Fall hunting for Turkeys

[nemo]

anybody going turkey hunting this fall?i'm a new hunter so have to learn many things..is it ok to go turkey hunting this fall or il wait for the next spring to have my first tom?

they say fall isn't the best season

[Hotspotter]

Nemo:

Welcome to FM! Your questions and contributions are welcome here, and thanks for posting.

Many people, myself included, prefer the spring season to fall when hunting wild turkey. This has less to do with it being a "better" season, and more to do with the fact that it's a much different hunt.

Fall turkeys are different creatures altogether than gobbling toms so fixated on breeding in the spring. They spend more time foraging in flocks, picking through woods and fields in larger groups most of the day. These birds are most vulnerable to variations of the spot & stalk, meaning you see them feeding a general direction, then try to cut them off. A true stalk on a turkey seems foolish and wholly ineffective to myself.

Sit and wait, along with breaking up flocks and calling them back to you can also be productive methods, with the latter being the least effective in my opinion.

Springtime is magic for turkeys. The birds are incredibly vocal, and toms can be easier to hunt during many of the spring periods. When outdoor writers pen stories of triple-gobbling toms flying down in front of them, strutting circles around decoys, almost always they're speaking of the spring season.

Either or both hunts you may choose can be very rewarding. Remember to put in your time scouting, and you'll be happy you did.

Good luck!

Joel

[Greybeard53]

Nemo, You still have until July 28th to apply for a fall permit. Like JNelson said, it's a different game in the fall, but it's still a blast. It's true the gobblers aren't thundering out calls like in the spring, but I was suprised how vocal the birds were when I first started fall hunting. I personally find it's more important to pattern the birds movements in the fall and try to intercept them. I also tried breaking up a flock last fall, more by accident than by plan, but it worked. After the flock was busted I set up and within a few minutes I started to hear calling as the group tried to reassemble. A few light clucks and purrs brought a couple hens to within 10 yards. I passed on the shots but they would have been legal birds. An added bonus is being able to watch buck movement in your area. Last year my son and I watched two dandy bucks sparring with each other while we were out for turkeys. Any time in the woods is better than not as far as I'm concerned. If nothing else you'll learn more about the birds and that will help you next spring. Good Luck!!!!

[Hotspotter]

Greybeard:

Thank you for the clarification on the deadline to apply. July 28th it is!

Joel

[Cooter]

I love fall turkey hunting! As mentioned, lots of times you wouldn't believe how much hen/poult talk you hear when they're on the roost early morning and you certainly can call the hens and poults in. Adult toms are a different story, I'd suggest not trying to call to a group of longbeards but instead try to pattern/ambush them. Good luck, its a great hunt/time of the year to be in the woods.

[nemo]

oh no..July 28? same date for non residents too?

maybe il try on other states hehe