Why learn how to hunt turkeys in the rain? Well, just think of spring weather. Sure, you’ll get a response along the lines of clear, calm, and warm if you ask someone to describe the ideal weather for turkey hunting. Though in reality, spring turkey seasons coincide with some of the most erratic weather of the year, I still adore days like that. You had better be able to hunt efficiently when the rain clouds roll in, unless you want to spend the entire hunting season lounging on the couch rather than pursuing gobblers.
I hunt 40 or so days each spring in multiple states, and have been doing that for years. Without a doubt, I’ve killed a greater number of turkeys on rainy days than on dry ones. Of course, the weather in March, April, and May plays a role in that as well; it typically rains during those months. But purposely getting out there on rainy days has a few real advantages, too. Thus, mastering the art of rainy-day turkey hunting will not only get you into the spring woods more frequently, but if you do it correctly, it will also put you in front of gobblers while other hunters are lounging on the sofa. Here are three keys to follow.
Spring turkey season often coincides with unpredictable weather, including rain. While many hunters head home when the skies open up, those who know how to adapt can actually find success in these conditions Here are three key strategies to help you bag a gobbler even when the weather doesn’t cooperate:
1. Sleep In, But Not Too Long:
While it’s tempting to stay in bed when the rain starts pouring, don’t hit the snooze button too many times. Turkeys will still be active, even if they’re not as vocal. Give yourself a chance to catch some rest, but set your alarm for a bit later than usual. This way, you’ll be refreshed and ready to go when the rain lets up.
2 Capitalize on Gobbling Frenzy:
One of the best times to hunt turkeys in the rain is during breaks in the downpour. As the rain subsides, gobblers often erupt in a frenzy of gobbling, trying to make up for lost time. This presents a golden opportunity to call them in. Use the damp leaves to your advantage and slip into a good setup where you can mimic the sounds of a receptive hen.
Alternatively, if the rain has stopped and the sun is shining, turkeys may head to open fields to feed on the abundance of earthworms and other insects brought to the surface by the moisture. This is another chance to call them in as they’ll be more willing to gobble and strut in the warm sunshine.
3. Wait Out Toms in a Blind:
Sometimes, the rain just won’t let up. But that doesn’t mean you have to pack it in. If you know of a field where turkeys frequent, set up a ground blind and wait for them to come out. Turkeys often stand in open fields during heavy rain, making them easy targets.
If you don’t have a blind, you can still try to sneak up on turkeys in the rain. Use natural cover like fencerows, ditches, and tree lines to get close. Turkeys will be less likely to notice you in the rain, so you have a good chance of getting within range.
Why Hunt Turkeys in the Rain?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider hunting turkeys in the rain:
- Less Competition: Most hunters will stay home when it’s raining, giving you the woods to yourself.
- Increased Activity: Turkeys can be more active in the rain, especially during breaks in the downpour.
- Opportunity to Learn: Hunting in challenging conditions can help you become a better turkey hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do turkeys move in the rain?
Yes, turkeys will still move around in the rain, although they may be less active than on sunny days. They may seek shelter under trees or in other covered areas, but they will eventually come out to feed and socialize.
- What kind of gear do I need to hunt turkeys in the rain?
Make sure you have good rain gear, including a waterproof jacket and pants. You’ll also want to bring a blind or some other form of cover if you plan on waiting out turkeys in the rain.
- What kind of calls should I use in the rain?
A loud call, such as a long box call, may be necessary to get turkeys to hear you over the sound of the rain. However, you can also use quieter calls, such as mouth calls, if you’re close to the turkeys.
Don’t let the rain dampen your turkey hunting enthusiasm. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success even in challenging conditions. Remember, a little rain shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the thrill of the hunt. So grab your gear, head out into the woods, and see what the day brings. You might just be surprised at how much fun you have.
How to Hunt Turkeys in the Rain: Get in on the Gobbling Frenzy
If I had to choose one weather pattern for going turkey hunting, it would be rain followed by a sunny break in the clouds around seven in the morning. m. Sometimes the fits of gobbling that follow make me feel sorry for all the hens out there. Gobblers who did not gather with their girlfriends at dawn will often make their way to a high point where they can strut, gobble, and demand attention. You can use the damp leaves to slip quietly into a good setup.
Since the warm rains and sun bring earthworms, pill bugs, and other tasty invertebrates to the surface, toms who were roosted with hens but fell silently usually end up in an open field to bug, preen, and strut alongside their harem. In my experience, these henned-up toms are usually willing to gobble, too. Although killing them isn’t always simple, you can move ahead of the flock and, hopefully, draw them to a location where they were already planning to go by taking advantage of the soft ground and droplets that fall from trees.
In spite of the situation, I’ve managed to score more turkeys than I can count on “wash-out” days by coordinating my efforts with brief weather windows. Seize the chance to sleep in if you can, but don’t miss the opportunity to spend time in the woods listening for gobbles as soon as the downpour transitions to a light drizzle or, if you’re lucky, an unusual patch of blue.
How to Hunt Turkeys in the Rain: Sleep In, But Not for Long
During turkey season, I rarely stay in bed past the first light until I wake up to the sound of a heavy downpour. Though I’ve heard a few turkeys gobble from the roost in a deluge, it hasn’t been many. Meanwhile, hunting multiple days in a row is taxing on the body and mind. I’ve discovered that after a peaceful reset, I hunt more successfully, and I’d much rather do that when the turkeys aren’t gobbling. Therefore, if I wake up to the sounds of a downpour, I usually just reset my alarm unless I already know where a bird is roosted. The birds will be there when the rain lets up a little—and so will I.