The Best Time to Get in the Woods for Turkey Hunting

The Perfect Time to Get in the Woods for Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport, but it’s important to know when to hit the woods if you want to bag a bird. The best time to turkey hunt depends on a number of factors, including the weather, the time of year, and the location.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the best time to turkey hunt, and we’ll provide some tips on how to find and kill turkeys at different times of the day. 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 the perfect time to get in the woods!

Time Description Tips
1 hour before sunrise Turkeys are most active at dawn, so this is the best time to get in the woods and start calling.
  • Find a spot where you can see a large area of open ground.
  • Set up your decoys and call softly.
  • Be patient and wait for a turkey to come to your call.
1 hour after sunrise Turkeys will often feed in the early morning hours, so this is a good time to try to call them in while they’re eating.
  • Look for turkeys in fields or other open areas.
  • Call softly and try to imitate the sound of a hen turkey.
  • Be prepared to move quickly if a turkey comes to your call.
After dark Turkeys will sometimes roost in trees at night, so this is a good time to try to call them in.
  • Find a tree where you think turkeys might be roosting.
  • Set up your decoys and call softly.
  • Be patient and wait for a turkey to come to your call.

Introduction

Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport, but it can also be a time-consuming one. One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a turkey hunter is when to get in the woods. The best time to hunt turkeys will vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, time of day, weather conditions, and hunting pressure.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing a time to hunt turkeys, and we’ll provide some tips on how to make the most of your time in the woods.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Time to Hunt

There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing a time to hunt turkeys. These factors include:

* Time of year: The best time to hunt turkeys will vary depending on the time of year. In general, turkeys are more active in the spring and fall. During the spring, turkeys are focused on breeding, and during the fall, they are preparing for winter.
* Time of day: The best time to hunt turkeys will also vary depending on the time of day. In general, turkeys are more active in the morning and evening. During the morning, turkeys are looking for food, and during the evening, they are roosting for the night.
* Weather conditions: The weather can also play a role in when to hunt turkeys. Turkeys are more likely to be active in mild weather conditions. They will typically avoid hunting in extreme heat or cold.
* Hunting pressure: The amount of hunting pressure in your area can also affect when you should hunt turkeys. If there is a lot of hunting pressure, turkeys may be more wary and difficult to hunt.

When to Hunt for Toms

Once you’ve considered the factors above, you can start to narrow down the best time to hunt turkeys. In general, the best time to hunt for toms is in the morning and evening.

* Morning: Turkeys are most active in the morning, as they are looking for food. This is the best time to set up a blind or decoy spread and wait for a tom to come calling.
* Evening: Turkeys also tend to be active in the evening, as they are roosting for the night. This is a good time to set up a blind or decoy spread near a roosting tree and wait for a tom to fly down.

Choosing the right time to hunt turkeys can be the difference between success and failure. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can increase your chances of taking a trophy tom.

Here are a few additional tips for hunting turkeys:

* Scout your hunting area before the season begins. This will help you identify the best areas to hunt and the best time of day to hunt.
* Use a variety of decoys. Turkeys are attracted to a variety of decoys, including hens, jakes, and gobblers.
* Call to the turkeys. Calling is a great way to attract turkeys to your location. Use a variety of calls, including yelps, clucks, and purrs.
* Be patient. Turkey hunting can be a waiting game. It takes time for turkeys to come to your calling. Be patient and don’t give up.

With a little planning and patience, you can increase your chances of taking a trophy tom this season.

When to Hunt for Turkeys

The best time to hunt turkeys depends on the time of year and the location. In general, turkeys are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

* Spring: During the spring, turkeys are most active in the morning and early afternoon. This is when they are looking for food and water. The best time to hunt turkeys in the spring is from sunrise to about 10:00 am.
* Summer: During the summer, turkeys are less active during the day. They spend most of their time in the shade, avoiding the heat. The best time to hunt turkeys in the summer is in the early morning and late afternoon.
* Fall: During the fall, turkeys are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. This is when they are preparing for the winter. The best time to hunt turkeys in the fall is from sunrise to about 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm to sunset.
* Winter: During the winter, turkeys are less active during the day. They spend most of their time in the woods, roosting in trees. The best time to hunt turkeys in the winter is in the early morning and late afternoon.

It is important to note that the best time to hunt turkeys can vary depending on the location. In some areas, turkeys may be more active at different times of the day. For example, in areas with a lot of hunting pressure, turkeys may be more active at night.

When to Hunt for Hens

The best time to hunt hens depends on the time of year and the location. In general, hens are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

* Spring: During the spring, hens are most active in the morning and early afternoon. This is when they are looking for food and water. The best time to hunt hens in the spring is from sunrise to about 10:00 am.
* Summer: During the summer, hens are less active during the day. They spend most of their time in the shade, avoiding the heat. The best time to hunt hens in the summer is in the early morning and late afternoon.
* Fall: During the fall, hens are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. This is when they are preparing for the winter. The best time to hunt hens in the fall is from sunrise to about 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm to sunset.
* Winter: During the winter, hens are less active during the day. They spend most of their time in the woods, roosting in trees. The best time to hunt hens in the winter is in the early morning and late afternoon.

It is important to note that the best time to hunt hens can vary depending on the location. In some areas, hens may be more active at different times of the day. For example, in areas with a lot of hunting pressure, hens may be more active at night.

Tips for Choosing the Right Time to Hunt

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right time to hunt turkeys.

* Scout the area before you hunt. This will help you identify the best areas to hunt and the time of day when turkeys are most active.
* Pay attention to the weather forecast. Turkeys are more active in warm weather. If the weather is cold or rainy, they may be less active.
* Consider the hunting pressure. If there is a lot of hunting pressure in the area, turkeys may be more wary and less active.
* Be patient and persistent. Turkey hunting can be a challenging sport. It takes time and patience to find and kill a turkey.

If you follow these tips, you will be more likely to choose the right time to hunt and have a successful hunt.

The best time to hunt turkeys depends on the time of year, the location, and the hunting pressure. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of choosing the right time to hunt and having a successful hunt.

What time should I get in the woods for turkey hunting?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to hunt turkeys will vary depending on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the location. However, there are a few general tips that can help you determine when to go turkey hunting:

* The best time to hunt turkeys is during the spring, when they are more active and easier to call in. In general, the peak of the turkey hunting season is from mid-April to mid-May. However, the exact timing of the season will vary depending on the region.
* The weather conditions can also affect the best time to hunt turkeys. Turkeys are more active on warm, sunny days. However, they will also be active on cloudy days, especially if it is raining.
* The location of the hunting area can also affect the best time to hunt turkeys. Turkeys are more likely to be found in areas with thick cover, such as forests and thickets. They are also more likely to be found in areas with food and water sources.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down the best time to go turkey hunting. If you are still unsure, it is always a good idea to talk to other hunters in your area to get their advice.

What gear do I need for turkey hunting?

The basic gear you need for turkey hunting includes:

* A shotgun or rifle chambered for turkey loads
* A turkey call
* A pair of camouflaged hunting clothes
* A pair of binoculars
* A turkey decoy
* A turkey vest or backpack
* A head net or facemask
* A pair of gloves

You may also want to consider bringing some other items, such as:

* A map of the hunting area
* A compass
* A GPS unit
* A first aid kit
* A water bottle
* A snack

How do I call in a turkey?

Turkeys are very vocal birds, and they use a variety of calls to communicate with each other. By learning to mimic these calls, you can attract turkeys to your location.

The most common turkey calls are:

* The gobble
* The yelp
* The cluck
* The purr
* The kee-kee run

You can learn how to make these calls by watching videos or taking a turkey calling course. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start practicing calling in turkeys.

How do I shoot a turkey?

When you are ready to shoot a turkey, it is important to take your time and make sure you have a clear shot. Aim for the head or neck of the turkey, and fire only when you are confident that you will make a clean kill.

It is also important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area regarding turkey hunting. Make sure you know the legal hunting season, bag limits, and shooting regulations before you go hunting.

What are some tips for turkey hunting?

Here are a few tips for turkey hunting:

* Scout the area before you hunt. This will help you identify the best areas to hunt and the types of turkeys that are present.
* Hunt during the early morning or late afternoon. This is when turkeys are most active.
* Use a variety of calls to attract turkeys. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different calls until you find one that works.
* Be patient. Turkey hunting can be a slow and frustrating process. It takes time to learn how to call in turkeys and make a clean kill.
* Be safe. Always wear hunter orange when you are in the woods. Make sure you know the local hunting regulations and follow them.

there is no one definitive answer to the question of what time to get in the woods for turkey hunting. The best time to hunt will vary depending on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the location. However, by following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success.

* Scout your hunting area in advance to learn the best time to hunt.
* Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your hunting time accordingly.
* Get in the woods early and be patient.
* Use a variety of calling techniques to attract turkeys.
* Be prepared to shoot quickly and accurately.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a successful turkey hunting season.

Key Takeaways

* The best time to hunt turkeys will vary depending on the time of year, the weather conditions, and the location.
* Scouting your hunting area in advance can help you determine the best time to hunt.
* Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your hunting time accordingly.
* Getting in the woods early and being patient can increase your chances of success.
* Using a variety of calling techniques can help you attract turkeys.
* Being prepared to shoot quickly and accurately is essential for a successful turkey hunt.

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!