Roosting a turkey is part science and part art. The science is basic ornithology: study the bird’s behavior, understand its habitat, and pattern its movements. It takes skill to locate a gobbler precisely in a dying forest and to persuade the tom to gobble in the first place.
In other words, finding the location where a turkey—ideally a tom—flies up into a tree at night to sleep is known as roosting. You do this by getting the tom to gobble once he’s on the limb. The next morning, you know exactly where to target him when he flies down. It’s important to know that roosting is not about shooting a turkey out of a tree. That’s illegal in some states, but it’s poor form everywhere. Turkey hunting at its best is about calling in toms and engaging with them at their level.
Regardless of your level of experience, following these tips will help your springtime morning gobbler chases be more productive.
Turkeys tend to roost in the same area (sometimes the same tree) for multiple nights in a row. But there are no hard-and-fast rules here. A gobbler may roost in the same tree for a week, but it may not return for the rest of the season. Or, a different tom might start roosting in the area. Sometimes a turkey will roost by himself. Other times a tom might roost near a flock of hens with several other toms nearby, too. On the vast plains of the West, where good roost trees are hard to come by, hundreds of turkeys may roost in the same location.
Hunting turkeys is a thrilling and challenging endeavor, and understanding turkey roosting behavior is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of turkey roosting, providing valuable insights and practical tips to help you locate and hunt these elusive birds.
Understanding Turkey Roosting Behavior
Turkeys roost in trees for various reasons, including safety from predators protection from the elements, and a vantage point for surveying their surroundings. They typically roost in the same trees night after night making them predictable targets for hunters.
Factors Influencing Roosting Locations
Several factors influence where turkeys choose to roost, including:
- Proximity to water: Turkeys often roost near water sources, as they need to drink regularly.
- Heavy, mature timber: Turkeys prefer roosting in large trees with sturdy branches that can support their weight.
- Open areas: Turkeys may roost in open areas, especially if they provide a clear view of their surroundings.
- Evergreens: Evergreens offer excellent cover and protection from the elements, making them ideal roosting locations.
- Shelter sites: Turkeys may roost in areas that provide shelter from the wind or other weather conditions.
Locating Turkey Roosts
There are several methods for locating turkey roosts:
- Look for sign: Turkey droppings, feathers, and tracks are all indicators of a potential roosting site.
- Use your ears: Listen for turkey vocalizations, such as gobbles and yelps, which can reveal their location.
- Use your eyes: Scan the landscape for large trees with signs of turkey activity, such as broken branches or droppings.
- Use locator calls: Owl, crow, and coyote calls can elicit gobbles from tom turkeys, revealing their roosting location.
- Scout during the day: Observe turkey movements during the day to identify potential roosting areas.
Hunting Turkey Roosts
After you’ve found a turkey roost, there are a few different ways to hunt them down:
- Set up near the roost: Position yourself near the roost before sunrise and wait for the turkeys to fly down.
- Use decoys: Decoys can attract turkeys to your location.
- Call to the turkeys: Use turkey calls to entice the turkeys to come closer.
- Be patient and persistent: Turkey hunting requires patience and persistence.
Additional Tips
- Respect private property: Always obtain permission before hunting on private land.
- Follow all hunting regulations: Make sure you are familiar with and遵守所有狩猎法规.
- Be safe: Always prioritize safety when hunting.
Understanding turkey roosting behavior is essential for successful turkey hunting. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of locating and hunting these elusive birds. Remember to be patient, persistent, and respectful of the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to hunt turkey roosts?
The best time to hunt turkey roosts is just before sunrise, when the turkeys are most likely to fly down.
- What type of calls should I use to call to turkey roosts?
Tom turkey gobbles can be elicited by calling with owl, crow, and coyote calls.
- How close should I set up to a turkey roost?
The terrain and vegetation determine how far away from a turkey roost is the best place to set up. Generally, it is best to set up within 100 yards of the roost.
- What type of shotgun should I use for turkey hunting?
A 12-gauge shotgun with a 3-inch chamber is a good choice for turkey hunting.
- What type of ammunition should I use for turkey hunting?
Turkey loads with a shot size of #4 or #6 are effective for turkey hunting.
Additional Resources
- National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
- The Ruffed Grouse Society: https://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/
- Project Upland: https://projectupland.com/
Ridge Tops and Hilltops
Turkeys will take the high ground whenever they get the chance. Ridge tops that are hard to access, have mature trees, and relatively open woods are prime roosting spots. Turkeys will also roost along the sides of ridges or hills. They will climb to the top, or almost there, and then depart from the ridge in a horizontal direction to rest in branches along its perimeter.
In cold, windy weather, turkeys will commonly roost in draws to get out of the elements. This is especially true in Western open country where the best roost trees are commonly found in draws.
Tips for Roosting a Turkey
Getting a turkey to gobble is just the beginning. Use these tips to roost like an expert.
You want to know exactly where the gobbler is roosted. To do this, get him to gobble two or three times. Mark where you think he’s roosted using a digital mapping app. If you are not sure where he is exactly, move to another side of the roost and hit him again while maintaining a safe distance. When a turkey gobbles from a different vantage point, it will be simpler to locate him precisely. Does your original waypoint still seem accurate? .