Texas Hunting Forum

Turkey hunting tips for a newbie

Posted By: spoon33

Turkey hunting tips for a newbie - 04/07/24 02:36 AM

During deer season on our new lease my son and I saw about a 14-16 hens every time we hunted a stand/feeder near the edge of our 75 acres. I’m guessing they roost on our land full of trees bc across the fence is cattle and grass.

Neither myself or my 9 year old son have ever gone turkey hunting. He has shot his 20 gauge several times so I feel comfortable with that part.

Do you guys recommend we get there at sunrise and try to call turkeys or hear them? Or get there at dark like deer hunting and hope they come to our decoys where we saw them in the fall with the hopes a Tom/Jake shows.

Also, how long do you usually stay out?

Thanks I’m advance. Been trying to read as much as I can about
This so we at least maybe see some.
Posted By: Wilhunt

Re: Turkey hunting tips for a newbie - 04/07/24 03:12 PM

Last week i went to my normal area where there are 2 feeders each in a pen. About 6:30 am i went to each and threw corn on the ground so the corn would be outside the pen. Went to my blind and within 30 minutes I had one hen come running to the corn. She was followed by 8 jakes. thirty minutes later a bigger bird comes into my view and I took him.
In my opinion you can kill them just about any time of the day. Especially early in the season.
Posted By: Wytex

Re: Turkey hunting tips for a newbie - 04/08/24 01:55 PM

Get in position before sunrise and then call right at daylight. They should answer and you'll know if they are coming your way.
A hen decoy would be good out in front of you.

Yes you can shoot one at a feeder but why? Learn some hen calls and hunt them.
Once they get henned up they will not leave that bird until he breeds her.
Great time to call is early and late in season.

Good luck , hope to see some smiling pics of your son and his bird !!
Posted By: Jiggamitch

Re: Turkey hunting tips for a newbie - 04/09/24 11:14 PM

I like to face my decoy away from where I think the tom will be coming from. If he thinks hen can see him, he may stop and strut out of range.
Posted By: BDB

Re: Turkey hunting tips for a newbie - 04/15/24 02:44 PM

get there before daylight and get in a good area to just listen. See if any sound off on their own. If no birds gobble then try a crow call or hoot owl...your trying to elicit a shock gobble. If nothing then get in an area with NOT TO MUCH area for you to see out...thats a major mistake for beginners, they want to see as far as possible. Look at like this....when you can first see a bird, it needs to be in range. Just sit there and make a few hen calls and keep eyes and ears open. You only have 75 acers so really run and gun is out. If the gobblers are henned up....and likely they are be patient. Once the hens leave him around 9-10 am he gets lonely and will start to gobble trying to attract another hen. I've killed more toms mid/late morning than first couple hours of daylight.
© 2024 Texas Hunting Forum