Turkeys often choose trees about two-thirds of the way up a slope. They don’t like to be skylined above the crest. In the South, turkeys will perch over water for additional safety. In the open prairie, where trees are at a premium, wooded riverways and the trees around old homesteads make prime roosting sites.
Where can I find a turkey in the spring?
These are the Nine Top Spots for Spring Turkey Hunting
- Focus on These Nine Top Areas for Spring Toms.
- Tall Pine Trees.
- Open Mature Oak Stands.
- Ag Fields With Clover, Alfalfa, Wheat, and Corn.
- Water Holes.
- Saddles in Ridges.
- Livestock Pastures.
- Logging Roads & Recently Plowed Fields.
What is the best time to roost turkeys?
Start by slipping into an area in mid-afternoon where you’ve heard birds before — or maybe just by targeting decent habitat. Scout open areas positioned not far from stands of big-branched trees. Sit calmly and quietly, listening as turkeys move into a likely roosting spot.
Do turkeys take the same path everyday?
Turkeys tend to travel the same routes or circuits to the same areas every day, as long as those areas provide what turkeys need and want. Hunters can use this information to place themselves right in the path of the birds, or at least pretty close to where those birds typically travel on any given day.
Do turkeys prefer woods or fields?
Cover – Although turkeys use forests for cover and roosting in the tall hardwood trees at night, they also like open and brushy areas for feeding, mating, nesting and rearing their young. Turkeys actually depend on a mix of open fields, pasture and forested for their survival.
Do turkeys roost in the same tree every night?
Overall, the answer to the big question is that turkeys do not always roost in the same place. Turkeys are much like deer in that they shift to different parts of their home range throughout the year. That said, they do seem to favor certain ones, and spend more time roosting in favored locations than anywhere else.
Do turkeys roost in the same tree every day?
No they don’t always roost in the same tree/trees. Especially easterns they tend to move around.
What kind of trees do turkeys roost in?
Turkeys also prefer pine trees to any other types of trees. They offer cover year round and often a clean forest floor to take off and land on. A single pine tree will do the trick if it is big enough, but clusters of them are best.
Where do turkeys go in the middle of the day?
First, turkeys are on the move more than at any other time of day since early morning. In most habitats, turkeys make a circuit out from a roost area, spend the late morning and afternoon hours in loafing cover or other seclusion, then work back toward roost sites as the day wanes.
Will spooked turkeys come back?
The gobbler wanted to be where you were when you spooked him. So, after he thinks you’re gone, and he hears a hen softly calling, there’s a very good chance he may come back in that direction. Remember — the gobbler has a limited number of days to breed.
What time do gobblers leave hens?
As stated above, both male and female turkeys will leave the roost sometime between 5:00 to 9:00 a.m. The largest factor that determines the exact time during this window is the weather. If the weather is clear, the birds will leave the roost earlier. The gobbler will usually fly down right around first light.
How do you find a gobbler in the morning?
In the mornings, about half hour before shooting light is a perfect time to fire off a locating call. Setting up on a good listening vantage point is the first key. Being able to audibly survey lots of ground from a place where you likely wont spook birds from their roost is where you need to start.
Should you move around when turkey hunting?
The hunter can see what’s in front of him. The gobbler can see everything around him, and that’s the reason you have to keep your movement to a minimum and wear camouflage. The turkey knows that there are thermals and different types of winds in the outdoors.
Do turkeys like ridges or valleys?
Turkeys Stay Away From Wind-Swept Ridges
Tip: Drop down to the first bench, hill, or protected area, and you’ll likely find your gobbler there. If it’s very blustery, they may sail even farther when they fly off the roost–down into valleys to escape the breezes.
How do I attract turkey to my property?
Turkeys are omnivorous and will sample a wide variety of foods. To attract turkeys to your yard, you can provide them with a large ground feeding station containing cracked corn or mixed birdseed. Turkeys will also happily clean up any spills under hanging feeders you may have up for other birds.
Do turkeys gobble before they roost?
Daybreak at a turkey roost
Turkeys are very vocal birds at first sign of light. Their morning will begin with a series of loud gobbles as they begin to wake up. This can last for some time until eventually they fly down and begin their day’s work on the ground.
How far do turkeys travel from the roost?
“We have had some other birds that have taken longer trips. Two gobblers went about 20-miles. In general, jakes seem to move the farthest. Hens do as well and we’ve had several 12- to 15-mile treks.”
Where do turkeys go after the roost?
Either way, you should expect birds to feed toward your decoys, as they’ll be heading to water or their favorite feeding area once they’re off the roost.
What shelter do turkeys need?
A turkey shelter can take a variety of forms, but a roof and a couple of sides that protect from the rain, snow, and prevailing wind may be all that is needed. These open-sided structures also provide much-needed shade in the summer and benefit from not trapping warm air inside like a coop.
Do turkeys roost early in the rain?
On rainy days, especially cold rainy days, gobblers go quiet. Turkeys will opt to stay in the roost longer. Once they do fly down, they will alter their daily routine. Rainy evenings and mornings can also produce fog.
Where do turkeys go when raining?
open fields
“But they will sometimes answer a call if close by.” Phillips recommends looking for rainy day turkeys in open fields, food plots or along old logging roads. When on the ground turkeys will hang out in more open areas to rely on their keen eyesight to spot any danger from predators.