Question Calling In A Tom From Where My Set Up Is

[Fourteen14]

I have located 2 toms and some hens a few day back and also their roosting tree . My question is can I call them in eventually if they pitch down in the am and head the other way from me with the hens from where I want to set up . It's more than likely this scenario will play out because of a deep ravine between where the roosting tree is and the place I want to put my blind . The other option is to hike above the  tree , which is a long hard climb for me at my age , and set up there . The terrain is a clear cut area that is very open and steep . Any thoughts or ideas on how to approach this situation would be helpful . Thanks !

[baldopepper]

Not impossible, but very improbable.that you can call them across a deep ravine.  My guess is they will fly down onto the steep side hill and either go on Round the hill or very likely go up to the ridge. Personally have never had much luck trying to call in birds when they first fly down unless I'm pretty much on the path they wanted to take anyway. Usually they pretty much  have predetermined feeding destination and head.there regardless of any calling.

[Machias]

Try calling later in the day.  You may be able to entice them over once the hens leave them, but it will be hard to bring them across that type of terrain.  Not impossible.  I would also recommend calling less.  Maybe get him or them, fired up and then kind of go silent.  Even if they gobble, don't answer them back very often.  Play hard to get and you may pull them over to you.

[bearpaw]

I have located 2 toms and some hens a few day back and also their roosting tree . My question is can I call them in eventually if they pitch down in the am and head the other way from me with the hens from where I want to set up . It's more than likely this scenario will play out because of a deep ravine between where the roosting tree is and the place I want to put my blind . The other option is to hike above the  tree , which is a long hard climb for me at my age , and set up there . The terrain is a clear cut area that is very open and steep . Any thoughts or ideas on how to approach this situation would be helpful . Thanks !

I think your odds are very slim of calling that bird across a steep ravine if its extremely steep. I would start hiking in extra early so you can get on the same side as the roost.

[Dogmanscott]

To me it depends on the species. A Rio??? You will never conquer that mountain. Unless he has been or wants to strut there. Specific spots almost like fishing the cowlitz a decade ago. You must find those specific spots, after that it is not too hard if you are patient hunt all morning, then all afternoon without hiking. You can find those spots by glassing. Binoculars and spotting scope are valuable when hunting Rio turkeys. You must own the high ground for rios. Later they will run a milk route. They become ridge runners that you can intercept by knowing the routine. I call less than 6 times for Rio success!

Merriams are a different bird. You can call all day in one spot every fifteen minutes. Very talkative birds. Just remember that with both birds??? You must shut up and just slowly look. Half way or so is perfect to shut up. Put call away. Just wait. He has to look for you. I have waited 2 hours with both species dancing out of range . Part of the fun is that. Just watching the show.
Scott

[trophyhunt]

Off question here, what time in the AM should you be in your blind?

[trophyhunt]

And damn it’s cold out here this AM! (Chewelah area)