5 Fall Turkey Hunting Tactics That Will Help You Bag a Tom

Fall Turkey Hunting Tactics: A Guide for Beginners

Fall is a great time to go turkey hunting. The weather is cooler and the turkeys are more active, making them easier to find and hunt. If you’re new to turkey hunting, or if you’re looking for some new tips and tricks, this guide is for you.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about fall turkey hunting, from choosing the right gear to calling in a gobbler. We’ll also provide some tips on how to improve your shot placement and make sure you get a bird in the bag.

So whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about fall turkey hunting.

Tactic Description When to Use
Calling Using a turkey call to attract a gobbler Early morning and early evening
Stalking Quietly approaching a turkey without being seen Midday and late afternoon
Dragging a decoy Using a decoy to lure a turkey within range Anytime
Hunting over a food source Setting up a blind near a food source that turkeys frequent Anytime

Scouting for turkeys

Turkey hunting is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. One of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of success is to scout for turkeys before the season. By learning about the habits of turkeys in your area, you can increase your chances of finding them and calling them in.

When to scout

The best time to scout for turkeys is in the spring, before the breeding season begins. This is when turkeys are most active and vocal. However, you can also scout for turkeys in the fall, just before the hunting season.

Where to scout

Turkeys are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and open areas. However, they are most commonly found in areas with a mix of cover and open space. When scouting for turkeys, look for areas with thick brush, trees, and fallen logs. These areas provide turkeys with shelter from predators and a place to roost at night.

What to look for

When scouting for turkeys, you should look for signs of their activity. These signs include tracks, droppings, and feathers. You may also hear turkeys calling. If you see or hear turkeys, try to get a good look at them so you can identify their age, sex, and size. This information will help you determine the best time to hunt them.

Tips for scouting for turkeys

Here are a few tips for scouting for turkeys:

* Scout early in the morning or late in the evening, when turkeys are most active.
* Be quiet and move slowly when scouting. Turkeys are very wary and will flush if they see or hear you.
* Use binoculars or a spotting scope to get a good look at turkeys.
* If you see or hear turkeys, try to identify their age, sex, and size.

Scouting for turkeys is an important part of the hunting process. By learning about the habits of turkeys in your area, you can increase your chances of finding them and calling them in. So get out there and start scouting!

Calling turkeys

Calling turkeys is one of the most effective ways to attract them within range. However, it can be a challenge to get the timing and technique right. By understanding the different types of calls and when to use them, you can increase your chances of success.

Types of calls

There are a variety of different types of turkey calls available, each with its own unique sound. The most common types of calls include:

* Pot calls: Pot calls are made by rubbing a stick or piece of wood against the inside of a pot. They produce a deep, raspy sound that is often used to imitate a hen turkey.
* Box calls: Box calls are made by striking two wooden blocks together. They produce a high-pitched yelp that is often used to imitate a gobbler.
* Slate calls: Slate calls are made by scraping a piece of slate against a striker. They produce a variety of sounds, including clucks, purrs, and yelps.
* Mouth calls: Mouth calls are made by using your mouth to create different sounds. They can be used to imitate a variety of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, and purrs.

When to call

The best time to call turkeys is in the early morning or late in the evening. This is when turkeys are most active and vocal. However, you can also call turkeys during the day, especially if you know where they are roosting.

How to call

When calling turkeys, it is important to be patient and persistent. It may take several calls before you get a response. Here are a few tips for calling turkeys:

* Use a variety of calls. Don’t just stick to one type of call. Try using different calls to see what works best.
* Vary the volume and cadence of your calls. Don’t just call at the same volume and pace. Change things up to keep the turkeys interested.
* Be patient. It may take several calls before you get a response. Don’t give up if you don’t hear anything right away.

Calling turkeys is an important part of the hunting process. By understanding the different types of calls and when to use them, you can increase your chances of success. So get out there and start calling!

Introduction

Fall turkey hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It can also be a challenging and rewarding experience. If you’re new to turkey hunting, or if you’re looking for ways to improve your success, this guide will provide you with some helpful tips.

Scouting for turkeys

The first step to successful turkey hunting is scouting. This

Setting up a blind

When turkey hunting, it is important to have a good blind. A blind can help you conceal your presence from turkeys, making it easier to get close enough to them to take a shot. There are many different types of blinds available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of blinds

There are three main types of blinds that are commonly used for turkey hunting: ground blinds, pop-up blinds, and tree stands.

* Ground blinds are typically made of camouflaged fabric and are designed to be set up on the ground. They are often used in open areas where there is little cover.
* Pop-up blinds are lightweight and portable, making them easy to set up and take down. They are typically made of nylon or canvas and are available in a variety of camouflage patterns.
* Tree stands are platforms that are attached to trees. They allow hunters to get up off the ground and provide a better view of the surrounding area.

Where to set up a blind

The best place to set up a blind depends on the terrain and the time of year. In general, you want to set up your blind in a location where you have a good view of the area where turkeys are likely to be feeding or roosting.

If you are hunting in open terrain, you will need to set up your blind in a location that provides good concealment. You can use natural features such as trees, bushes, or rocks to help camouflage your blind.

If you are hunting in wooded areas, you can set up your blind in a clearing or near a food source. You can also set up your blind in a tree stand.

How to set up a blind

Setting up a blind is relatively simple. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that your blind is effective.

* Choose a location that provides good concealment. You want to make sure that turkeys cannot see you from a distance.
* Set up your blind so that you have a good view of the area. You want to be able to see turkeys coming and going without them being able to see you.
* Secure your blind. You don’t want your blind to blow over or collapse if there is a strong wind.

Hunting turkeys

Once you have set up your blind, it is time to start hunting turkeys. Here are a few tips for hunting turkeys:

* Hunt during the early morning or late evening. This is when turkeys are most active.
* Use a call to attract turkeys. There are a variety of different turkey calls available, so experiment until you find one that works well for you.
* Be patient. Turkey hunting can be a slow process. It may take several hours before you see a turkey.
* Be quiet and still. Turkeys have excellent hearing and eyesight, so you need to be careful not to make any noise or movement that will spook them.

What to do if you see a turkey

If you see a turkey, the first thing you need to do is stay calm. If you startle the turkey, it will fly away.

Once you have calmed down, you need to decide whether to shoot the turkey or not. There are a few things you need to consider before making a decision.

* The distance to the turkey. If the turkey is too far away, you will not be able to make a clean shot.
* The wind direction. If the wind is blowing in your direction, the turkey will be able to smell you and will be more likely to fly away.
* The time of day. If it is early in the morning or late in the evening, turkeys are more likely to be on the ground. This makes them easier to shoot.

If you decide to shoot the turkey, take a deep breath and aim carefully. Once you have fired your shot, stay down and wait for the turkey to fall. If the turkey does not fall, you may need to take a second shot.

Turkey hunting can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

Q: What is the best time of day to hunt turkeys in the fall?

A: The best time of day to hunt turkeys in the fall is early in the morning, just before sunrise. This is when turkeys are most active and vocal. However, you can also have success hunting turkeys in the evening, as they are also active at dusk.

Q: What is the best way to call in a turkey?

A: There are many different ways to call in a turkey, but the most effective way is to use a turkey call that mimics the sounds of a female turkey. You can also use a decoy to attract a turkey’s attention.

Q: What should I wear when turkey hunting in the fall?

A: You should wear camouflage clothing that will help you blend in with your surroundings. You should also wear a hat and gloves to protect yourself from the elements.

Q: What are some tips for turkey hunting in the fall?

A: Here are some tips for turkey hunting in the fall:

* Scout your hunting area before the season to find turkeys.
* Pay attention to the weather and time of day when turkeys are most active.
* Use a variety of calls to attract turkeys.
* Be patient and persistent. Turkey hunting can be a challenge, but it is also very rewarding.

Q: What are some common mistakes that turkey hunters make?

A: Here are some common mistakes that turkey hunters make:

* They don’t scout their hunting area before the season.
* They don’t use a variety of calls.
* They get impatient and give up too easily.
* They don’t wear camouflage clothing.

Q: What are some safety tips for turkey hunting in the fall?

A: Here are some safety tips for turkey hunting in the fall:

* Always wear a hunter orange vest or hat when you are in the woods.
* Be aware of your surroundings and the potential for other hunters in the area.
* Use caution when handling firearms.
* Be sure to clean and store your firearms properly.

fall turkey hunting is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success. Be sure to scout your hunting area well, and choose a time and location that will give you the best chance of seeing turkeys. Use a variety of calls to attract turkeys, and be patient. If you do your homework and stay persistent, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious Thanksgiving turkey!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!