Daughter did well and I couldn’t be more proud.
Hell yeah! That's a damn nice bird!
Post by: Bogie85 on April 27, 2021, 10:43:15 AM
Are you using decoys? In the turkies world the hens usually come to the Tom's and if you have a Tom coming in to your call and he spots the decoys he doesn't have to go any closer. He just spins and twirls. But if he doesn't see any hens he will keep coming and looking for the ladies.
Just my experience.
That is back when I hunted them.
I have tried both with and without them, always the same experience. They get hung up and won't come in.
Post by: gaddy on April 27, 2021, 11:28:32 AM
Post by: HillHound on April 27, 2021, 11:29:31 AM
Post by: Bogie85 on April 27, 2021, 02:59:52 PM
I've had them hang up. Found that if you change positions a bit, off to the side and maybe away from the bird some while not calling as much can help. I always thought it makes it seem the hen just isn't all that interested and is leaving. Kind of forces his hand. He either wants it or not. Had one come running in, gobbling the whole way, after a second move and I swear I heard "WAIT...WAIT... DON"T GO!! :chuckle:
Lmao this is a good mental note to try, play hard to get. Calling but going the other direction.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 27, 2021, 03:01:34 PM
My wife got her one Central Washington turkey this year On opening day and I got mine This last weekend. Both were called in to decoys. But I had my Tom decoy set up over top to look like it was breeding my hen decoy. Let me tell you once those Toms saw that there was no hangup. Hers came right in and she shot it at 15 yards. Mine came in with two other toms. They all three headed straight to the decoys and could only get them separated enough for a shot at one when the other two started to attack the Tom decoy. So I would agree a single hen Or hen and Tom decoy May cause them to hang up and decide just to put a show on where they are, but I feel like the way I set my decoys was a call to action. Either do something now or he’s getting some and you aren’t
Hmm, can you provide a pic? I have a tom decoy I can use too.
Post by: konradcountry on April 27, 2021, 04:08:44 PM
Hmm, can you provide a pic? I have a tom decoy I can use too.
Be careful with those Tom decoys on public.
I would just take a portable Jake and Hen. I like the kind that unfold so you can keep them in a backpack and just drop them quickly.
Post by: HillHound on April 27, 2021, 05:33:10 PM
My wife got her one Central Washington turkey this year On opening day and I got mine This last weekend. Both were called in to decoys. But I had my Tom decoy set up over top to look like it was breeding my hen decoy. Let me tell you once those Toms saw that there was no hangup. Hers came right in and she shot it at 15 yards. Mine came in with two other toms. They all three headed straight to the decoys and could only get them separated enough for a shot at one when the other two started to attack the Tom decoy. So I would agree a single hen Or hen and Tom decoy May cause them to hang up and decide just to put a show on where they are, but I feel like the way I set my decoys was a call to action. Either do something now or he’s getting some and you aren’t
Hmm, can you provide a pic? I have a tom decoy I can use too.
Post by: Bogie85 on April 27, 2021, 11:56:09 PM
My wife got her one Central Washington turkey this year On opening day and I got mine This last weekend. Both were called in to decoys. But I had my Tom decoy set up over top to look like it was breeding my hen decoy. Let me tell you once those Toms saw that there was no hangup. Hers came right in and she shot it at 15 yards. Mine came in with two other toms. They all three headed straight to the decoys and could only get them separated enough for a shot at one when the other two started to attack the Tom decoy. So I would agree a single hen Or hen and Tom decoy May cause them to hang up and decide just to put a show on where they are, but I feel like the way I set my decoys was a call to action. Either do something now or he’s getting some and you aren’t
Hmm, can you provide a pic? I have a tom decoy I can use too.
Interesting, is that a Tom or a Jake for the decoy? I have heard some say that big Tom decoys can scare them away. But jakes they will come fight.
Post by: ljsommer on May 10, 2021, 02:37:31 PM
Question: was it so quiet/empty because I missed opener? i was wondering if the turkeys just got obliterated on opening days, and the ones that remained were just very wary/quiet? It makes sense logically, just looking for confirmation. I felt like I was in great turkey territory, but the only birds I laid eyes on (aside from the stray hen or two) were in private fields.
Lots and lots of handsome toms in private fields. No shortage there!!!
Post by: 10Key on May 10, 2021, 03:48:01 PM
Third year making trips out east and still no luck. This time I camped/hunted in the Colville national forest and found it eerily empty of game. Not just turkeys, but also very sparse deer/elk sign.
Question: was it so quiet/empty because I missed opener? i was wondering if the turkeys just got obliterated on opening days, and the ones that remained were just very wary/quiet? It makes sense logically, just looking for confirmation. I felt like I was in great turkey territory, but the only birds I laid eyes on (aside from the stray hen or two) were in private fields.
Lots and lots of handsome toms in private fields. No shortage there!!!
As easy as some folks make it sound on this site and others, turkeys ain't easy! Finding public ground that holds turkeys is even harder, especially as the season progresses. That all being said, Stevens County is loaded with birds and you just have to keep looking...which is hard when you live 5 hours away and can't make multiple trips in a given year.
Post by: ljsommer on May 10, 2021, 08:02:25 PM
Post by: emac on May 10, 2021, 08:22:57 PM
I am very interested in doing a guided hunt (mostly for the learning opportunity) - what should I budget for a one, or 2 day hunt?Contact bearpaw the site owner
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Post by: Bogie85 on May 11, 2021, 12:18:31 PM
I am very interested in doing a guided hunt (mostly for the learning opportunity) - what should I budget for a one, or 2 day hunt?
800-1250 depending on how long you want to go.
Post by: ljsommer on May 12, 2021, 01:05:06 PM
I am very interested in doing a guided hunt (mostly for the learning opportunity) - what should I budget for a one, or 2 day hunt?
800-1250 depending on how long you want to go.
Thank you for the info! I'll start budgeting.
Post by: Bogie85 on May 13, 2021, 02:09:04 PM
I am very interested in doing a guided hunt (mostly for the learning opportunity) - what should I budget for a one, or 2 day hunt?
800-1250 depending on how long you want to go.
Thank you for the info! I'll start budgeting.
I am not an expert, an extreme amateur with only 1 success so far. Granted I think I learned what I was doing wrong in the past and I may be able to help. PM and I can try to give you some pointers. I had a lot of help from people on here, and it really helped me string together a success.