Hunting turkeys from a tree stand?

Papaclaude said:
Do they seem to spook easily?
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It can be done for sure but I have found there are a couple of things that work against you when you are in a tree stand. Unlike deer, turkeys routinely get attacked from above (hawks, owls, etc.) so they keep an eye to what may be above them. Also, they are extremely good at pinpointing the source of sound so in my experience, calling them from a tree stand means they are going to be looking in the trees as they come in. I’ve only ever bow hunted them from a tree stand in the fall while I was deer hunting so I can’t speak to the spring season.

I’m interested in hearing stories from others who have hunted them from a tree stand though - especially those who have targeted them from a tree stand and not just happen to harvest one because the opportunity presented itself.
 
I would think it would be more up to chance. As others have said, they would probably spot you easily if you were calling.
 
Turkeys, unlike deer, are very alert to airborne predators, I think your chances are better when concealed on the ground... however, depending on the foliage, it may be easier for YOU to see the birds and get a clear shot. I would not call from a treestand, unless it is before fly-down to get them moving your way and then go silent after fly-down. I would not use treestands for turkeys as it is too limiting and makes fast repositioning impossible. All of my favourite hunts have been playing "cat & mouse" with toms in the timber.
 
It's likely possible to mount a push button call at the bottom of the tree and remotely operate it with some fishing line. That at least would keep the toms looking on the ground level
 
4n2t0 said:
The main problem with hunting turkeys from a treestand while using a shotgun is that you'll send a $hit load of shot down into the turkey. At ground level it's much easier to get a clean(er) head shot.

Bow = yes (although I would get a blind), shotgun = no.
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True but there's much less meat to go thru to hit vital organs when shooting from above. I've never hunted turkey from a treestand but I think it's doable with the right approach. They must be fairly easy to kill from above if your not expecting to shoot the head and neck like a ground shot. The meat wouldn't be as clean either likely. Borderline messy even.
 
4n2t0 said:
The main problem with hunting turkeys from a treestand while using a shotgun is that you'll send a $hit load of shot down into the turkey. At ground level it's much easier to get a clean(er) head shot.

Bow = yes (although I would get a blind), shotgun = no.
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Hadn't thought of that. Great point. Oh well, it seemed like a good idea.
 
Cabelas has those comfy "hunting" lounge chairs on sale right now. I'm thinking about getting one for my turkey hunt. Beats the usual foam pad.
 
I hunt them in the fall from tree stands with a bow.
I also have one stand in a swamp. Year after year it gets thicker and thicker. Turkeys walk straight to it once they fly down. Ive shot several toms from that stand with 10 and 12ga. Visibility on the ground is extremely limited and hard to see beards. The stand allows me to see them coming. When they walk broadside their neck and heads are exposed
 
The only "vital organ" you should be shooting on a turkey with a shotgun is neck/head.
I know someone who has shot a few spring turkeys out of a tree stand. Seemed to work for him.
I still think sitting on the ground gives a bird less chance of picking you off because of movement.
Just my 2 cents
 
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