Steps on How to Prepare for Spring Turkey Hunting Season

Spring turkey hunting is a cherished tradition for many hunters across the South and Midwest. Preparing for this season requires attention to detail, patience, and a solid strategy to ensure success. As turkeys are keen and wary birds, every aspect of preparation plays a role in the field. From scouting to gear checks, every step you take ahead of time will pay dividends when you're sitting in the woods, ready for the hunt.

Scout Early and Often

Understand Turkey Behavior

Turkeys are creatures of habit, but their routines change with the seasons. In the spring, they are heavily influenced by the mating season. Understanding their movement patterns, roosting sites, and feeding areas is key to planning your hunt. Look for signs such as feathers, droppings, and scratching in the ground that indicate turkeys are in the area. Using a crow call can help locate turkeys without alarming them.

Learn the Lay of the Land

Spend time walking the hunting grounds before the season opens. Look for potential feeding zones, open fields, and wooded areas where turkeys are likely to be active. Mark roosting areas and consider how you can set up with the wind in your favor. Use maps to identify terrain features like ridges and hollows that turkeys often use as travel corridors.

Early season preparations and strategies, such as using ground blinds for better concealment when there is minimal vegetation, are crucial for a successful hunt.

Scout Before the Spring Turkey Season

Scouting before the spring turkey season is crucial to increase your chances of a successful hunt. Start by researching potential hunting locations, including public and private lands, and identifying areas with suitable turkey habitats. Look for signs of turkey activity, such as droppings, feathers, and scratching marks, to determine the presence and movement patterns of wild turkeys.

Use online resources, such as topographic maps and satellite imagery, to identify potential roosting sites, feeding areas, and travel corridors. Visit these areas in person to get a better understanding of the terrain and to locate potential hunting spots. Take note of any obstacles, such as fences, roads, and waterways, that may affect turkey movement and your hunting strategy.

Scouting before the season also allows you to identify potential hunting blinds, such as natural cover or existing structures, and to set up trail cameras to monitor turkey activity. By scouting before the season, you can gain valuable insights into turkey behavior and develop an effective hunting strategy.

Plan Morning and Afternoon Strategies

Turkeys behave differently depending on the time of day. Early mornings often find them leaving the roost and heading to feeding grounds. Afternoons might see them resting or moving to a different area. Knowing where to position yourself for these changes will keep you one step ahead.

Fine-Tune Your Gear

Inspect and Test Equipment

Before heading into the field, check that all your hunting gear is in top condition. Ensure your firearm or bow is functioning properly, and clean and test them thoroughly. Make sure you are familiar with the ammunition or arrows you will use, as these are crucial for a clean shot. Additionally, patterning turkey guns in a controlled environment and understanding their mechanics is essential for effective turkey hunting.

Choose Appropriate Clothing

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers so you can adapt to fluctuating temperatures. Prioritize camouflage patterns that match the terrain you will be hunting in. Staying comfortable and concealed is critical, especially during long sits in the woods.

Carry the Right Accessories, Including a Turkey Vest

• Quality calls for attracting turkeys

• Decoys to create realistic setups

• Rangefinder for accuracy in distance estimation

• Comfortable chair or cushion for long waits

• Maintaining and organizing mouth calls to ensure they are ready and effective for the hunt

• Checking and preparing your turkey vest, including zippers and buckles, to stay organized and have backup items

Pattern Your Shotgun

Patterning your shotgun is an essential step in preparing for a successful turkey hunt. This process involves shooting your shotgun with different types of ammunition to determine the most effective load and choke combination for your gun.

Start by selecting a few different types of turkey loads and chokes to test. Shoot each load at a target, such as a paper plate or a turkey target, from different distances to determine the pattern and effectiveness of each load. Take note of the spread and density of the pattern, as well as the number of pellets that hit the target.

Use this information to determine the most effective load and choke combination for your gun, and to develop a shooting strategy for your hunt. It’s also a good idea to practice shooting from different positions, such as standing or from the ground, to simulate real-world hunting scenarios.

Perfect Your Calling Skills

Practice with Multiple Types of Turkey Calls

There are various calls to choose from, such as box calls, diaphragm calls, and slate calls. Each has a unique sound and purpose, and knowing how to use them effectively can make or break your hunt. Spend time practicing so you can mimic turkey sounds confidently. Additionally, ensure you check and maintain your turkey calls before the season to guarantee they are in working order.

Master Different Turkey Sounds

• Clucks and purrs for a calm, feeding turkey

• Yelps to attract gobblers

• Cutting to mimic excited hens

• Using a turkey call strategically to elicit responses from turkeys and understand their movements better

The more versatile you are, the better you can adapt to how turkeys are responding in the field.

Avoid Overcalling

While calling is essential, too much can spook turkeys. Learn when to call and when to remain silent. Listening and observing are just as important as making noise.

Prepare Mentally and Physically

Build Patience and Focus

Turkey hunting often requires long periods of stillness and waiting. Mentally prepare for these challenges and practice sitting quietly for extended periods. Staying focused ensures you won't miss an opportunity when a gobbler comes into view.

Improve Physical Fitness

Navigating rugged terrain while carrying gear demands stamina. Even short hikes can be tiring if you're not accustomed to them. Regular exercise, especially walking or hiking, can make a significant difference when it’s time to hunt.

Set Up Smart

Plan Strategic Hunting Spots

Identify several potential setups based on your scouting. Choose areas with good visibility and natural cover. Using a ground blind can provide better concealment, especially in inclement weather or during early season hunts with little vegetation. Avoid spots where you’re exposed or where the wind could carry your scent to the birds.

Use Decoys Effectively

Decoys can be powerful tools when positioned correctly. Place them where they are visible but not obstructed. The type of decoy setup you choose, whether it’s a single hen or a group, should match the behavior of turkeys in your area.

Arrive Early

The best time to set up is before dawn. Arriving early ensures you’re ready before turkeys start moving. It also gives you time to settle in and minimize noise that could alert nearby birds.

Stay Safe and Ethical

Know the Regulations

Review the hunting regulations for your state, including bag limits, season dates, and equipment restrictions. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is an excellent resource for understanding these regulations and learning effective hunting techniques. Following the rules ensures you stay within the law and preserve the tradition for future generations.

Use Caution in the Field

Safety should always come first. Avoid wearing colors that resemble a turkey’s plumage, such as red, white, or blue. Be cautious about other hunters in the area, and always identify your target fully before taking a shot.

Respect the Wildlife

Hunting is about more than the harvest. Appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and the wildlife you encounter. Practicing ethical hunting means taking clean, responsible shots and using what you harvest to its fullest. During turkey hunts, it is crucial to follow ethical practices, ensuring that you respect the wildlife and the environment.

After the Hunt

Reflect and Plan for Future Hunts

After the hunt, take time to reflect on your experience and plan for future hunts. Think about what worked well and what didn’t, and use this information to adjust your strategy for future hunts.

Consider the following questions:

• What were the most effective tactics and strategies that I used during the hunt?

• What were the most challenging aspects of the hunt, and how can I overcome them in the future?

• What gear and equipment worked well, and what needs to be replaced or upgraded?

• What can I do to improve my skills and knowledge as a turkey hunter?

Use this information to develop a plan for future hunts, including scouting new locations, practicing new tactics and strategies, and upgrading your gear and equipment. By reflecting on your experience and planning for future hunts, you can continue to improve your skills and increase your chances of success in the field.

Additionally, consider sharing your experience with others, whether it’s through social media, a hunting blog, or a local hunting club. Sharing your knowledge and experience can help others to learn and improve, and can also help to promote the sport of turkey hunting.

Remember to always follow safe and responsible hunting practices, and to respect the wild turkeys and their habitats. By doing so, you can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of turkey hunting and the conservation of wild turkey populations.

Conclusion

Spring turkey hunting season offers a unique challenge and an opportunity to connect with nature. By scouting thoroughly, fine-tuning your gear, mastering your calling, and preparing both mentally and physically, you set yourself up for a rewarding experience. Remember to respect the land, the wildlife, and other hunters to make the most of your time in the woods.

FAQs

How early should I start pre season scouting for spring turkey hunting?

It’s best to start scouting a few weeks before the season opens. This gives you time to observe patterns and identify roosting and feeding areas without disturbing the birds too much.

What is the best type of call for beginners?

Box calls are often recommended for beginners because they are easy to use and produce consistent sounds. However, practicing with other types can improve versatility.

What time of day is best for turkey hunting?

Early mornings are generally the most active time for turkeys, as they leave their roost to feed. Afternoons can also be productive if you know their movement patterns.

How can I avoid spooking turkeys while hunting?

Move slowly and quietly, use natural cover to stay hidden, and avoid overcalling. Patience and observation are critical to staying undetected.

Do I need a decoy to hunt turkeys?

While not essential, decoys can greatly increase your chances of success by drawing turkeys into range and giving them a sense of security.