They tend to be the most vocal in mild temperatures—around 60-69°F—and weather that’s too cold or too balmy will slow them down. Just like humans, they prefer weather that is comfortable.
What weather is best for turkeys?
Because turkeys are most active during times of mild weather, it’s been estimated that they are the most vocal in temperatures of 60-69 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like humans, too hot or too cold and their activity slows down.
What is the best time to hunt turkey?
A turkey’s peak breeding season is in the spring. Hunters are targeting male gobblers. This time frame is when the toms are strutting around and showing off to attract the hens, making spring the best time to hunt turkeys. April – May is prime turkey season for most states and states like Florida are as early as March.
What is the best habitat for turkeys?
It is now recognized that turkeys do best in areas with a wide variety of habitat types and plant species. One recent researcher has described the ideal turkey habitat as one-half wooded, one quarter abandoned fields and one-quarter active agriculture.
Do turkeys like windy days?
Turkeys often move to fields in heavy wind because they can see danger more easily there and escape the noise of clattering branches and swishing bushes. Scout to see where they enter and exit, then set up an ambush just back in the woods at those locations.
Should I turkey hunt in the rain?
They do not gobble much during rainy mornings, but you can still try for your luck. In the event of heavy rains, the turkeys may go into hiding. They are not excellent conditions for turkey hunting since mobility and visibility are hindered.
What time of day are most turkeys killed?
Time of Day — Many hunters are in the woods before dawn, and most turkeys are killed before 8 a.m. However, turkey hunting after 8 a.m. can be rewarding.
How often should you turkey call?
But don’t call too often – less is more. Calling every 15 minutes or so and starting off quieter and then getting more aggressive/louder as the day goes on are good rules of thumb. If you hear a hen, try to mimic her exact vocalizations.
How do you attract wild turkeys?
Food. 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.
How do I make my land better for turkey hunting?
Turkeys prefer an open forest floor covered in leaf litter for easy forage. Creating openings: Turkeys like open, brushy space and grasslands rich in forage. Grass-rich areas also provide safer nesting sites. These can be created by clear-cutting one- to five-acre patches through the forest.
What should you not feed turkeys?
Foods You Should Never Feed to Turkeys
- Low-quality chicken feed. Turkeys require more protein than chickens do, therefore, a simple chicken feed will not contain the nutrition that a turkey needs.
- Other Livestock Feeds.
- Dried/Raw Beans.
- Avocados.
- Fruit Pits and Seeds.
- Tomato and Eggplant Leaves.
- Raw Meat.
- Onions.
How do you attract turkeys in the spring?
Periodic strip mowing of mature cereal grain plots such as corn and wheat attracts turkeys to the easily accessible food. Allow fall deer food plot plantings to mature in the spring to provide nesting cover and added turkey forage.
Do turkeys like rain?
Think like a Bird
The wild turkey is the only creature in the woods that likes rain less than you do. Their otherwise puffy and iron-clad chainmail of feathers becomes about as useful as a soppy down blanket when soaked.
Is High wind bad for turkey hunting?
Perhaps the most significant weather condition for turkey hunters, high winds make chasing gobblers a lot more difficult. In the spring, a hunter’s main advantage is the ability to call aggressive gobblers. High winds make this task a lot harder. High winds also make hearing a gobbler’s response difficult.
Do turkeys gobble on cold windy days?
2) Windy Weather
Like many unfavorable weather conditions, turkey will gobble less when the wind is strong. And not only do turkey gobble less, but it is harder for both you and the turkey to hear one another’s calls.
How cold is too cold for turkeys?
Turkeys are overall hardy animals, meaning they are able to withstand low temperatures (below 20°F) for periods of time.
Do wild turkeys like cold weather?
Turkeys are hardy and cold doesn’t affect them much. However, if bitter temperatures arrive after it’s been mild, turkeys may be quiet for a day or two as they adjust to the change. Much like hunters on cool mornings, turkeys prefer to sleep in and may delay flying down from the roost.
When should you start calling turkeys in the morning?
When To Call A Gobbler. OK, so let’s narrow it down to the time of day. In my view, the best times of the day are right off the roost, then again from about 8:30 to 9:30 when more hens start to leave the gobbler to go lay an egg, and again from about 11 until noon.
Why do gobblers go silent?
In short, the theory goes, we have killed the noisier, more eager toms, leaving the craftier, quieter ones to pass on their genes. That theory sounds good around the campfire, but there is no real evidence or studies to support it, says Ken Duren, wild turkey biologist for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
How early should I be in the woods for turkey hunting?
Most turkey hunters know their best chance to bag a bird is in the early morning (right off the roost) or at dusk as they prepare to roost again for the night.
How do you hunt a turkey Mid day?
During midday hunts, birds are more likely to come in silently. Be patient and give birds ample time to commit to your location. If a gobbler is hung up and out of sight, consider adding movement to your calls. Call while walking away from the bird to give the impression that you are leaving the area.”