When it comes to choosing the ideal time of year to go turkey hunting in the woods, there are a few factors to take into account, including the season, the weather on that particular day, and the habits of the birds in your hunting area.
In this post, we’ll offer some tips on how to get ready ahead of time so that you can pull off a perfect beard-dragging Tom.
The thrill of turkey hunting lies not only in the pursuit but also in the strategic planning that precedes it. One crucial aspect of this planning is determining the optimal time to be in the woods. This decision can significantly impact your chances of success, as turkey activity varies throughout the day.
The Early Bird Catches the Turkey: Dawn’s Golden Hour
Many seasoned turkey hunters advocate for arriving in the woods well before sunrise, often as early as 30-60 minutes prior. This allows ample time to settle into your chosen location, set up your decoys, and prepare for the first light of day. As the sun begins to rise, turkeys typically become more active, making it the prime time to catch them on the move or at their roosting sites.
Beyond Dawn: Exploring the Mid-Morning and Afternoon Hours
While the early hours offer a prime window of opportunity, turkey hunting doesn’t end with sunrise. The mid-morning and afternoon hours can still yield success, particularly if you’re willing to adapt your tactics. As the day progresses, turkeys tend to move into more shaded areas, seeking refuge from the heat. This presents an opportunity to target them near water sources, wooded edges, or other shady spots
The Power of Patience: Late-Day Turkey Hunting
While many hunters pack up and head home as the afternoon wears on, those with unwavering patience may be rewarded. As the sun begins to set, turkeys often become active once again, seeking food and preparing for their evening roost. This can be a prime time to catch them off guard and capitalize on their increased movement.
Factors Influencing Optimal Timing
Beyond the general time of day, several other factors can influence the ideal time to be in the woods for turkey hunting:
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Season: Early morning and late afternoon are usually when turkeys are most active during the spring mating season. In the fall, their activity patterns may shift throughout the day.
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Weather: Turkeys may be less active and more likely to stay close to cover on chilly or wet days. On the other hand, they might be more active all day on warm, sunny days.
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Hunting Pressure: Turkeys may become more skittish and unpredictable in their movements in areas where there is a lot of hunting pressure. This may necessitate adjusting your timing to avoid peak hunting hours.
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Location: Turkey activity can differ in different places based on the topography, flora, and available food sources. Scouting and observing turkey behavior in your specific hunting location is crucial.
The Importance of Adaptability
In the end, the best time to go turkey hunting in the woods is determined by a variety of factors and is not a set formula. Gaining insight into the behavior of turkeys, taking into account the unique circumstances, and being flexible with your approach throughout the day will help you improve your chances of success and feel the excitement of a successful hunt.
Additional Resources:
- Time of Day for Turkey Hunting: https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/how-early-to-show-up-to-the-turkey-woods.37447/
- How Early to Show Up to the Turkey Woods: https://www.quora.com/How-early-should-I-be-in-the-woods-for-turkey-hunting
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What time of day are turkeys most active?
Turkeys are typically most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, particularly during the spring breeding season.
- Can I still have success turkey hunting after sunrise?
Absolutely! While the early hours offer a prime window of opportunity, turkey hunting can be successful throughout the day if you adapt your tactics to target them in their preferred habitats during different times.
- What are some tips for turkey hunting in the afternoon?
Focus on targeting turkeys near water sources, wooded edges, or other shady areas where they may seek refuge from the heat. Be patient and persistent, as afternoon turkey hunting often requires more effort and stealth.
- How can I determine the optimal timing for turkey hunting in my specific location?
Scouting your hunting area and observing turkey behavior throughout the day is crucial. Pay attention to their movements, feeding patterns, and roosting locations to identify the times when they are most active and vulnerable.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Hunt Turkeys?
Turkeys are moving out to feed, so the early morning hours are typically the most productive for hunting. This is because the birds are leaving their roosting sites. You’ll want to head out while it is still dark outside.
Early Morning Turkey Hunts
When it’s dark out, the turkeys will likely be sleeping or very sluggish. This is, by far, the best time of the day to go turkey hunting. A successful day of turkey hunting awaits those who rise early and set up before the sun rises.
You should remain silent as you get closer to your blind or the spot you’ve selected to start your hunt. Verify that you have enough time for your trek through the woods by finding out when the local sunrise occurs.
Remember, moving through the woods in the dark can take longer than you’d expect. If you can, walk the path to your turkey hunting spot in the day time. Double that amount of time to get an idea of how long it will take you to get to your turkey hunting location through the woods at night.
Late afternoon can also be an excellent time to hunt because turkeys often return to their roosts for the night.
Early afternoons (between 11am and 3pm) are usually pretty slow for hunting turkeys. That said, some of the biggest birds I’ve nailed have been shot in that time. You simply never know when the birds will walk in front of you. It’s advisable to find your spot, then, unless you’re sprinting, to just remain still and exercise patience.