With over half the 2020 Mississippi spring turkey season in the history books, if you haven't gotten a gobbler yet, it just might be time to change tactics.
Of course this all depends on whether you're a turkey hunter or not. If not, you ought to be. It's the closest some of you will ever get to elk hunting out West. It's both exciting and challenging. Just like elk, the toms/bull elk will often “tell” you where they are by gobbling/bugling. All you got to do then … is figure a way to call 'em in.
So, if you haven't had any luck hunting the “traditional” way - you know, up before daylight and all - you might want to try hunting midday and afternoon. You'll up your odds, and who knows, it might even be nice to sleep in for a change.
The first thing you should realize, however, is that the birds don't seem to gobble as much as they do when they are still on the roost or shortly after they fly down. So, it'll take some patience, and it won't seem to be as exciting … at first! It is productive, however, and nothing is more exciting to a turkey hunter than getting his or her bird.
The next thing you must consider is whether birds are in the area or not. After all, if the birds are miles away, that'd be like fishing in a dry pond. So, do you homework. Look for fresh tracks, or scratchings where the turkeys have been feeding. It's also a good idea to glass fields surrounding your hunting area and try to locate them by sight.
If you ascertain (just had to use a dignified word so you folks will think I'm smart) birds are in the area, dig deep and find lots of patience. Since the gobblers will most often come in silently, you'll have to limit movement much more than when a bird is gobbling and you know where he is. In short, be still. Move nothing but your eyes, except when calling.
I KNOW midday or afternoon hunting can be productive. So, if your luck has been lousy so far, what have you got to lose? Just sit, call, then maybe even snooze. And when you awake, there just might be a big bird out in front, beside or behind you just itching to grace your frying pan.
Good luck and be safe.
Good-bye, folks
No, you're not getting rid of me, not just yet. This column will, however, be put on hold while I hunt turkeys in the mountains of southeast Oklahoma for a couple of weeks if I can cross state lines legally.
Until then, get out and enjoy the great outdoors. And when you go, take a kid with you … every time you can.
