Bluff Country Turkeys

[Fazzy]

I've been hunting these wiley birds in southeastern MN several times over the past 7 years. We hunt a small (20 acre) valley that appears to have a healthy population of birds. I am still looking to bag my first bird. As the years have passed I have tried many different techniques and spent many hours trying to figure them out. I, however, do not feel any closer to taking my first bird. While my plight is probably not unique I would like to hear some thoughts on strategy when hunting a relatively small parcel of “bluff” land. The land contains 3 main characteristics. The valley floor – a small stream flows through the valley – it is narrow and then widens to a field of maybe a quarter mile across of grazing land. The wooded hillside – which is fairly steep and covered in old growth hardwoods. And finally the top which plateaus and contains deciduous trees and some cornfields.

I have hunted all areas and have seen birds in all spots. I have hunted from a cammo shelter, against trees and even some “run and gun” looking for birds. While I have seen many hens I have seen only a few toms from long range. We have pulled the first season this year so this will probably be our best chance so far at interested and uneducated birds.

While I realize there are limited options due to the size of our land I would be interested in any suggestions / strategies that come to mind . There will be 3 or 4 of us hunting.

[irvingdog]

Find the roosting trees. Identify the fly-downs.

Hunting early season is helpful. The young, dumb birds die easier.

[DonBo]

3 or 4 hunters on such a small plot is going to be difficult at best. I would suggest setting up two blinds (two hunters per blind), maybe one on top and one on the bottom and plan on sitting for the whole day. Set up on field edges if possible. Put out a decoy set where they can be seen from a distance, call sparingly and enjoy the hunt.

I often share a blind with a buddy, He shoots if the bird is on one side, I shoot if he is on the other.

If you try to move around much on such a small piece your chances of spooking birds into the neighboring property will be great.

[Hotspotter]

I agree with DonBo. About your only option for such a small parcel is to stay put. That many bodies moving around in daylight will keep birds out of the area. A double bull or other blind system would be very helpful in concealing all those guys.

Spend what time you have left requesting permission and finding more places to hunt. For that many guys, I'd want quite a few hundred acres. With some leg work, this could be a reality, though much more likely for next season.

Scouting will be key if spending your time on the 20 acre chunk. I like the Hi/Low game, splitting up the groups of hunters, focus on travel corridors. Figuring out where they roost, where they fly down, and where/how they carry on the rest of their daily activities will be crucial.

Good luck!

Joel

[Dave S]

Early on in the season, the Toms will be easier to call in, but if one call doesn't do the job, go for a different sound.

I try to carry a box call, slate or glass call, and diaphram calls so I have some variety.

[Powerstroke]

I do most of my hunting in "bluffy" areas, but my new favorite spot is particularly similar. Last year I hunted an area exactly as you described.

While hunting the top near the fields I had jakes come in, but rarely any toms. I called one into the field but he was very nervous. It wasn't until I moved into the woods on the bluff edge that I was able to be on the birds all the time. They really like the cover of the trees.

The birds would climb the steep hill and moved all over. Its important for you to find their main travel areas.

20 acres is a very small chunk of land for turkeys. I would really try hard to get more land or locate some public land nearby. It will be valuable when you spook the birds on accident.

[Powerstroke]

I do most of my hunting in "bluffy" areas, but my new favorite spot is particularly similar. Last year I hunted an area exactly as you described.

While hunting the top near the fields I had jakes come in, but rarely any toms. I called one into the field but he was very nervous. It wasn't until I moved into the woods on the bluff edge that I was able to be on the birds all the time. They really like the cover of the trees.

The birds would climb the steep hill and moved all over. Its important for you to find their main travel areas.

20 acres is a very small chunk of land for turkeys. I would really try hard to get more land or locate some public land nearby. It will be valuable when you spook the birds on accident.

[Fazzy]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I agree that setting up in one spot, and hunkering down for long periods, will help prevent bouncing the birds out of our area. Hunting in pairs also makes a lot of sense. I'll be digging out my box & slate calls and knockin off the rust very soon. Less than a month till opener! Good luck out there this spring.

[birdswacker]

Fazzy knock on some doors your limiting yourself. Get a plat book spend a day around your area talk to the farmers they'll gladly let you hunt turkeys they don't like them at all. You still maybe able to find a spot to hunt this year but not likely. We have to call as soon as the tags are let out from DNR HSOforum but you maybe able to find a place that nobodies asked yet. We hunt 349 and have about 1200 acres to hunt just by calling people we've met over the years. There's also alot of public land we shot a few birds off of also.