Ah, turkey hunting. The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of the gobble, the satisfaction of a successful harvest. It’s a tradition that has captivated hunters for generations, and for good reason. But like any good hunt, timing is everything. So, when is the best time to go turkey hunting?
Well, my friend, that’s a question with more layers than a Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not as simple as pointing to the clock and saying, “Go get ’em!” There are a whole flock of factors to consider, from the time of day to the stage of the breeding season to the weather.
But fear not, daring hunter! This guide will serve as your compass, guiding you through the challenging terrain of timing your turkey hunt and securing that elusive trophy.
The Early Bird Gets the Gobbler?
Turkey hunting is best done at the break of dawn, according to many experienced hunters. And there’s good reason for that. Gobblers are frequently perched in their roosting trees as the sun peeks over the horizon, making them easy prey.
But hold your horses, buckaroo. Dawn ain’t the only time to go after those gobblers. In fact some hunters swear by the mid-day hours. Why? Because once the sun gets high and the hens head to their nests, the lonely toms get restless. They’re on the prowl for a little companionship making them more receptive to your calls.
The Breeding Season: A Turkey’s Love Life
The turkey’s breeding season plays a big role in determining the best time to hunt. Early in the season the toms are full of hormones and eager to strut their stuff. This means they’re more likely to gobble and respond to calls, making them easier to find and lure in.
But as the season progresses the toms get a little more discerning. They’ve already bred with some hens, and they’re not as quick to fall for your tricks. This is where those mid-day hunts can really shine.
Weathering the Storm: Mother Nature’s Influence
Don’t underestimate the power of Mother Nature. The weather can make or break your turkey hunting experience. A crisp, cool morning with clear skies is ideal. Nevertheless, you might as well stay inside and watch Netflix if it’s pouring cats and dogs.
The Art of the Hunt: Strategies for Success
So, now that you know the basics of turkey hunting timing, let’s talk strategy. Here are a few tips to help you bag that bird:
- Scouting is key. Before you head out, do some recon work. Find out where the turkeys are roosting and feeding. This will give you a huge advantage when it comes to setting up your ambush.
- Be patient. Turkey hunting is a waiting game. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a bird right away. Just keep calling and be prepared to wait it out.
- Use the right calls. Different calls work better at different times of day. Experiment and see what works best for you.
- Be stealthy. Turkeys have keen eyesight and hearing. So, move slowly and quietly, and use cover to your advantage.
- Be ethical. Always follow the rules and regulations of your state. And remember, it’s not about killing as many turkeys as possible. It’s about enjoying the hunt and respecting the animal.
So, when is the best time to go turkey hunting? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the time of day, the stage of the breeding season, the weather, and your own personal preferences. But by following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to bagging that bird and having a successful turkey hunting experience.
Now, go forth and conquer, my friend! And remember, the best time to go turkey hunting is whenever you have the opportunity. So, get out there and enjoy the thrill of the chase!
Is setting up in the dark the best time for turkeys?
A lot of traditionalists would argue that the best strategy is to set up a traditional roost with a decoy spread and wait from a blind position in ambush. And by no means is this meant to dismiss this tactic but merely offer an alternative tactic.
Over the years of setting up on roosts I’ve found one scenario to be the most common. As I sit there, certain that this was the setup, the birds begin to wake up, gobbles begin, and a nearby hen begins to chatter. Maybe some people can out-call a living hen. I am surely not one of them. Do not get me wrong. Once in awhile I get that hen-free morning and things seem like magic, but it’s far less common.
I have long speculated that humans tend to focus far more on how we would like our games to behave than on how they should naturally behave. Take the turkey “hang up. ” The hunter narratives point towards this call-shy bird that knows the tricks of the trade. As it happens, males in those last stages instinctively want a hen to come over to them; we call it the “hang up.” ” Maybe that has been a learned behavior from years of hunting. It’s possible. But that evolution happened well before I hunted them.
Some years ago I started keeping track of when I shot my turkeys. separating it into three parts: early in the morning (before 7), midmorning (7 to 9), and late in the morning (to noon). I had always assumed that early morning was the best time to kill, so it surprised me that most of my kills happened in the middle of the morning. The second best production being late morning, the window of 8 to 10 accounting for the lion’s share.
Looking at the benefits of primarily hunting mid to late morning turkeys and sleeping in for the dawn
Life evolves in many ways. Working late shifts may inevitably result in sleeping in because work (and bird dogs) require us to wake up early. The guilt that descends on those mornings spent hunting turkey when the alarm keeps going off is also undeniable. The sense of impending doom that many of us who live in states where turkey hunting seasons end at noon find only heightens our anxiety and guilt about staying up late. But why is that the way we feel, and why is it that the hunt hinges so much on ducking under a turkey roost at o-dark-thirty?
Turkey Hunting Tips – When Is The Best Time of Day To Hunt Turkeys
FAQ
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