Wild turkeys can be a chatty bunch of birds, especially in the springtime. They purr, cluck, gobble, and yelp. However, there is another common turkey noise that occasionally goes unnoticed: the turkey drum. It is a subtle, almost whisper-quiet, sound that male turkeys emit during the mating season. Turkey drumming happens in very particular circumstances. Namely, when they are strutting.
Turkey drumming is thought to be a noise turkeys make in conjunction with spitting and puffing up. There is a movement associated with it that could almost be described as a quiver. Turkey hunters are equally likely to see the movement of drumming without realizing what they are seeing as they are to hear the drumming noise. Additionally, a hunter must be at least 40 or 50 yards away to hear the sound because it is so soft and faint. Not every visitor to the turkey woods gets to hear a turkey drumming because of those circumstances.
Ever heard a deep, rhythmic drumming sound echoing through the woods while turkey hunting? That, my friend, is the unmistakable sound of a gobbler strutting his stuff. And let me tell you, it’s music to a turkey hunter’s ears.
But what exactly is turkey drumming, and why is it so important? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the fascinating world of turkey drumming, uncovering its secrets and helping you leverage this knowledge to bag that trophy gobbler.
The Lowdown on Turkey Drumming: What, Why, and How
What is it?
Imagine this: a gobbler, puffed up with pride strutting through the forest floor dragging his wings and creating a deep, resonating sound with each step. That’s turkey drumming in a nutshell. It’s a low-pitched, guttural “duum” sound that starts low and increases in volume and tone as the bird struts.
Why do they do it?
Turkey drumming serves two main purposes:
- Attracting hens: It’s a way for gobblers to show off their dominance and attract potential mates. The louder and more resonant the drumming, the more attractive the gobbler appears to the hens.
- Establishing territory: Drumming also helps gobblers establish and defend their territory. The sound travels far and wide, letting other gobblers know who’s in charge.
How do they do it?
The drumming sound is created by the rapid vibration of the gobbler’s wings as they drag along the ground during their strutting display. The sound is amplified by the air sacs in the bird’s chest, making it even more impressive.
Decoding the Drum: Your Guide to Understanding Turkey Drumming
The “Spit and Drum” Combo:
Often, turkey drumming is accompanied by another sound called the “spit. ” It’s a short, sharp “ffttt” sound that usually precedes the drum. When “spit and drum” come together, you can be positive that a gobbler is close by and paying attention to your calls.
Drumming Patterns:
The drumming pattern can vary depending on the situation. A gobbler may begin to drum once or twice while strutting, or he may begin to drum nonstop. You can learn a lot about the bird’s intentions and mood by observing the frequency and intensity of its drumming.
Distance and Terrain:
The distance at which you can hear turkey drumming varies depending on the terrain and weather. In open areas, the sound can travel for miles. However, in dense forests or on windy days, the sound may be muffled.
Leveraging Turkey Drumming to Your Advantage: A Hunter’s Guide
Listen Closely:
Pay close attention to the sounds around you while turkey hunting. The faintest drum in the distance could lead you to your next trophy bird.
Identify the Drum:
Learn to distinguish the “spit and drum” sound from other turkey vocalizations. This will help you pinpoint the location of the gobbler and make informed decisions about your next move.
Use Decoys and Calls:
Use decoys and calls to mimic the presence of hens and attract the gobbler closer. The sound of drumming can further entice the bird to come within shooting range.
Stay Patient:
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see the gobbler right away after hearing him drum. He may be just out of sight, or he may be taking his time to approach. Stay patient and keep calling, and he’ll eventually make his way to you.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Turkey Drumming Insights
Drumming and Gobblers:
- Older, more experienced gobblers tend to drum more frequently and intensely than younger birds.
- Gobblers may drum more aggressively when they are competing with other gobblers for territory or hens.
- Drumming can also indicate a gobbler’s level of excitement or interest in your calls.
Drumming and Hunting Strategies:
- If you hear a gobbler drumming frequently, it’s a good sign that he is actively looking for hens. This is a prime opportunity to set up a decoy spread and start calling.
- If the drumming suddenly stops, it could mean that the gobbler has spotted a hen or is moving towards another location. Be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Use the drumming sound to help you determine the gobbler’s location and movement patterns. This information can be invaluable in planning your next move.
Understanding turkey drumming is a valuable skill for any turkey hunter. By learning to identify the sound, interpret its meaning, and use it to your advantage, you can significantly increase your chances of success in the field. So, the next time you hear that deep, rhythmic drumming in the woods, don’t just listen – decode it, and let it guide you to your next trophy gobbler.
What Does Turkey Drumming Mean?
Like the mystery surrounding the sound’s origin, no one seems to be completely sure why turkeys make this peculiar sound. Since longbeards are strutting around trying to impress hens in the spring, it is generally assumed that it has something to do with mating rituals. Many hunters hear it when a bird is responding to their decoys.
However, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that turkeys strut all year long, so maybe the spit drum has additional meaning that we humans are just unable to understand. Turkey hunters would undoubtedly find things much easier if we had a translator, but regrettably, we do not.
Perhaps drumming is simply a way to intimidate rivals or establish territory. One thing is for sure: Its a sound you want to listen for each turkey season.
What is Turkey Drumming?
Only male turkeys make this vocalization, and even scientists are unsure of the precise mechanism they use. Turkeys are so common that you would think we would be familiar with all of their habits, but this is just one of those woodsy sounds that we don’t really know much about.
When hunters hear the term “drumming,” they frequently think of a noise produced by their wing feathers. Actually, though, it’s said that a large gobbler makes this sound by quickly sucking in air and then quickly expelling it again. The result is one of the lowest sounds in the woods. It’s so subtle that, if there’s enough background noise, you might miss the gobbler in front of you doing it!
Most hunters refer to drumming as “gobbler spit-drum” because there is a distinct spitting sound that occurs just before the drum. Either way, this is not a long-distance sound such as a gobble. It is an up-close-and-personal type of vocalization. And if you hear it, it likely means the bird is already in bowhunting range.
WILD TURKEY STRUT – DRUMMING, SPITTING, & DRAGGING
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