First hunt essentials

[Robtattoo]

I've never really hunted turkeys, but the property I deer hunt has a good resident population so I've decided that this is my year to give it a go!

I know the basics (I'm going to roost them Saturday night, hunt Sunday) of approach, camo, patience, silence etc... & I don't plan on calling since I don't know how or what I'm doing.
I have my gun sighted & patterned out to 40yds.

One thing I can't seem to figure out though is when to stop. Do I basically just hunt until an hour or so after they're off roost, or should I plan for an all day sit? Morning & evening only? Lunchtime hunt?

After they're out of the trees & I've set up in completely the wrong place (as I suspect I will!) Do I wrap it up, or try to spot & stalk/run & gun?

Any advice would be great thanks!

 

[PalsPal]

Too many possible answers.

My advice would be to find someone to mentor you. Many, like me, just like to play the game and would go with you and not even take a gun.

Now you do have to vet them to make sure they are someone you can trust.

Good luck, and keep practicing your calling. You don't have to be perfect. Most real hens aren't.

 

[Tenntrapper]

I would give it more than an hour. A lot of activity mid day. Usually the toms will hen up right off the roost. After they are done breeding them...they go looking for some strange .
My best luck it usually 10-2

 

[yellalinehunter]

I'd practice on a push button call or scratch box. Not making any sounds will make it tougher unless you set up decoys and hunt from a blind in a field. No real limit on time in the woods. They can be killed from their toes touching the ground till the start to fly up. Best of luck. As mentioned a good mentor to teach is the best bet. I'm sure a good number of folks on here would be happy to help out on your adventure.

 

[deerfever]

Get you a call, pushbutton, box call or slate . Plenty of guys doing basic calls you can watch on the Internet . All are simple to use and all you need is a Yelp to become deadly. Make sure you have camo and a facemask. Being still and calling every so often 15 / 20 minutes just some yelps is all you need. If you here one gobble try to get within 100 to 125 yards depending on the terrain. Set up , call and see what happens. Spot and stalk on turkeys usually does not end well, their eyesight is phenomenal. I would stay until at least lunchtime, if a gobbler loses his hens mid morning he will start back up gobbling again and that's when you have your best chance. Good luck

 

[Gravey]

No calling will make it tough so you're totally relying on where you setup for an ambush. Not my preferred method but in my younger days I'd have done it. As mentioned above I'd try to find someone that can call to go with you and learn from them. Good luck!