Post by: birddogdad on February 28, 2023, 07:13:53 AM
i will start by saying i am not a field/ blind sit hunter, i walk and talk working mountains for birds so maybe more to prepare for my adventures.
I have verified i have my TSS ammo in hand by this point (enough for several states runs) and last weekend i sorted my gear boxes, calls, deep cleaned my shotgun, (trigger assembly needed TLC from dragging in the dirt) in prep for coming season. I also have a small motorcycle trailer i use as base camp, have cleaned, charged batteries and setup my bunk cots inside. Next step is washing camo and prepping with Permethrin and UV sprays. Thru my inventory process, i noticed my leafy jacket needs replacing and is on order. Also short a box of hand warmers here!
still on my list, one shot to verify red dot and some call practice!
Post by: hunter399 on February 28, 2023, 07:22:49 AM
Mother nature needs to figure out what season we are in.
Took this picture an hour ago.
Snowing like a banchy over here in the east.
If we keep going this way,your gonna need snowshoes to turkey hunt.
Post by: bearpaw on February 28, 2023, 07:28:42 AM
Post by: jrebel on February 28, 2023, 07:33:55 AM
With a little luck we will be getting two new hunters their first birds.....both under the age of 10. Should be fun. :tup:
Shotguns are ready, ammo is good, blinds are ready....we just need April to get here a little faster.
Post by: hunter399 on February 28, 2023, 07:48:17 AM
Ammo
Shotguns cleaned.
Need to go through and get my bag ready.
Sometimes I also double down on stuff.
Like .......
Trail cams or predator hunting also.
April is a busy month for me.
Post by: cjjcb on February 28, 2023, 07:57:54 AM
Everything else is squared away...Just getting excited!
Post by: pickardjw on February 28, 2023, 08:03:07 AM
Post by: hunter399 on February 28, 2023, 08:30:34 AM
And a red dot to sight in.
The sight in will have to wait for better weather.
Post by: ghosthunter on February 28, 2023, 09:03:50 AM
Tents are ready.
My buddy few years back. 2nd photo is me and my retirement hunt plan.
Post by: dyhardhuntr on February 28, 2023, 09:29:07 AM
Post by: pickardjw on February 28, 2023, 09:30:16 AM
Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 28, 2023, 09:51:13 AM
Post by: turkeyfeather on February 28, 2023, 11:37:01 AM
Lots of turkey stuff on sale today on camofire.comI sprung for the Avian X set a few years ago. Thought they looked great. Have not had one bird come into them yet. Beginning to think there's something about those dekes the Tom's don't like.
Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...
Post by: Russ McDonald on February 28, 2023, 11:59:29 AM
Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
Post by: High Climber on February 28, 2023, 12:15:13 PM
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
Post by: pickardjw on February 28, 2023, 12:25:34 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
The push calls are probably the easiest, but with a little practice a box or pot call are more versatile while still being easier than a diaphragm.
For locators I've found the crow calls totally useless. Fell out of my vest at some point, haven't missed it. I usually do the back half of a barred owl call as a locator. A little practice in the car and you can do that well enough to get a shock gobble.
Big fan of the turkey vest if I'm moving a lot. Probably not necessary if you're just walking into a blind and sitting all day.
Post by: hunter399 on February 28, 2023, 12:48:24 PM
I just use box call for everything. :chuckle: :chuckle:Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
The push calls are probably the easiest, but with a little practice a box or pot call are more versatile while still being easier than a diaphragm.
For locators I've found the crow calls totally useless. Fell out of my vest at some point, haven't missed it. I usually do the back half of a barred owl call as a locator. A little practice in the car and you can do that well enough to get a shock gobble.
Big fan of the turkey vest if I'm moving a lot. Probably not necessary if you're just walking into a blind and sitting all day.
Post by: Ridgeratt on February 28, 2023, 12:56:11 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on February 28, 2023, 01:22:21 PM
Post by: Russ McDonald on February 28, 2023, 01:26:19 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:I went to an alps sling bag. I would seem to over load my vest I carry a hoot owl and a predator howler. Easy to use calls and box call or pot and peg call but hard to do when you have a bird un close. I tell everyone to learn how to use a diaphram call.
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
Post by: timberfaller on February 28, 2023, 01:29:28 PM
Post by: bearpaw on February 28, 2023, 03:18:50 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
Decoys
They can be fun, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, a lifeless decoy can tip off wary birds that something is not right. I've seen birds run to decoys and I've seen birds run away when they see decoys. I haven't carried a decoy much for about 25 years, I don't like exposing myself to set one up and then not being able to move it without exposing myself again. Turkeys see everything!
Calls
Find the call that YOU can make the best sounds. Everyone is different, diaphragms work best for some people, pot calls with slate or glass are best for some, and box calls or other calls are sometimes preferred. If you go to a sport show try a bunch of calls at different booths to which you can make the best sounds. If you have friends with various calls ask to try them. I use a diaphragm and a glass call the most, I get the best sounds with them. If you have a hard time using most calls you could try a "push button yelper" for a starter call, they are the simplest to use. I used a push button yelper when I first started turkey hunting and it worked, but I found that with a little practice I could make better sounds with other types of calls. Remember, if you don't sound like a turkey you are telling the birds you're not a turkey and they will avoid you, it's better to not say anything than sound wrong! Calling is like poker, you have to know when to hold em and play em, and when to fold em. So if calling isn't working, figure out how to sound better or don't call.
Locators
Sometimes anything will work, they hear a noise and they gobble, its sort of a "you surprised me" reaction. For myself I like a loud shock call, I carry the loudest crow call I could find and it works well most of the time. Sometimes an owl, woodpecker, or coyote howler will work when the crow doesn't, so I carry them too, and fairly often none of them work. Later in the season birds seem to quit answering many of the things they have heard often, but if you make an unusual noise like a horn, a car door, a gunshot, or even starting your engine, that might work when nothing else would work.
Vests
When I grab my vest I have everything I could possibly need. But in reality, I mostly use one locator, one diaphragm, and one pot call, they would fit in two front shirt or jacket pockets, so a vest isn't a necessity. The vest and all the other gadgets I'm packing just make me look like an experienced turkey hunter to all the other turkey hunters. That guy must know what he's doing! :chuckle:
How Have I Wasted The Most Money
By buying turkey hunting gear I never use and turkey calls that I can't make good turkey sounds, if you can try calls first that is smart!
I've been using the same type of diaphragm and pot call for 20+ years, I recently stocked up on diaphragms, I wear out 1 or 2 a year, plus I keep spare locater calls and a spare pot call on hand, so I'm good for a few more years.
And I recently stocked up on turkey loads!
Post by: konradcountry on February 28, 2023, 05:16:27 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:I went to an alps sling bag. I would seem to over load my vest I carry a hoot owl and a predator howler. Easy to use calls and box call or pot and peg call but hard to do when you have a bird un close. I tell everyone to learn how to use a diaphram call.
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
I don't use a vest but they are definitely useful for people that bring a lot of gear. Otherwise you are stuck with someone that spends half the time going through their pockets.
I only use a small box call and I use it with one hand. So I can sit perfectly still and use it. I've tried the diaphram calls and I don't like the feeling of plastic in my mouth.
The best is to have your friend call while you read a book.
Post by: Cougartail on February 28, 2023, 06:04:39 PM
Post by: salish on March 02, 2023, 10:56:38 AM
Lots of turkey stuff on sale today on camofire.comI sprung for the Avian X set a few years ago. Thought they looked great. Have not had one bird come into them yet. Beginning to think there's something about those dekes the Tom's don't like.
Currently deciding between an Avian-X hen and a Montana Decoys hen...
I did the same thing last season with a pair of Montana Decoys Purrfect Pair XD Combo. The birds just didn't seem to be interested. I'll give them another try this year.
Post by: salish on March 02, 2023, 11:05:16 AM
I won't be needing to sight in a red dot on my "new" shotgun :chuckle: but I do need to pattern it:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Temporary/i-2vqrc2F/0/5ee35321/L/IMG_0290-L.jpg)
Post by: Machias on March 02, 2023, 11:47:05 AM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one. I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls. If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help. Been killing turkeys since the late 70s. Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.
Post by: hunter399 on March 02, 2023, 11:56:02 AM
Best locater call I got is the truck door. :chuckle:No joke
True true... :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: High Climber on March 02, 2023, 11:59:11 AM
@Machias I would appreciate that, I’ll send you a pm
Post by: salish on March 02, 2023, 12:06:36 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one. I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls. If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help. Been killing turkeys since the late 70s. Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.
Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.
Post by: Machias on March 02, 2023, 12:40:40 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one. I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls. If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help. Been killing turkeys since the late 70s. Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.
Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.
You should have good luck in that area!!
Post by: salish on March 02, 2023, 12:46:12 PM
Along with decoys, What are some good, easy to use calls to have? Whats your go to locator? I never could get birds to come in last year to my crappy calling lol. It’s my mission to get the kids on some birds out actually hunting instead shooting them from the deck :chuckle:
I got my .410 tss in the mail yesterday and need to get the battery changed out in the red dot.
Do you guys like using a turkey vest?
I like a vest so that I can carry a few different calls, and to carry the bird out after I've taken one. I like a box call, couple of slate calls and three or four different sounding mouth calls. If you are ever down towards Worley, I would be happy to meet up with you and listen to your calling and give you some pointers that may help. Been killing turkeys since the late 70s. Normally love to take out someone with their kids and call some birds in for them and their kids, but two horrible knees are preventing that this year.
Machias, I think you and I have communicated before. My mom was from over there, DeSmet & Tensed to be exact. I have extended family in Worley, I think. I was thinking of trying to hunt toms near McCrosky state park.
You should have good luck in that area!!
I think so, too.
Post by: carlyoungs on March 02, 2023, 01:18:16 PM
Post by: Machias on March 02, 2023, 01:29:11 PM
I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.
Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in. I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range. Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest. Try some different calls. I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in. Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses. Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone. They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature. Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call. Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.
Post by: syoungs on March 02, 2023, 01:45:32 PM
I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.
were just a handful of weeks away now, ill make sure to put on a clinic for you this year.
Post by: carlyoungs on March 02, 2023, 04:38:39 PM
I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.
were just a handful of weeks away now, ill make sure to put on a clinic for you this year.
At least we can focus more on hunting this year than babysitting.
Post by: carlyoungs on March 02, 2023, 04:41:34 PM
I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.
Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in. I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range. Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest. Try some different calls. I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in. Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses. Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone. They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature. Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call. Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.
I can get them to gobble back most of the time. They just don't come walking my way. Usually they go over towards my cousins blind and ignore me :chuckle:
Post by: Machias on March 02, 2023, 09:12:05 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on March 02, 2023, 09:34:52 PM
Post by: jasnt on March 03, 2023, 04:25:17 AM
Run and gun is my favorite. Rarely use decoy. Pretty much use box call exclusively. Running hand loads again this year
Post by: syoungs on March 05, 2023, 10:32:18 AM
I have only gotten turkeys to come in on the call one time during opening weekend. All the other times the will just walk around and be a turkey. They hear the calls but don't come to them. Have decoys set up and they ignore them. I've had more coyotes come in to calls then turkeys.
Every once in a while a tom will see a decoy and come right in, but in my experience they spook more turkeys than they pull in. I like to set up so they see the decoy as soon as they are in range. Lots of times anymore though I do not even pull my decoy out of my vest. Try some different calls. I can't tell you how many times I've tried 4 or 5 different calls and then suddenly one particular call just triggers the excitement and they come in. Also keep in mind the time of the day, late middle of the day I get very few responses. Best time in my opinion is between 0900 and 1030. Most toms are done breeding and look round and they are alone. They hear a hen or two or three and they are more likely to go against Mother Nature. Wild hens NORMALLY go to the tom, so in the morning, unless you get him right off the roost, he will be with several hens and may answer you, but not really likely to come into your call. Sometimes in those situations if you mimic the hen(s), one of them will get ticked off and come over to confront you, pulling the tom in with her.
I can get them to gobble back most of the time. They just don't come walking my way. Usually they go over towards my cousins blind and ignore me :chuckle:
I felt bad, thats why I sent an arrow over its back instead of through it. It had nothing to do with mis judging yardage... :dunno: :chuckle: