Fall Turkey 2017

[Johnsfolly]

While out squirrel and mushroom hunting last Weds we got into a couple of turkeys. We even had a couple of hens come into my diaphragm calls and land in trees 45 to 65 yards from us. We backed out hoping to not spook them before I could get after them properly. So with fall turkey tags in my pocket, I switched gears in this little woodlot on National forest land. This property is within 10 miles from my house. I got out again Friday afternoon/evening to go after these turkeys and was in the woods by 5:15 pm. Armed with my Tight Wad turkey choke and turkey load shot shells I figured that I would just get into a bunch of squirrels, though distracting I am focused on turkeys. As I got a 100 yards or so into this woodlot, I heard a couple of soft clucks in the woods out near the distant field edge. I made a couple of calls on my diaphragm call and no response. With birds already in the woodlot I couldn't get much deeper into the wood than I was already. I set up next to a giant white oak tree that one hen landed in on Weds when we were out for squirrels. On Weds the birds had come into this area from my right. In front of me was an open oak flat that was split by a winding creek. The far edge of the creek was about 45 to 60 yards from me. If the birds came into that flat I was not sure that they would try to cross the creek. I was also in no position to be able to try to break up any flock that came in from that side. As the sun was setting, I made some more clucks and soft yelps this time on my slate call. I caught some movement out in front of me on the farthest bend in the creek. I put up my binoculars and confirmed that a hen was coming in. As she skirted the creek edge, I spotted another and then another following her. With the birds so close I quietly called to keep their interest. When it appeared to me that they were not likely to cross the creek, I stopped calling and just watched them. There were now at least 6 and possibly 7 birds within 80 yards of my position. Once I stopped calling they turned and headed towards a couple of large oak trees. Those trees were in the spot that I had hoped to reach this evening before I heard any birds. One after another the birds started flying up to roost. They flew into one or two close trees and a couple of ones farther from me.

I backed out and hoped to get on them in the morning. I wasn't too comfortable that if I spooked them trying to get into that area they would just get out in the open field. I was not able to convince my Betterhalf to get up and hunt along the field edge opposite of where I intended to be to keep the turkeys in the woodlot. So I did what I could to get in as quietly as possible in the morning and set up near one of the large oaks for an ambush. It was about 5:45 when I crossed the creek in the oak flat. as I got near a large sycamore tree, I saw and heard a raccoon. This guy saw me and started a quiet chitter. I had to pass this tree to get to my set-up point. I saw it come down the tree a bit as I approached and passed it. The whole time it chittered at me. When I set-up next to the first giant oak tree (opposite of the raccoon tree). I kept waiting to hear the raccoon coming after me. Fortunately that fear never manifested. As I waited for sunrise and the turkeys to become active on the roost, I kept thinking whether I was close enough to get into any birds or if they had moved closer to the field edge before settling down on their roost. The minutes dragged on and the mosquito bites accumulated. As the woods lightened with the dawn, I waited for some birds to begin talking before I called.  I caught movement high in the tree near me and confirmed it was a turkey. Now it was a waiting game. Finally the bird above me dropped off the roost and was met with a load of #4 shot and dropped.

One turkey that was in the same tree flew off to my right. The other turkeys called from the roost and I called back hoping to get another to light down near me. I waited close to 20 to 25 minutes before going to tag my bird. Figuring that I could get back into these birds later this month, I wasn't aggressive in trying to get a second bird.  I ended up seeing/hearing at least four other birds. I took my prize and envision fried turkey breast and carnitas with the legs and thighs !

[JestersHK]

Nice job buddy!  Still hoping to get one, heading out this weekend.  Going to try to for a bird and a deer combo!

[Johnsfolly]

7 hours ago, JestersHK said:

Nice job buddy!  Still hoping to get one, heading out this weekend.  Going to try to for a bird and a deer combo!

Good luck! I have never shot a turkey with my bow. You using the crossbow?

I'm headed SW this weekend to try to catch some new species. I hope to get to Taney one evening/night.

[Ketchup]

Nice hunt.  Between your bushytails and turks, your enjoying some great days afield. 

[JestersHK]

I'll be down in Steelville tonight.  Hunting a turnip field in the AM, but yeah trying to get first blood on this crossbow...  I am hesitant to call it archery hunting lol. These things are like shooting lasers.  

Sunday we are going to do some predator hunting.  Lots of yotes and some bobcats on the property so we are going to try and thin them out a bit.

Hit that first hole at Taney!  Don't forget the magic 1:00AM witching hour when they come alive!  

[Johnsfolly]

11 minutes ago, JestersHK said:

I'll be down in Steelville tonight.  Hunting a turnip field in the AM, but yeah trying to get first blood on this crossbow...  I am hesitant to call it archery hunting lol. These things are like shooting lasers.

Good Luck buddy. Can't wait to hear about the hunt and see the photos!

14 minutes ago, JestersHK said:

Hit that first hole at Taney!  Don't forget the magic 1:00AM witching hour when they come alive!

I appreciate the tip and remember where and when to fish. However, ever changing plans may nix any Taney trip. I hope to get it worked out this afternoon. If still around home for the weekend, will either try to get back out for another turkey or stick it out in a tree with the bow.

[JestersHK]

  Thanks! My view this morning... heard a bird, but couldn't get him to commit.   Winds been brutal today.  Stinking bees are thick too.  Need a good cold snap. 

[oneshot]

Ok next Fall if you see them go to roost, go in hollering throwing rocks. Scatter them. Go there before first light, they will come in to a Call. Shoot a Bird, set for a bit then call again, you will be able to get your second Bird.

Took many Guys out, got their Birds then got mine.

I like #6 Shot, just because it will kill and there is more shot. I use an old Muzzleloader and 25 yards is my limit.

 

oneshot