Turkeys predictably fly up in a tree at dusk and come down in the morning to begin their day. This fact is a building block for successfully scouting and hunting turkeys.
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.
What time of day are wild turkeys most active?
General Weather Conditions: As a general rule of thumb, turkeys are most active during calm, clear days in morning and early afternoon hours. Turkey activity generally decreases with bad weather conditions including wind and rain. During extremely wet and rainy days, turkeys are neither vocal nor very active.
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 roost in the same place 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.
How long before sunset Do turkeys fly up to roost?
In the woods I hunt the birds are entering slightly before sunset and are usually flying up as the sun hits the horizon–almost to the minute! Remember, too that SPRING hunting hours end 1/2 hour BEFORE SUNSET…which normally takes a true “roost” out of play.
What weather is best for turkey hunting?
The best weather for turkey hunting season doesn’t always coincide on days where you hear the most gobblers. Gobblers will be more vocal on days where winds are less than 10 mph, the temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the barometric pressure is high and steady.
Do wild turkeys have good memories?
No. Unlike a white-tailed deer, turkeys rarely take notice of a new shooting lane or even a tent blind placed near familiar location.
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.
How far do wild turkeys roam?
Turkeys on the Move
Even though turkeys can travel 1 to 3 miles a day, there is some good news. In general, they do not seems to wander too much outside of that area. Wild turkeys usually range within the same few square miles on a day to day basis for the majority of their life.
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.
What kind of trees do turkeys like to 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.
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.
What time should you start calling turkeys?
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.
Where do turkeys roost in high winds?
If the wind blew hard the evening before turkeys will roost lower down in hollows and valleys or at least part way down mountain and hillside slopes. Even if they don’t, this is where they’ll head to once daylight comes and they fly off the roost.
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.
How do you spot a turkey roost?
Another way to locate turkey roosts is finding sign, which can be difficult. In areas where turkeys roost you will see lots of bird droppings under trees large enough to support turkeys. Turkey droppings are larger than other birds and the area will also have remnants of turkey feathers.
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.
Do turkeys roost before or after sunset?
There are two times of the day to reliable locate an active turkey roost, either early in the morning just before the sun rises, or early in the evening after the sun sets. The light is the same, just coming from different directions since one is sunrise and the other sunset.
Where do turkeys go during 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.