Finding turkeys

1. Scouting for Signs:

• Tracks and Droppings:Look for turkey tracks, especially in mud or dirt, and droppings, which are larger than those of other birds. 
• Feathers and Feathers:Scattered feathers can indicate where turkeys have been roosting or feeding. 
• Scratch Marks:Turkeys often scratch in the ground to find food, so look for these marks, especially in areas with abundant vegetation. 
• Strut Marks:During the breeding season, male turkeys (toms) strut and leave visible marks in the ground. 
• Dusting Sites:Turkeys dust bathe to remove parasites, so look for areas where the ground has been disturbed. 

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2. Identifying Potential Roosting Areas:

• Mature Trees: Turkeys often roost in large, mature trees, especially pines and oaks. 
• Water Sources: They tend to roost near rivers, creeks, and streams. 
• Edge Habitats: Turkeys often use the edges of fields and forests for travel and feeding. 
• Topography: Look for ridges, hills, and valleys, as these areas can provide cover and vantage points. 
• Roost Sign: Look for areas where there are a lot of droppings and feathers under trees. 

3. Listening for Turkey Calls:

• Early Morning:Turkeys are most vocal during the early morning hours as they leave their roosts. 
• Gobbles and Yelps:Listen for the characteristic gobbling sounds of toms and the yelping calls of hens. 
• Locator Calls:Use turkey calls to mimic turkey sounds and potentially trigger a response from nearby turkeys. 
• Wind Direction:Be aware of wind direction, as it can carry sounds and make it difficult to pinpoint a turkey’s location. 

4. Hunting Strategies:

• Scout Before You Hunt: Take time to scout the area before you hunt to identify potential roosting sites and travel routes.
• Be Stealthy: Move quietly and slowly to avoid scaring away turkeys.
• Use Camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing to blend in with the surroundings.
• Be Patient: Hunting turkeys can require patience and persistence. 

5. Additional Tips:

• Consider Weather Conditions: Turkeys are most active during mild weather conditions. 
• Be Aware of Predators: Turkeys are prey animals and can be vulnerable to predators like coyotes and hawks. 
• Respect Private Property: Always obtain permission before hunting on private land. 
• Follow Hunting Regulations: Be sure to comply with all local and state hunting regulations. 

Using an owl call, also known as an owl hoot, can be an effective way to locate turkeys in the spring, as the sound can trigger a gobble response from toms, helping hunters pinpoint their location. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• How it works:Owl calls mimic the sounds of barred owls, which are known to communicate with turkeys in the spring. 
• Why it works:Turkeys are curious and may respond to unfamiliar sounds, including the hoot of an owl, leading them to gobble and reveal their location. 
• Best time to use it:Early morning hours are a good time to use owl calls, as owls are often active at dawn and turkeys may respond to their calls. 
• How to use it:Make a short run of owl hoots to avoid drowning out any response from a gobbler, and if you have a buddy, have them listen a few steps away. 
• Variations:Barred owl hooting typically goes “who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all”, but you can try just the first part or the “you-all” squall. 
• Considerations:Experiment with different owl call techniques and sounds to find what works best in your hunting area. 
• Other locator calls:Crow calls are also popular for turkey hunting as a way to get a gobbler to respond. 

Have you used the Owl call ?