Phases of the season

[buckchaser]

Looking to pool collective experience here. I'd like to hear from others (based on their experience in the field) about the "phases" of our wild turkey season - when we typically have peak gobbling, when hens are typically bred, when they are typically sitting on the nests, etc.

Could also share strategies/tactics you have successful to deal with each phase of the season.

[singlemalt]

I don't know if I can be as specific as you like. It seems each season is unique in some way. However, I have been at it since our first season in Ontario and kept a log with detailed notes. I have harvested over 30 birds. It seems to me the very best time is May 10-15thish. They are no longer in big flocks with hens but not yet super educated. I have had my best luck with nice big adult birds in this time period.

However, I feel strongly no day in the turkey woods is wasted. I have shot birds on the opening day and the last day of the season. If you can get out and go, do so, and have fun.

[JMatthews]

I always try to get new hunters out as close to the start of the season as possible. The birds are less wary and the bugs aren't a problem yet. This year could be a little different due to this cold snowy weather. With the snow covering most food sources again, the hens will be concentrating on eating more. We'll see what happens this year. Hoping for some warmth.

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

I have only been after Turkey for 10 years.

In my area in the first week if a bird hears the calls they come running in.

Week 2 still respond to the calls Tom's start to skirt the decoys out of bow range. Jakes still come in to the decoys.

Week 3 & 4. I leave the decoys & calls @ home & hope on walks by for a shot. lol

This is in my little 92B wood-lot. I'm sure it's not the same in other areas.

In fact I only hunt the first 2 weeks & turn my attention back to walleye fishing because it's more productive...lol

[MikePal]

I've shot Turkey from the beginning to the end of a season...never found one phase is better than the other per se.....what is of a bigger concern is the bugs and field growth. Once black flies come out it gets nasty....hunt early !!

Also the start of the season most fields are flat and visibility is great, but by the end of May you can't see a lot anymore because the hay is growing in...again hunt early if applicable.

[singlemalt]

Agreed on the visibility and lack of bugs early season but you are also facing a lot of competition from real hens. I have had my best luck on really big old birds later in the season when they get lonely. I remember a few years ago after the season I was out on my back deck BBQ-ing an anniversary dinner for my wife so it was June 6th. I looked across the field behind the house and way across a 200 acre corn field I saw a big bird strutting along the edge of the bush. Just for fun I went into the house and got a box call and hit it as loud as I could. That bird turned and ran straight across the field including crossing a small creek. In 3-4 minutes he was 30 yards from me strutting on my back lawn.

I wish they were all as cooperative.

[sabmgb]

I have been hunting them for 10 years now. 1st year got my 2 the last 3 days of May. I have gotten as many birds on the first 3 days as well. and birds in the middle of the season, so I would have no idea if you could pick a time period that is better. I think depends on where you hunt and if others hunt the same birds. If you are the only one hunting them I think any time early or late is good. If there is pressure on them early probably better. I tend to go early season more, to stay away from the bugs and not getting up as early either. As far as time of day goes, that pretty much the same, have gotten birds 5 minutes in to the hunt and birds 10 minutes before the close. I site the first couple hours than run and gun after that. Or after work to a run and gun till closing time. So basically it a crap shoot.

[dutchhunter]

I have killed on the first day and the last day. I prefer the early season .No bugs. Low growth in fields. No educated Birds.late in the season to warm to many bugs and you got to get up to early.lol

[huntnmachine]

I have only been after Turkey for 10 years.

In my area in the first week if a bird hears the calls they come running in.

Week 2 still respond to the calls Tom's start to skirt the decoys out of bow range. Jakes still come in to the decoys.

Week 3 & 4. I leave the decoys & calls @ home & hope on walks by for a shot. lol

This is in my little 92B wood-lot. I'm sure it's not the same in other areas.

In fact I only hunt the first 2 weeks & turn my attention back to walleye fishing because it's more productive...lol

Pretty much the same as in my area (93B)