turkey hunting question series - 7

[birddogdad]

Where to find / hunt turkeys?  This on is really 2 part, first - what do you do to scout or locate birds in off season? we are blessed in WA/ID/OR with a robust population and public access to birds really is not difficult but how do you dig in and research, tools, contact, ect. 

Second part is starting your morning, did you roost a bird night before? What do you do to setup (if anything) before you head out in the dark (if you even start early).

Of note- I'm flying to Nashville tomorrow and wont be on here for a week or so to keep this string going, if anyone has a question not answered, please post it up for others... No, im not going for the NWTF Convention, looking for my forever property around Kentucky Lake to retire there this summer. BUT there is a chance i may stop by next Friday before i return to see some friends!!  If you follow, there are a couple call makers from WA that have entries in the competitions, gool luck all!

[birddogdad]

update: was a great week in TN.

First note - shout out to Guy Ruble!! top 5 in call maker boxcall category!!

We found our "forever property" and have secured 73 acres to drop a home on! Had 7 prospects all in that 40-80 acre range. Most were western TN. Narrowed to 3 but first was a bust, 2 properties/2 relators simply they couldnt get act together with all or nothing bid. We decided on a lot in Hollow Rock that really i am surprised had not sold. Prices are wonderful for most everything there. Closing probably next month. We rode the lot with my contractor and he thinks its a gem too!

Left me one afternoon to hit the Convention in Nashville before flight back. Was a bit surprised. It was a zoo! Way more "non turkey" stuff than i expected. Had more folks blowing duck/goose calls than turkey calls! Saw several of the "godfathers" of the sport along with some celebs... Even Uncle Ted was there.....I got to catch up with some good friends and master call makers as well.. all in all was nice but very crowded. I expect when i move to TN i will end up working a booth for a buddy....

as far as the op, if i can i try to roost a couple... gives me a starting point in the morning and also lets me know birds in area... many times they drop off limb and get quiet so dont give up! they are there with girls and when the women get tired of them, that is when you need to be "available".

my eve before, packs my lunch, loads my vest and i make sure to have lots of water in the camel back, study onx to get an idea of where i will start and a weather check. my day is usually all day out further i can get the better so forgetting something really is bad. Most of the time my setup is without a decoy but i do pack one in vest in case..