Last season advice?

[DrJ]

Contemplating going down to my spot near Caledonia next Wednesday to try and fill my tag. I've never hunted after season 2 and wondering if the Toms are still very active? Also any advice on calling or decoys. Or should I hunt the same as early season. Even without any luck I know I can't get a bird sitting home on the couch. Thanks DrJ

[Borch]

I have had a lot of success late season.  The toms are very callable and more predictable in their travel patterns.  Prime time is mid morning on through to the evening. Hens go to nest then and toms gets lonely.   Decoys and calling vary just like the early seasons.   If I use a decoy I still use a Jake but usually in a submissive stance.  I will use a hen in conjunction with the Jake at times.  Early mornings tend to be tough yet.

[Borch]

Talked to a few guys that scored nice birds this weekend.  Sounds like the boys are still looking for love...

 

Hope folks can still get a chance to get out.  Plus the morels shouldn really be popping now with the moisture and temps.

[brittman]

Still lots of hens running with Toms ... most of the day actually.   I think they are Jennies and may not be breeders.

 

I have also seen some very large groups of Toms (5 - 9 birds) forming now.   Only one or two fan out and strut.  The rest hang out fairly far off from any hens running with the Toms.  Flocks of Jakes seen too ... often 6 to 12 birds.   Today I glassed a flock of seven Toms, six jakes and 3 hens.   The Jakes took off as the Toms moved in.   They were coming in from multiple directions including crossing roads.

 

WI was fine, but MN a little tougher this year.   Called in hens and jakes, but when the hens pull the Toms to us - they skirt the decoys.   Have quit using decoys.   Last couple years I have been helping others get birds and have taken my Tom some time between May 20th - May 31st.   Still a few days available ...