3 Foolproof Tips for Hunting Turkeys in the Fall

How to Hunt Turkeys in the Fall

The fall is a great time to hunt turkeys. The weather is cooler and the birds are more active, making them easier to spot and call in. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding hunting experience, turkey hunting in the fall is for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about hunting turkeys in the fall, from choosing the right gear to calling in and harvesting a bird. We’ll also provide tips on scouting, setting up your blind, and dealing with the challenges of hunting turkeys in the fall.

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 hunting turkeys in the fall.

Step Description Tips
1 Scout for turkeys in the early morning or late evening. Look for signs of turkeys, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
2 Set up your blind or decoys in a location where turkeys are likely to feed, roost, or travel. Choose a spot that is sheltered from the wind and has a good view of the area.
3 Call turkeys to your location using a turkey call. Use a variety of calls to attract turkeys, and be patient.
4 When a turkey approaches, take aim and shoot. Be sure to aim for the head or neck.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step to a successful turkey hunt is choosing the right location. Turkeys are creatures of habit, and they tend to stick to the same areas year after year. By doing some research, you can find out where turkeys are likely to be found in your area.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a turkey hunting location:

* Habitat: Turkeys need a variety of habitats in order to survive. They need areas with dense cover for roosting and nesting, as well as open areas for foraging and displaying. Look for areas with a mix of trees, brush, and open fields.
* Food: Turkeys are omnivorous, and they eat a variety of foods. They will eat insects, fruits, nuts, seeds, and even small animals. When choosing a hunting location, pay attention to the types of food that are available. If there is plenty of food in the area, turkeys are more likely to be there.
* Water: Turkeys need access to water, so look for areas with streams, rivers, or ponds.
* Pressure: Turkeys are wary of humans, and they will avoid areas that are heavily hunted. If you can find a location that is not heavily hunted, you will have a better chance of success.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. The best turkey hunting locations are often found in areas that are remote and difficult to access. If you can find a place where you can hunt without being disturbed, you will have a better chance of seeing turkeys.

Scouting for Turkeys

Once you have chosen a potential hunting location, it is time to start scouting for turkeys. Scouting is the process of learning as much as you can about the turkeys in your area. This will help you to determine when and where to hunt them.

Here are a few tips for scouting for turkeys:

* Observe the turkeys: The best way to learn about turkeys is to watch them. Spend time in the woods observing their behavior. Pay attention to the time of day that they are active, the areas that they frequent, and the foods that they eat.
* Listen for turkeys: Turkeys make a variety of sounds, and these sounds can be used to locate them. Listen for gobbles, purrs, clucks, and yelps.
* Track turkeys: Turkeys leave tracks in the mud and snow. By following these tracks, you can learn where the turkeys are traveling and where they are roosting.
* Use a trail camera: A trail camera can be a valuable tool for scouting for turkeys. Trail cameras can be used to capture images of turkeys, which can help you to learn more about their behavior.

Scouting for turkeys can be a lot of fun, and it is an important part of a successful hunt. By taking the time to scout, you can increase your chances of seeing turkeys and harvesting a bird.

Hunting turkeys in the fall can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

* Choose the right location.
* Scout for turkeys.
* Be patient and persistent.

With a little effort, you can enjoy the thrill of a successful turkey hunt.

Setting Up Your Decoys

When setting up your decoys, it is important to think like a turkey. Turkeys are very wary creatures and will be suspicious of anything that looks out of place. Therefore, it is important to set up your decoys in a natural-looking way and to make sure that they are not too close together.

A good rule of thumb is to set up your decoys in a V-shape, with the head of the V facing the direction from which you expect the turkeys to come. The decoys should be placed about 10-15 yards apart, and they should be staggered so that they do not look like a group of turkeys that are standing together.

It is also important to make sure that your decoys are in a location where they will be visible to the turkeys. This means that you should set them up in an open area, where there is plenty of sunlight. You should also avoid setting up your decoys in areas where there is a lot of noise or activity, as this will scare the turkeys away.

Once you have set up your decoys, it is important to leave them alone and let the turkeys come to you. If you move around or make too much noise, you will scare the turkeys away. Be patient and wait for the turkeys to approach your decoys.

Calling in Turkeys

Once you have set up your decoys, it is time to start calling in the turkeys. There are a number of different turkey calls that you can use, but the most effective calls are the ones that sound like a hen turkey.

When calling in turkeys, it is important to be patient and to vary your calling. Do not call too much, as this will scare the turkeys away. Instead, call for a few minutes, then stop and wait for a response. If you do not get a response, try calling again in a different location.

It is also important to make sure that your calling is realistic. Turkeys are very good at distinguishing between natural sounds and human-made sounds. If your calling sounds unnatural, the turkeys will not be fooled and they will not come to you.

Once you have called in a turkey, it is important to be still and quiet. If you move or make too much noise, you will scare the turkey away. Wait for the turkey to come to you, and then take your shot.

Conclusion

Hunting turkeys in the fall can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to know how to set up your decoys and call in the turkeys. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

How do I find turkey hunting spots in the fall?

* Scout areas where you have seen turkeys in the past.
* Look for areas with good food sources, such as oak trees, beech trees, and acorns.
* Look for areas with water sources, such as streams, rivers, and ponds.
* Look for areas with thick cover, such as brushy areas, thickets, and wooded areas.

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

* The best time to hunt turkeys in the fall is during the early morning and late evening.
* Turkeys are most active during these times, as they are looking for food and water.
* During the middle of the day, turkeys will typically rest in thick cover.

What calls should I use to attract turkeys in the fall?

* There are a variety of calls that you can use to attract turkeys in the fall.
* Some of the most popular calls include the yelp, the cluck, the purr, and the gobble.
* It is important to use a variety of calls, as turkeys will become less responsive if they hear the same call over and over again.

How do I set up a turkey blind in the fall?

* When setting up a turkey blind in the fall, it is important to be camouflaged.
* Use natural materials, such as leaves, branches, and brush, to blend in with your surroundings.
* Make sure that your blind is in a location where you can see turkeys coming and going.
* Be patient and wait for turkeys to come to you.

What should I do if a turkey sees me?

* If a turkey sees you, do not panic.
* Remain still and quiet.
* The turkey may just be curious and will not attack you.
* If the turkey continues to approach you, slowly back away.

What should I do if I shoot a turkey?

* If you shoot a turkey, it is important to handle it properly.
* First, make sure that the turkey is dead.
* Then, field dress the turkey and cool it down as quickly as possible.
* Once the turkey is cooled down, you can store it in a cooler or freeze it for later.

Hunting turkeys in the fall can be a rewarding experience, but it takes patience and skill. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success.

First, you need to choose the right location. Turkeys are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so you should plan your hunt accordingly. Look for areas with thick brush and plenty of food sources, such as acorns and berries.

Once you’ve found a good spot, you need to set up your blind. A blind can be anything from a simple ground blind to a fully enclosed pop-up blind. The goal is to create a concealed spot where you can wait for the turkeys to come to you.

When it’s time to start hunting, you need to be patient. Turkeys are wary creatures, and they’ll quickly spook if they see or hear you. Move slowly and quietly, and try to stay downwind of the turkeys.

Once you’ve spotted a turkey, you need to be ready to take the shot. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing, so you need to be quick and accurate. Aim for the head or neck for the best chance of a clean kill.

Hunting turkeys in the fall can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a successful hunt.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when hunting turkeys in the fall:

* Choose the right location.
* Set up your blind in a concealed spot.
* Be patient and move slowly.
* Be ready to take the shot when you see a turkey.
* Practice your calling skills.
* Use the right gear and equipment.
* Be safe and follow all hunting regulations.

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!