New Hunter; Needs Help Turkey Hunting
Connecticut
Contributors to this thread:
This will be my first time turkey hunting and need some pointers (and by some, I mean detailed step by step instructions one would give their 2 year old grandson). I am 16 and trying to get into hunting, but I don't know anyone near me that hunts. I am from North Branford and have to hunt public land. Anyone know some good spots? Feel free to PM me. Thanks!
March 16 there is a free Turkey Hunting seminar at Fairfield County Fish & Game. You will hear from experienced Turkey Hunters and Biologists.
If you want, you can bring your shotgun and pattern it.
Newbie, Ace provided the best advice. The best thing the seminar will provide is how to call, so bring your phone and record what they say and the sounds they make. As far as where to find birds, they're just about everywhere in the state. Pick a location and get out there and scout. I like to go out in April, just before sunrise and listen to see if I can hear birds gobbling on the roost before they fly down from the trees. If I hear nothing I take a hike and look for their droppings, and/or scratching in the leaves ("V" shaped and they really tear things up). Turkey travel long distances, so they may be here today and a mile away tomorrow.
Once I'm confident I'm in an area that holds birds here's how I hunt them. Arrive about an hour before sunrise, walk to my approx hunting location and as the sky brightens listen for the toms gobbling on the roost. If I hear nothing, I try an owl or crow call to see if I can get a response. If I do, I get set up as close to the birds as possible without spooking them, so about 200 yards (depends on cover and location). I get about 20-30 yards from my decoy, find a big trees to sit down against, do a few soft yelps (tree call) and wait.
Sometimes they come in gobbling like crazy and other times they come in silent. And sometimes they don't come in at all. That's when I try to find a different location and repeat steps listed above. If the toms are with hens it will be difficult to get them to leave. I've been able to call in the hens and the toms come in with them.
Once you can see a bird, don't move. They can see movement better than a deer, so have your gun pointed at the last spot you heard a call. Only move when their head is behind a rock or tree. Aim for their heads, not their bodies and try to not shake too much because you may get buck fever when they get close.
Good luck with your hunt!
Good to see someone my age on here!
Welcome aboard to the wonderful world of hunting newbie. If you were not so far away I would take you under my wing. I live in Ma on the Nh border. Go on you tube to learn how to call. Learn the basic yelp with a box call or slate. Mouth calls are great just need a lot more practice. Master the yelp then learn how to cut(it's a excited hen call during mating season). Before your season starts locate birds by getting up early before Sun up and just listen for birds gobbling off the roost when the morning light comes. If you don't here any try a owl hoot(locater call for gobblers) this may get them fired up. Spend a lot of time driving around to different spots to locate gobblers. You tube will help you alot. Good luck
Mouth calling,......I drove my whole family crazy walking around the house, the yard, in the car and most waking hours trying to master a simple Yelp. Good call when the bird gets close and your hands are on your gun or bow.
Ace - Sounds good! I'll try to make it there. bbb - I'll make sure to try those tactics and check YouTube. Thank you! HolePuncher - bow! Michael - lol Deanmann - Thank you for your offer but I live around New Haven. I'll try to practice my calls. Bbb - lol I annoy them now I can't imagine that
If using a fixed blade head, shoot for the body. A bullhead or guillotine, go for the base of head.
If I can't get into the woods before first light, I like to wait for the birds to hit the ground. Just because they can see so well, and still on the roost, they will pick you off heading in. Good luck.
I've been fortunate to tag em with my bows and my shotguns for over 20 years. Read Bigbuckbob's post again and memorize it. You will kill birds. A few things to add: Bug Control...buy a Thermacell to fight the skeeters and no see ums, spray your clothes(not your skin) with Sawyers Permetherin to keep the ticks down. Calling tips: Turkeys hear extremely well and will pinpoint your exact location with even the softest calls. Also, don't call too much. Most rookies call way too much. If a Tom is gobbling, don't respond every time he gobbles. Play hard to get and make him search for you. Finally, if he's coming stop calling and get ready let him come in on his own or if he sees your decoy let it work for you. Good luck. Here's just a part of my spur and beard collection from over the years. I wish I always saved them.
Tall1, holy crap that's a lot of bird parts! You're not lucky, you're good. The best and worst thing about turkey hunting is it's so interactive. When the birds are vocal you KNOW they're close by and the excitement builds. When they're quiet you think they're not around so you decide to move and bust them as soon as you pick up your decoy. Great fun.
Ace's Link
Registration is now open for the 3 Wild Turkey Hunting Seminars (see link to register) They Do fill up pretty fast.
The Connecticut Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) Program Turkey Hunting Clinics
The following FREE clinics are sponsored by the DEEP Wildlife Division's Hunter Education Program and are taught by certified volunteer instructors.
Those interested in attending MUST PRE-REGISTER. Please register using your Conservation ID Number (located on the top of your license) and date of birth.
If you do not know your Conservation ID Number, you may call the CE/FS Program at 860-424-3007/3015.
Wild Turkey Hunting Clinic:
Both experienced and first-time turkey hunters stand to benefit from attending this clinic. It will provide hunting information, which includes safe hunting practices, specialized equipment, calls and decoys, site setup, and other strategies for harvesting turkeys. Participants will have an opportunity to pattern their shotguns for turkey hunting following classroom instruction. Individuals may participate in one of the following clinics. Pre-registration is REQUIRED.
Monroe Turkey Hunting Clinic: Register Here
Where: Fairfield County Fish and Game, 310 Hammertown Rd, Monroe, CT 06468
When: Saturday, March 16, 8:00AM – 2:00PM
Rockville Turkey Hunting Clinic: Register Here
Where: Rockville Fish and Game, Fish and Game Rd, Vernon, CT 06066
When: Sunday, April 7, 8:30AM – 2:00PM
Franklin Turkey Hunting Clinic: Register Here
Where: Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area, 391 Route 32, North Franklin, CT 06254
When: Saturday, April 13, 8:30AM – 2:00PM
Here’s a few turkeys parts.
Here’s a few turkeys parts.
Tall 1 you and I have something in common. Lol
And a few more!
And a few more!
And a few more...
And a few more...
And let’s not forget the ultimate prize!!
And let’s not forget the ultimate prize!!
Tall and beard, do you guys have wives? I could never keep that many body parts in house. You guys are good
As a matters of fact I do have a wife
Here we are celebrating my birthday
Here we are celebrating my birthday
How do you rotate photos on this forum?
Go back into your own post. Turn your phone sideways. You will see Image Tools. Hit Rotate. Nothing will appear to happen.....but if you go back into the post, you will see your photo turn.
I wish everyone learned to do this.
So I did that but is there no way to save the photo the way you want it? Just rotate it and leave it alone?
Nope it’s just not working
Married 32 years BBB. I have some deer mounts, sheds, euro mounts, turkey fans and Terry Redlin pics etc... throughout the house, but it's not everywhere. She lives here too so we find a balance, but we believe that if you love something you should show who you are, not just in the garage or the basement.
Nice beard collection longbeard. That's awesome and quite an accomplishment.
You guys are lucky. My wife is my best friend, but it bothers her to see animal parts. She won't even TOUCH venison let alone eat it.
Its nice to hear that other people have strong marriages and aren't afraid to share it.
Thanks Tall. Yes over 30 years of participating in my passion. Ive got plenty more. I have so many memories of turkeys I’ve killed in many states over the years. Plus I’ve guided many hunters to successfully tagging their birds in NY and Ct. I love the spring season and am a true purist in the sense that I only shoot a gobbler if I call it in. No stalking, except using a fan from a long distance on a henned up field bird. I guess that’s a combination calling and stalking sort of What a rush!
BBB I don’t think my marriage is any different from anybody else on here. As Tall 1 mentioned the key is working toward finding a balance
Hey Long, I have property in NY, maybe a few of us can get together and chase some Toms. While I was deer hunting I saw a flock with 3 or 4 birds that had multiple beards.
Anytime Ace. I’m normally in the turkey woods about 45 days a year so let me know and we’ll throgh a plan together
Ace where is your property located in NY?