Outstanding hearing is an asset to all prey species. Dickson’s compilation of wild turkey experts reveals that a wild turkey’s hearing is acute, although its external ear lacks a flap, or pinna, which concentrates sound waves. Field observations suggests turkeys hear lower-frequency and more distant sounds than humans.
How good of hearing do turkeys have?
(photo by Tes Jolly) A wild turkey’s hearing is remarkable. It is not so much their ability to hear, but how they use it. They have an uncanny ability not only to hear sounds from great distances, but to pinpoint the exact location of their source. Their eyesight is possibly even more acute.
Are turkeys scared of loud noises?
Noises and Other Disturbances
As a result of sharing space with hawks, raccoons and the occasional badger, turkeys have developed an instinctive avoidance of loud noises. You can take advantage of this aversion by making some kind of noisemaker that will be loud enough to spook the birds from across the lawn.
How far can you call a turkey in?
As a general rule a gobble made in a tree can be heard twice as far as one made on the ground. That same “twice-as-far” rule applies to all other turkey sounds. A gobbler in an open field will sound clear and can generally be heard twice as far as a gobbler in timber.
What sound scares turkeys Away?
It’s easy to scare turkeys away by making noises (try waving your arms and yelling or blowing a whistle), popping open an umbrella, throwing tennis balls, or dousing the turkey with water from a hose or squirt gun. A leashed dog may also be effective in scaring a turkey away.
Are turkeys intelligent?
Not to be confused with their distant and stupid cousin, the domesticated turkey commonly found in freezers, wild turkeys are highly intelligent and unpredictable. They can fly as fast as 55 m.p.h., run up to 20 m.p.h. and have keen eyesight.
How often should you call to a turkey?
every 15 minutes
Push button 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.
What smell do turkeys hate?
These include peppermint oil, citronella, lemon, cayenne pepper, chili, garlic and vinegar. By using this information, we can apply these strong scents to areas that we want the birds to stay away from.
Why do turkeys gobble back at you?
If you hear an occasional gobble, then there is a turkey nearby responding to a sound it’s hearing, likely another turkey that is keeping it oriented with the flock. It can also warn other turkeys that a predator is nearby, especially if the gobbling is a little louder.
What to do if a turkey chases you?
Don’t let turkeys intimidate you
Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose. A dog on a leash is also an effective deterrent. Turkeys that repeatedly challenge or attack people may ultimately have to be destroyed.
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.
Will a turkey come back if spooked?
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 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.
What does it mean when a turkey hisses?
Most of their vocalizations come down to a form of low, guttural hiss made when they are irritated or vying for a better spot on a carcass.
What do you say in a turkey mouth call?
“Chick,” “chirp,” “chop” and “chalk” are some options, with “ch” as the common sound. Some say “shuck” or “shock” or “shick.” Others say “chee-uck” when making the yelp. Whichever way you go, call with snapping, beak-like lips, just like a turkey. To practice, choose a single word: “shock.” Break it: sh-ock.
Do turkeys have feelings?
However, the nervous system of turkeys is similar to that of mammals, so they suffer physical pain, just as humans, cats and dogs do. Turkeys also experience similar emotional states to humans, including fear, anxiety, frustration, boredom, pleasure and enjoyment.
Why does my turkey puff up at me?
Females or males inflate their plumage to intimidate a predator threatening their brood. So, whenever turkeys sense a threat, be it human or animal, they can use this behavior to show the predator that it is likely to go wrong if it decides to attack!
Do turkeys like music?
Turkeys enjoy listening to music and often loudly sing along. They’re original. Turkeys’ personalities are as varied and distinct as those of humans.
What time is best to turkey hunt?
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.
Can you use a 22 for turkey hunting?
22 is illegal. There are only a few states where hunting turkeys with a rifle is allowed, and even then it is often only during the fall season. Aside from it being illegal in many areas, there are other reasons why it isn’t the best idea to hunt turkey with the rifle from your boyhood.
When should I stop calling turkey?
You Don’t Know When to Put the Call Away
Once the turkeys come in range and you can start to see them, call quietly and softly. Calmer calls like purrs and yelps are a good choice for a turkey closing in. Once they’re close enough to begin approaching your turkey decoys, stop calling altogether.