Big Game Cameraman
10-24-2011, 11:55 AM
Fall turkey season is almost upon us!
I’m a turkey hunter, and very year in the Fall, I devote three full days to filming turkey hunts. Here are some tips about what has worked for me, my son, and many friends.
Fall Turkey Tip
Oct. 24, 2011
To have any success, you need to have a good idea of where turkeys are located in the Fall. As with deer hunting, scouting is all-important; you must be confident that there are turkeys in your target area.
In the Fall, turkeys seek safety in numbers by flocking-up in groups of 6 to 20 or more. To take advantage of this, your party should consist of 2 to 5 hunters working as a team, carrying shotguns loaded with #4 or #6 birdshot
Once you have located a flock, with guns unloaded spread out over a large area and break it up. If possible, force the birds to leave the group and go airborne. Once the birds are spread out, you have more time than you might think; wait about 25 minutes before starting to call them back. Use that time to get into position with your hunters spaced about 20 yards apart in open timber, if possible, so you all can see the turkeys re-grouping and approaching your setup. When everyone is in position, it’s time to load the guns—remember to leave safetys on until the birds are approximately 40 yards away.
Assign one hunter--your best turkey-caller--to do the calling. Don’t over-call; you’re not in a calling contest. A friction call is the best thing to use (oh, by the way, I do make amazing, custom turkey calls—take a look at my website). Every so often, make 3 or 4 short, loud yelps. In the Fall, turkeys are very vocal when re-grouping. The mom hen and the rest of the flock will certainly find you. Remember, turkeys have excellent eyesight; everyone must stay perfectly still.. The aim is to get as much of the flock as possible close in front of you, so everyone has a good opportunity. When the birds make their approach, things get exciting! Always be aware of the target and of your hunting partners.
In the Fall, you can hunt turkeys all day—sunup to sundown. . I usually start hunting about 2 hours after daybreak. Each licensed hunter can harvest one turkey, and it can be of either sex. Hens, jakes and big toms all make for good eating.
Never body-shoot a turkey—always aim for the head and neck.
Remember, persistence pays off; if your first setup isn't successful, try again. The process is as much a part of the fun as the kill.
One last, very important tip: when turkey hunting you should be in full camo, but when traveling through the woods always wear your safety orange. Remember that there are bowhunters, small-game hunters and other turkey hunters out in the woods too.
New this year, I’ve got a 100% waterproof friction call: “The BuckBarn Friction Call”. I introduced it this past Spring on The BuckBarn, and a number of BuckBarn members report having great success with it. It’s shown on my website. Keep me in mind this Fall!
I’m a turkey hunter, and very year in the Fall, I devote three full days to filming turkey hunts. Here are some tips about what has worked for me, my son, and many friends.
Fall Turkey Tip
Oct. 24, 2011
To have any success, you need to have a good idea of where turkeys are located in the Fall. As with deer hunting, scouting is all-important; you must be confident that there are turkeys in your target area.
In the Fall, turkeys seek safety in numbers by flocking-up in groups of 6 to 20 or more. To take advantage of this, your party should consist of 2 to 5 hunters working as a team, carrying shotguns loaded with #4 or #6 birdshot
Once you have located a flock, with guns unloaded spread out over a large area and break it up. If possible, force the birds to leave the group and go airborne. Once the birds are spread out, you have more time than you might think; wait about 25 minutes before starting to call them back. Use that time to get into position with your hunters spaced about 20 yards apart in open timber, if possible, so you all can see the turkeys re-grouping and approaching your setup. When everyone is in position, it’s time to load the guns—remember to leave safetys on until the birds are approximately 40 yards away.
Assign one hunter--your best turkey-caller--to do the calling. Don’t over-call; you’re not in a calling contest. A friction call is the best thing to use (oh, by the way, I do make amazing, custom turkey calls—take a look at my website). Every so often, make 3 or 4 short, loud yelps. In the Fall, turkeys are very vocal when re-grouping. The mom hen and the rest of the flock will certainly find you. Remember, turkeys have excellent eyesight; everyone must stay perfectly still.. The aim is to get as much of the flock as possible close in front of you, so everyone has a good opportunity. When the birds make their approach, things get exciting! Always be aware of the target and of your hunting partners.
In the Fall, you can hunt turkeys all day—sunup to sundown. . I usually start hunting about 2 hours after daybreak. Each licensed hunter can harvest one turkey, and it can be of either sex. Hens, jakes and big toms all make for good eating.
Never body-shoot a turkey—always aim for the head and neck.
Remember, persistence pays off; if your first setup isn't successful, try again. The process is as much a part of the fun as the kill.
One last, very important tip: when turkey hunting you should be in full camo, but when traveling through the woods always wear your safety orange. Remember that there are bowhunters, small-game hunters and other turkey hunters out in the woods too.
New this year, I’ve got a 100% waterproof friction call: “The BuckBarn Friction Call”. I introduced it this past Spring on The BuckBarn, and a number of BuckBarn members report having great success with it. It’s shown on my website. Keep me in mind this Fall!