High winds are the bane of most turkey hunters, but especially in areas you hunt long enough, bird behavior becomes more predictable during big breeze events. The weather conditions will concentrate birds into smaller locations, making them at times easier to hunt if you know where to look.
Are windy days good for turkey hunting?
Most importantly, hunters can use the high winds to eliminate sound and conceal some of their movement. Turkeys have a harder time seeing the slightest movement when most of their surroundings are blowing in the wind. It might give a hunter just enough movement to move their gun or draw their bow.
Are turkeys affected by wind?
Turkeys will often move out into fields just after sunrise when it’s windy.
What weather is best for turkey hunting?
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. Barometric Pressure: The average barometric pressure also affects gobbling activity.
Will turkeys gobble when its windy?
When it’s windy, turkeys gobble less. They’re difficult to hear. And it’s harder for them to hear your calls. It also makes birds more nervous and reluctant to approach because they can’t see well with branches and bushes whipping in the wind.
What kind of weather do turkeys like?
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 do turkeys do on cold windy days?
On cold windy days we have found it best to key in on the mast producing tree areas in the timber and the bottom of a ravine. Turkeys like these areas because they will be sheltered from the wind and will be searching for nuts beneath the leaves on the frozen ground.
How do you hunt turkeys in the wind and rain?
If the sun appears after a steady rain or heavy fog, hustle to open hunting areas near wooded roost sites. Such conditions often create a flurry of turkey activity. Gear to Go: Glassing fields with your binoculars is a great way to locate spring turkeys as they transition to open areas after foggy or rainy spells.
What causes turkeys not to gobble?
As a conservation measure the state purposely and prudently sets the start of the season to begin after the peak of gobbling, for the roughly two weeks before most hens start sitting on their nests. Toms naturally taper off in gobbling in this time, after the hide-and-seek of mating game has peaked, Duren said.
When should I stop calling turkey?
If you hear gobbling and the gobble is getting louder, that means he is getting closer to you – so stop calling.
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.
Are turkeys active after a storm?
If the day begins stormy and heavy rain is falling gobblers and hens may opt to remain on roost well after daylight. But, as the storms move on and the rain subsides, the turkeys will leave their roost position and begin their day.
Should you hunt turkeys in the rain?
Turkey Hunting 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.
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.
Do turkeys strut in the wind?
Wild turkeys will often react negatively during warm, sticky conditions. They gobble less, do not strut as often, and overall seem like they are not anywhere in sight to us hunters.
Is turkey hunting good after a storm?
They’ll shut up when the storm gets close. If the storm rages early evening and stops well before dawn they seem to gobble well especially if they have consistently that season. If it lasts well into the early hours, they seem to stay on the roost late.
What to do when it’s windy?
10+ Ideas for Windy Days
- Fly a kite. Experiment with a range of flying kites and see which work best.
- Experiment with wind socks, windmills and streamers.
- Storm damage.
- Cloud racing.
- Discover the wind direction.
- Seed scattering and leaf catching.
- Wind-blown messages.
- Explore eddies and shelter.
Is turkey hunting good before a storm?
Hunters that know the roosting areas will be at an advantage when the storm breaks. Scouting out and knowing your hunting area will pay off on foul weather days. Gobblers want to be seen by the hen. That is why they puff up and strut around.
Is it better to hunt turkey in the morning or evening?
The fact that birds gobble and their location is known takes some of the guesswork out of it. Again, mornings generally provide faster and hotter action with vocal birds, making it the preferred time to turkey hunt.
How far can you hear a turkey gobble in the woods?
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.
Does a cold front affect turkey hunting?
Turkey Hunting Tips for Extreme Hot or Cold Days
Turkey hunting cold front birds can be slow. Again turkeys are not going anywhere and their breeding cycle continues regardless of the weather, although gobblers and their activity can slow almost to a stop during cold snaps.