2017 Ontario Spring Wild Turkey season

Been watching 6 toms behind the house since January with 4 being identical with 5-6" beards, one about 8-9", and the big guy having a big 10-11" beard that just sways back and forth as we waddles his fat butt around. This flock broke up about a week ago and we've spotted the lone toms cruising open fields over the last week. It's odd how they're buddy-buddy before that switch goes off in their heads telling them it's time to kick their buddies butt. Hoping to take one with the shotgun and a second with the crossbow.

Been pondering the idea of dressing up one of my black chickens and taking her along for a hunt just to see how a tom would react.
 
Very eagerly awaiting the opener as well and have been putting plenty of time into scouting. Hoping to try something a little different from the farmland country I typically hunt and hit the "big timber" after a bird as populations have expanded into areas where agricultural fields are nowhere to be found.
 
Looking forward to trying my hand at it for the first time soon! My path in life is now leading me south enough that turkeys abound. Although I will probably be too busy to participate in the Spring hunt, that should give me time to figure out how to hunt them in time for Fall season.
 
Potshot21 said:
Looking forward to trying my hand at it for the first time soon! My path in life is now leading me south enough that turkeys abound. Although I will probably be too busy to participate in the Spring hunt, that should give me time to figure out how to hunt them in time for Fall season.
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Spring and fall are two completely different hunts.... The same tactics don't work for both...
 
RiMP9 said:
One word: YUMMY!!!
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I can smell it already...
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This is my first time going since I just got my license in January. I have a friend with property that I can hunt on which they had 20 in their driveway last fall. We went scouting a couple of weeks ago but couldn't find any evidence of any. Hoping that they come back in the area by the 25th. There were some a few kilometres down the road but it's all private land as well.
 
Superbrad said:
Spring and fall are two completely different hunts.... The same tactics don't work for both...
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I would imagine so, hoping I can drum up some good resources to learn from or meet up with some experienced hunters on I'm finished moving to ensure I'm actually turkey hunting, and not just gallivanting around like a fool in woods :D

Either way, I'm looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to hunt something different. One question I have is how wild turkey compares to a store bought one?
 
First time turkey hunter here. Completed the course back in Nov, so that was a great money grab. Looking forward to trying a new type of hunting. Time for a change from small game and waterfowl.

If anyone is in the Ottawa Valley area, I'm always looking to learn from another hunter.
 
9mm s&w said:
This is my first time going since I just got my license in January. I have a friend with property that I can hunt on which they had 20 in their driveway last fall. We went scouting a couple of weeks ago but couldn't find any evidence of any. Hoping that they come back in the area by the 25th. There were some a few kilometres down the road but it's all private land as well.
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Winter flocks begin to break up in early spring so it's common for areas that had 20+ birds all winter to only have a tom or two and a few hens. I've been watching a flock of 20-25 from the house since winter and every few days the flock had fewer birds and is now down to a few toms and hens. Watching the same birds allows you to see their changes in behavior as the breeding season rolls around and the toms/jakes can no longer stand near their winter buddies without wanting to strut and fight. Starts off slow with a bit of pecking, then half strutting, a bit of chasing, strutting the odd time, strutting every time they're in the field and finally fighting when they're in full ### mode.
 
Was out this morning to do some scouting, clear trails and check my blind spots. I've seen quite a few hens the last week, and some toms in the area. On my way out I spotted these two guys trying to give me the slip.......only 2 more days!

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Here is primary target # 1 for opening day. I watched him strut for a while yesterday and he is an impressive bird. Likely a 10" beard and easily has 1.5" spurs. Two more sleeps and the pursuit commences

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