Official 2019 Wild Turkey Thread

Cameron SS said:
What do you figure that does to the birds? Maybe if opening day is the first clear day in a week the birds will be especially active?
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Birds will be active no matter if there is rain or clear skies. Its been said that birds seem to prefer being out in the fields when its raining so that they can take advantage of their great eyesight and rely less of their hearing. The thought process behind this is when they are in the bush when its raining, their hearing can become impaired by the sound of the rain which could make them vulnerable to predators. Last year’s opener was brutally wet and the opening day bird taken on our hunt stayed in the bush. Maybe the birds will be a little more cautious during a rain storm. But if birds were completely predictable, the hunt would be easy. I would bet that birds would be where there is food. When I last checked my game cam, birds walked the raked up paths I made in preperation of the hunting season. When I walked the paths and cleared the rest, it was evident what was being consumed.....pine nuts, worms and slugs...the latter two being treats they likely havent seen in a while
 
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Was out scouting my place yesterday afternoon and saw 2 different flocks out in rain, didn't seem to bother them at all.
A small flock about 12 birds and a big flock of about 40 all eating the fresh wheat shoots coming up.

Makes the "in laws" crazy seeing them eat his winter wheat, if it were up to him he'd shoot them all.
 
Cameron SS said:
I only have one turkey gun. 870 with 23" barrel, turkey choke high vis sights DIY camo courtesy of tremclad. Its good enough and it works.

Nothing close to my hunting spot and its a 30 min hike in so its just a backpack full of snacks and a long peaceful morning.
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I dont own a camo gun but i have 23 various 12ga guns and a sxs 10ga. Anything with a choke has a turkey choke for it. If i know ill be hunting in woodlots only any scattergun will do. If i plan to hunt fence lines and field edges i take a tightly choked gun generally. Other times i take a crossbow. Ive got an hour drive to most of the places i hunt. I bought a chair to try this season. Im finally getting my strength back in my legs after tearing a achilles tendon off the bone but i cant sit for long my legs go numb now. Maybe cuz im older and out of shape i dont know but figure if im going to spend cash i might as well but hunting gear
 
kodiakjack said:
No birds in your neck of the woods Hoydt?

If I had s similar drive, I’d do the same thing. How many days are you there for?
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Turkeys would have a tough time up here, the winters are too long and snow too deep. There are areas closer than five hours with birds but the populations are thinner... I like road trips anyway... :)
 
kodiakjack said:
What shot size?
What barrel length?

Let us know how she patterns!

...time’s running out. Might wanna throw on a rain coat and give ‘er.
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I have flight control wadded ammo in 5 and 6 shot. Barrel is 28" fixed mod. Its a beretta a303 i bought as a waterfowling kayak gun. Gorgeous gloss coat finish on the wood that im debating stripping off and going with a oil finish. I will likely compare its patterns to other guns with mod chokes. Ive never really had an issue with flight control wads in turkey chokes. Even ported chokes. I generally use reloads for turkey but have taken several toms with factory choked sxs guns in f/m

I just enjoy shooting and comparing loads
Ill be at the local gun club most of sunday so ill play then. If not im on days so i can stop in after work or leave work early to get it done
 
I do agree with the rationale that decoy presentation needs to change due to bird behaviour. It is 36 day season and it makes sense that what works on the 25th won't work at least be less effective in late May. I've seen my strutting Tom cause birds to run in almost like they had a death wish, but also seen mature birds turn and run without ever looking back.
Weather is a huge factor too, early warm springs previous to the opening trigger birds to begin breeding earlier, unfortunately henned up birds are an issue.
Colder springs means birds are still establishing their groups and may decoy easier, hard to say.

Lots of success's and lots of failures seems to be your only guide on what to do.

Quite honestly I hate carrying in a multitude of decoys but at the beginning of the season a good combination of decoys works well.
 
Local winter flocks have been breaking up and dispersing over the last week in my area (Cambridge, Guelph, Milton) and toms are now strutting. I got out with the camera to do some scouting this morning, glad to see this guy:
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Behind this field there is a secluded little meadow, actually an abandoned field that seems to be where this tom is anchored today - hope he's still there in a week, should be. Snuck in for a quick pic, lots of hens coming and going.
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Sort of bumped one today, and had an argument with another while I was out scouting today. Thursday can't come soon enough.
 
Foxer2373 said:
almost hit 4 in front of my house today.... looks to be a challenging season LOL
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You can do that every day and twice on Sunday and still not get a tom in when you are actually hunting... but it is certainly a good sign to know they are around.
 
hoytcanon said:
You can do that every day and twice on Sunday and still not get a tom in when you are actually hunting... but it is certainly a good sign to know they are around.
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This.

Every time I hear someone say "it'd be so easy to kill a turkey, they're everywhere!" I point out that in the city where it's illegal, yes.
 
First sighting of the year in my backyard yesterday. No pics yet but when i grab my trail cam ill see if any good ones are there. Looked like two hens and a jake possibly.

Wooded area still has lots of snow, was funny to see them sinking in the snow like i do with each step lol
 
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