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hello everyone,
does anyone have any tips on how to figure out where these turkeys might be roosting?
ive read they like big trees with wide limbs, usually the trees are close to or over water? (they like hearing their poop splash?)
and the location of the roost isnt far from feeding zones( fields?) so would they be just in the bush? or deep in the bush?
any input is greatly appreciated like always, and thank you all in advance!
hope everyone's weekend is going alright.
You are on the right track. The best way is to spend lots of time listening, first light and in the evenings when they fly up. They make a lot of noise going up to roost.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Roost trees are easy to identify, once you find the area.
interesting thanks rick, i guess they only bother going to and from the roost either early mornings or right before dark then? they wont screw around near it during the day right?Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
I found more than a few 'roosts' while out Bow hunting early fall....the fist time you hear one, less than 100 yds from where you sitting, you'll near crap your pants HaHa..Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
Right... they tend to have a travel route they pretty much stick to....they feed, prowl around, then the hens head for their nesting areas. The gobblers find themselves alone towards mid morning or later. That’s when, later in the season, gobblers are more susceptible to your calls. I’ve killed far more birds at noon or later, than early mornings.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Guys tend to get bored and leave way too early.
yes thats exactly what we are seeing recently, me and my father started going up in the afternoon and we are seeing way more male turkeys around in groups even!Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
i enjoy the afternoons more as im not a zombie after 3 hours of sitting lol. if we get there around 12 or 1 we usually stay until just before sunset.
i had a few gobbling the other day at us actually, but only once or twice then they kept quiet.
i appreciate the info, drawing up my game plan now haha.
If I know nothing about an area, I’ll start with the assumption that they will be roosting in the tallest trees on the highest point of land. That’s proven right more often than wrong.
Just after sunset is a great time to scout out/listen where the roosting area might be, just a reminder that no turkey hunting after 7pm...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Finding their droppings under trees is a good start. Also you could try using a crow or owl call to elicit a shock gobble response late in the day or early morning to locate them.
appreciate the responses guys. we do hunt beside a quarry thats on a hill, although the quarry isnt the land owners property anymore, interesting responses none the less
Here are couple of things I have learned.
While walking pay attention to the ground. More often than not at least one of the birds will lose a wing feather on the way up or down. When you find a wing feather look around for white poplar trees. These seem to be a particular favourite roosting spot ( at least in multiple spots I hunt ).
Turkeys will need a bit of room to get up in the tree as well. White poplar trees back in the bush within the first 10 yards of a clearing would be a good bet. I have witnessed turkeys taking a few steps ( little bit of a run ) in order to lift off.
I have found aspens to also be a good roosting spot.
As far as my limited hunting experience reaches I have never seen a turkey roost in anything but these two types of trees. I am not saying this is the hardened rule but where I hunt them ( mixed hardwood forest and farmland ) this is what I have experienced.
for some reason i didnt see your response until now, (was prob on phone and got caught up) but this a great info. i appreciate it alot.Quote:
Originally Posted by firedeptlt
white poplar trees and aspens ill be looking out for them.
At the evening(when they are up on the roost)walk a susceptible area.
You do not have to be very close, and you do not have to know the exact tree.
Call a crow call several times.
If there is a responses from the turkey,get the direction and the tree(sort of).They will responder more often then not.
Be there next morning at the first ligth.Quiet .Sneaky.They hear you coming in-bye.
Set up-Sit an wait.
They will be coming off from the tree-you will hear them.
Call shortly after they are down.
No need to sit "under "the roost tree,i would guess up to 100 y would do.
Do not sit in a way that you have obstacle to them- fence line,road,creek.They will not cross it for You.
Good luck
when do the turkeys go up to roost usually ? after dark or before ? never seen one fly up.
Just before dark, I would say anytime after the sun goes down but the closer to dark the more birds fly up....Quote:
Originally Posted by Ata83
Usually in the fall, just when things quieten down just at sundown, and deer should be coming to your stand.....!!!! :madman:Quote:
Originally Posted by fratri