A buddy of mine has a saying when we are introducing a new hunter to wild turkey hunting. He tells them, “We are turkey hunting experts. We have made every mistake in the book at least twice. “.
In the region where we grew up, wild turkeys were only recently reintroduced; we weren’t raised in a turkey-rich environment with centuries’ worth of hunting traditions and customs hidden beneath our turkey vests. We learned the ropes by reading books and magazine articles and trial and error. Lots of error.
The temptation to get closer to a gobbling bird can be overwhelming. Whether you hit the bird on the roost, roosted it the night before, or let it fly down doesn’t matter. You want to close the distance and see that gobbler! Advertisement.
The problem lies in the possibility that the topography and density of the forest will distort the distance between you and the bird. By thoroughly understanding the terrain you hunt, pre-season scouting helps you avoid being caught off guard.
You can observe a newly fledged bird to gauge how close you can creep in and set up. After a few failed attempts in various scenarios you get a sense of what that distance should be.
But always set up further than you want to. Ultimately, if a bird is able to hear your calls and gobbling from a distance, it can be worked. For instance, I was calling to two strutting gobblers in a small clearing beneath the trail I was set up on. Advertisement.
While calling to these Toms I heard a distant gobble behind me that sounded miles away. I ignored it and remained fixated on the birds in front of me. I nearly dropped my shotgun when that distant bird suddenly gobbled less than 20 yards behind me.
A Comprehensive Guide to Turkey Hearing and Calling Strategies
Turkey calling is an art form, and one of the most important aspects of the process is figuring out how far the birds can hear you. Turkeys have extraordinary hearing, so even at a considerable distance, they can readily discern the minute details of your calls.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll delve into the world of turkey hearing exploring the factors that influence their auditory range and providing you with actionable insights to optimize your calling strategies.
Unveiling the Secrets of Turkey Hearing
Turkeys possess an extraordinary ability to hear, surpassing even the keenest human ears. Their hearing is far more developed than ours, so they can hear sounds at distances beyond our comprehension.
Several factors contribute to their exceptional hearing:
- Anatomical Advantages: Turkeys have a unique ear structure that amplifies sound waves. Their ear canals are longer and narrower than ours, channeling sound more efficiently to the inner ear. Additionally, their eardrums are larger and more sensitive, enabling them to pick up on even the faintest sounds.
- Evolutionary Adaptation: Over millennia, turkeys have evolved to rely heavily on their hearing for survival. They use their auditory prowess to locate food, avoid predators, and communicate with other turkeys. This evolutionary adaptation has honed their hearing to an exceptional level.
- Environmental Influences: The environment plays a significant role in how far turkeys can hear. In open areas with minimal obstructions, sound travels farther, allowing them to detect calls from greater distances. Conversely, dense vegetation and wind can impede sound waves, reducing their hearing range.
The Art of Calling Turkeys: Strategies for Success
Understanding how far turkeys can hear your calls is essential for crafting effective calling strategies. Here are some key tips to maximize your success:
- Consider the Distance: When calling, keep in mind the distance to the turkeys you’re targeting. If they’re far away, use louder calls to ensure they can hear you. However, avoid overcalling, as this can spook them.
- Match the Terrain: Adapt your calling strategy to the surrounding environment. In open areas, use louder calls to carry over longer distances. In dense cover, use softer calls to avoid spooking the turkeys.
- Vary Your Calls: Don’t rely on a single call type. Turkeys can become accustomed to repetitive calls, so mix it up with a variety of yelps, clucks, and purrs to keep them engaged.
- Be Patient: Calling in turkeys requires patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get an immediate response. Keep calling strategically, and eventually, you’ll pique their interest.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Calling Techniques
Learning sophisticated calling techniques can dramatically improve your success rate if you’re an experienced turkey hunter. Here are some additional tips to consider:
- Use Decoys: Decoys can be highly effective in attracting turkeys. Place them strategically to create a realistic setup that will entice turkeys to come closer.
- Use a Blind: A blind provides concealment, allowing you to call without being seen by the turkeys. This can be especially helpful in open areas where turkeys are more likely to spot you.
- Learn to Read Turkey Sign: Pay attention to turkey tracks, droppings, and other signs to identify areas where turkeys are active. This will help you target your calling efforts more effectively.
Calling in turkeys is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By understanding how far they can hear your calls and implementing effective calling strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of turkey behavior are key ingredients for mastering the art of turkey calling.
Additional Resources:
- Old Gobbler Forum: https://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php?topic=98083.0
- HuntingNet Forum: https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/turkey-hunting/140199-how-far-can-they-hear-your-calls.html
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: How far can turkeys hear a call in ideal conditions?
- A: In open areas with minimal obstructions, turkeys can hear calls from up to a mile away.
- Q: What factors can affect how far turkeys can hear?
- A: The distance to the turkeys, the surrounding environment, and the type of call you’re using can all impact how far they can hear you.
- Q: What are some tips for calling in turkeys?
- A: Use a variety of calls, be patient, and use decoys and a blind to increase your success rate.
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A buddy of mine has a saying when we are introducing a new hunter to wild turkey hunting. He tells them, “We are turkey hunting experts. We have made every mistake in the book at least twice. “.
In the region where we grew up, wild turkeys were only recently reintroduced; we weren’t raised in a turkey-rich environment with centuries’ worth of hunting traditions and customs hidden beneath our turkey vests. We learned the ropes by reading books and magazine articles and trial and error. Lots of error.
Mistake Number 1: Getting Busted
The temptation to get closer to a gobbling bird can be overwhelming. Whether you hit the bird on the roost, roosted it the night before, or let it fly down doesn’t matter. You want to close the distance and see that gobbler! Advertisement.
The problem lies in the possibility that the topography and density of the forest will distort the distance between you and the bird. By thoroughly understanding the terrain you hunt, pre-season scouting helps you avoid being caught off guard.
You can observe a newly fledged bird to gauge how close you can creep in and set up. After a few failed attempts in various scenarios you get a sense of what that distance should be.
But always set up further than you want to. Ultimately, if a bird is able to hear your calls and gobbling from a distance, it can be worked. For instance, I was calling to two strutting gobblers in a small clearing beneath the trail I was set up on. Advertisement.
While calling to these Toms I heard a distant gobble behind me that sounded miles away. I ignored it and remained fixated on the birds in front of me. I nearly dropped my shotgun when that distant bird suddenly gobbled less than 20 yards behind me.
Mistake Number 2: Calling Too Much or Not Enough
The temptation to use our calls to get a hot gobbler to go off is irresistible.
Often when you keep hammering on the calls to hear that gobble the bird hangs up. It will gladly answer your calls hundreds of times if that’s what you want to hear, but it won’t move. Put the calls away and use an underutilized call: Silence.
Chances are good that bird will become curious about what happened to the hen that he was serenading. Give it time, and after a good 10 minutes let out a light yelp. If he doesnt answer, give it some more time: gobblers often commit silently.
But if he keeps coming back at you at the same distance, it’s time to move to a different angle that might break him or find a more cooperative bird.
Some inexperienced hunters make small gobbles in the hopes of not frightening away a wild turkey because they’ve been taught that you have to be a skilled caller to kill one. Even 3-year-old birds can be very cooperative, but a 4-year-old woods-wise tom may require you to be a pretty good caller.
Keep it simple at first. Pushpin calls have killed a lot of turkeys, but you can still get decent yields by working a box call or scratching a slate. Diaphragm mouth calls have a reputation of being hard to master. Trim off as much of the tape surrounding the latex membrane and frame as needed and start squawking.
I once “called” a gobbling 2-year-old across a road when my truck door squeaked. True story.