You just have to know how to speak their language. One of the biggest myths of hunting is that male turkeys respond to calling only in the spring. The fact is, toms gobble all fall, too, and are sometimes more vocal in autumn than in spring. And they can be very responsive to a call.
How do you cook a turkey in the fall?
The preferred method used by most fall hunters targeting male birds is scouting and ambush. They’ll often cover more ground, but fall turkeys, if left undisturbed, tend to be more predictable in their daily routines. Pattern them, then get where they’re going before they do.
Do turkeys fight in the fall?
Both male and female turkey flocks in the fall are full of squabbles, dominance displays and even fights – all establishing who is at the top of the pecking order. This is important in determining breeding rank come spring.
Should I use turkey decoys in the fall?
Do you use turkey decoys for fall hunts? Wild turkeys, spring or fall, will hunt down the sound of your calling. Decoys may not be necessary for either season. Then again, realistic fakes offer visual encouragement when that bird steps into view (and even before you see it).
How do you scout a turkey in the fall?
Sandy and muddy areas near their water sources is a great way to gauge their presence and even the directional patterns they might be traveling. Molting feathers and droppings are the more obvious signs and are usually a great way to locate their roosting trees before they head back to them at nightfall.
Will turkeys come back after being shot at?
Typically, a bird that is fatally injured by a shotgun won’t travel far. Most turkeys are recovered within about a 200-yard radius. The best place to start your search is right where you shot the bird.
What do turkey eat in the fall?
During the early fall, fruits of various wild vines, shrubs, and trees are abundant and are the primary component of the diet. Wild grapes, black cherry, dogwood, persimmon, pawpaw, American beautyberry may all be found in turkeys’ diets from September to late October.
Can 2 tom turkeys live together?
turkeys, often called “heritage” turkeys, can live in mixed-sex flocks so long as everyone gets along well. However, you may find that males (toms ) get along with each other better if they live away from female turkeys entirely.
What is the best time to hunt turkeys in the fall?
If you don’t see birds but find plenty of sign, plan a mid-morning sit. If they don’t show, come back the next day for an afternoon sit. Since turkeys aren’t nocturnal, you’ll be able to pin down their pattern after a couple of hunting failures.
Is it better to hunt turkey in fall or spring?
The best time of year to hunt Turkey will also depend largely on what state you’re hunting in, but generally falls between early spring and mid-to-late fall. Time of Day: Since Turkeys make their nest in trees and on the ground in wooded areas, one of the best times of day to hunt is first thing in the morning.
Is fall turkey hunting good?
But for those few dedicated turkey hunters the fall season can be as exciting as the spring season. Slightly different tactics are used during the fall season. The turkeys don’t respond to a call the same as they do in the spring. Rarely will you hear a gobble and when you do, the tom really has little interest in you.
Where are turkeys in the fall?
In season, set up near those roosted turkeys before fly-down — between those trees and food sources — or right at the mast-bearing ridgetop, hollow, or pasture they will likely head toward. Yep, autumn food sources can shift, especially if your season is long, making ghostlike flocks tough to pattern.
When should you start scouting for turkeys?
January
Scouting for turkeys should start in January. Observations during January-February will help to narrow down areas that hold mature flocks. Observations from these months can be applied to scouting in March-April, where detailed patterns of mature gobblers can be put to use.
How far away can you shoot a turkey with a 12 gauge?
Lead Turkey Loads
A good compromise is #5 copper-plated lead pellets loaded in a 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot shell. With this setup, you’ll be good out to 40 yards, and perhaps 50 if your gun is patterned tight. If you want better range and lethality, you’ll need to consider using tungsten shot.
Where should you aim on a turkey?
When hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun, greater success is achieved when hunters shoot at the head and neck area of the bird. The most effective firearm shot for a turkey is to the head and neck. The preferred shot angle for bowhunters is broadside, aiming for the heart or lungs.
Do turkeys remember your face?
Erik Marcus, the author of Vegan: The New Ethics of Eating, has spent a considerable amount of time with turkeys on farm sanctuaries. He reports, “Turkeys remember your face and they will sit closer to you with each day you revisit.
Do turkeys eat snakes?
They’ll eat insects, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles (including other snakes), and birds as well as their eggs.
Do turkeys eat bananas?
By far, the turkey’s favorite snacks are small pieces of Bananas. However they readily gobble down any type of bread, raisins and grapes.
Do turkeys eat oatmeal?
FEED turkeys cracked or whole kernel corn, sunflower seeds, oats, wheat, or non-medicated commercial poultry or turkey rations. FEED turkeys daily by broadcasting food at a rate of 2 large handfuls (or 1/2 cup) per turkey per day.
Can a chicken mate with a turkey?
There have been attempted crosses between domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallapavo) and chickens. According to Gray, no hybrids hatched in twelve studies. Other reports found only a few fertile eggs were produced and very few resulted in advance embryos.
Do turkeys return to coop at night?
Turkeys will roost anywhere except where you want them to.
They would go in the coop at night with no problems and roost with the chickens.