topo maps

[rotalley]

Can some of you guys explain some of the features you look for on topo maps to help you narrow down where to begin your physical scouting. I hunt in a large NF and would like to know how to identify potential hot spots.
Thanks
Ryan

[FullChoke]

I always look for creeks and drainage bottoms with adjacent fields or ridges. If the topography is particularly rugged, I also look for saddles and benches with trails to create travel corridors. Try to locate a good accessible high listening point to hear roost gobbling from a long ways.

Once you figure out the birds preferences for areas for roosting, strutting, food and water, travel and loafing, later generations of turkeys will continue to use these same areas if nothing else happens to disrupt the woods.

Good luck.

FullChoke