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.
What is the best time to go turkey hunting?
The hunters who state that hunting early mornings are more effective base their arguments on getting within close range while a gobbler is still on the roost and present when they fly down. These hunters claim arriving early and getting close eliminates time for other hens to show up and take their gobbler away.
What season are turkeys most active?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 late should you turkey hunt in the morning?
Blocking it off into early morning (before 7), mid morning (7 to 9), and late morning (9 to noon). To my surprise after years of assuming that early morning was the time, it turns out that mid morning made up the vast majority of my kills.
How often should you call while turkey hunting?
every 15 minutes
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.
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.
Do turkeys gobble in high wind?
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.
Where do turkeys roost in high winds?
In the rolling hills, you can hear best down low, in the hollows, because the wind is blowing hardest over the top of you. Also, the turkeys are probably in hollows or on lee hillsides getting out of the wind, too.
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.
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.
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.
Where is the best place to turkey hunt?
Here are 7 states that offer the best turkey hunting opportunities for experienced hunters.
- Ohio. 2021 Harvest Data – 14,546 Turkeys.
- Pennsylvania. 2021 Harvest Data – 28,087 Turkeys.
- Virginia. 2021 Harvest Data – 20,541 Turkeys.
- Missouri. 2021 Harvest Data – 34,595 Turkeys.
- Kentucky.
- Arkansas.
- Tennessee.
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.
Do turkeys move on cold mornings?
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.
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 long should you sit in one spot turkey hunting?
If I’m in a good spot, I discipline myself to sit for at least 30 minutes, more if I feel confident. That’s not to say that if you’d given it one more minute, you’d have killed the bird that sneaked in on you, but staying longer is better than leaving too soon.
Do turkeys prefer woods or fields?
Cover – Although turkeys use forests for cover and roosting in the tall hardwood trees at night, they also like open and brushy areas for feeding, mating, nesting and rearing their young. Turkeys actually depend on a mix of open fields, pasture and forested for their survival.