Sometimes turkey hunting is far from what you've seen in slick edits on run & gun spring strategies.
Late season wild turkeys become notably more cautious and wary as hunting pressure increases. By this time, they've encountered numerous calls, setups, and hunting attempts, making them among the most challenging game birds to pursue. They tend to vocalize less, particularly gobblers who've learned that announcing their location can be dangerous.
Birds often retreat to secluded areas with dense cover or shift to primarily evening feeding patterns. Mature toms frequently travel alone or in small bachelor groups, separating from hens after breeding season concludes. Hunters must employ extreme patience, minimal movement, and highly realistic calling techniques, often switching to subtle clucks and purrs rather than aggressive tactics.
Missed previous episodes? Recap STARTUP and follow Country songwriter Jasper Charles along his journey as a new turkey hunter.
About the Author
Jason Cruise
Jason Cruise is a published author and the host of Mossberg’s Rugged American Hunter series.
Maybe the best wild turkey hen calling we've ever seen this close. This hen stood about 10 yards...
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