I have have shot a couple of birds. I've leaned up against a tree, sat in a tree stand, used a blind and they all work to some degree. But the biggest problem I have is setting up and using natural camouflage. Do you build a blind from cut limbs, use the terrain to hide behind?
Looking for some fresh ideas!
Watch Pinhoti Project on YouTube and also The Hunting Public! Lots of great ideas there!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
On the properties that I hunt I have hot spots that I always go to. There I have built blinds from debris laying about against the biggest tree that suits the spot. I usually refurbish them prior to the season when out listening. If I am roaming and he gobbles nearby, I generally try to find a tree that is slightly bigger than my shoulder width and set down with him a little off to my left. I don't use commercial blinds because I don't like carrying them in.
As I scout an area I'm always looking for downed trees, bigger than average trees, and holes from uprooted tree root balls that make ideal set ups. Sometimes, you get all three from one tree.
I dug some soil out from behind a limb pile after a part of the land at my old lease was logged. It wasn't much cover, but it was in a shady spot up against a big tree that overlooked a logging road and loading deck they turkeys liked to use. There was literally no other place big enough to hide anywhere close. Many turkeys died there over the years.
Jim
Quote from: rifleman on March 11, 2019, 09:13:11 PM
On the properties that I hunt I have hot spots that I always go to. There I have built blinds from debris laying about against the biggest tree that suits the spot. I usually refurbish them prior to the season when out listening. If I am roaming and he gobbles nearby, I generally try to find a tree that is slightly bigger than my shoulder width and set down with him a little off to my left. I don't use commercial blinds because I don't like carrying them in.
Thanks for the info. I going to do what you describe build prepositioned blinds this year. I have hunted the same land for decades but got picked off twice last year once in a commercial blind.
Quote from: jryser on March 11, 2019, 08:40:51 PM
Watch Pinhoti Project on YouTube and also The Hunting Public! Lots of great ideas there!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice videos on here Thanks.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 11, 2019, 09:40:35 PM
Quote from: jryser on March 11, 2019, 08:40:51 PM
Watch Pinhoti Project on YouTube and also The Hunting Public! Lots of great ideas there!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice videos on here Thanks.
Yessir! You r welcome. I like to try and have the sun behind me. Also, using face mask and gloves is key.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The best camo is remaining motionless if he can see you. Blinds and cover help but just be still, have a good backdrop and you should be good.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Try to stay in the shadows and be still. I don't sit up high. Birds aren't like deer and will pick you out pretty easily from a stand. Stay low and stay still.
I call it grab a tree. Just squat next to a larger, darker tree. Even if that's not possible stay still. The birds won't spook. For more camo a multiple trunked tree or something can't hurt but it's not necessary
Luckily in Florida we have a ton of Palmettos and cabbage palms nearby.
Two things 1. Always setup in the shadows. If you can, never have the sun in your face shining directly at you. The sun will magnify any movement you make. 2. Always setup in brush against a tree if on the ground. Any brush that is between you and the bird will help conceal you and breakup your outline. Never setup right on the edge of a field or road. Move off the field or road 5 to 10 yards for that natural camouflage.
Every situation is different based on the circumstances. Sometimes you have lots of time to plan your set-up and can assess the conditions and available cover and act accordingly. Sometimes that action means doing nothing more than choosing an existing, natural location,...and sometimes it means taking the time to adjust things to minimize your chance of being busted while maximizing your comfort and potential shot opportunities.
In those quick-setup situations, the old "back against a tree in the shade" is a good starting point. Sometimes that is the best you can do and is in a lot of cases all that is needed. However, getting stuck in that mind-set can also work against you in some instances. There will be times when using less-orthodox set-up tactics are called for.
In recent years, I have found myself choosing to stand,...in good cover or behind a large tree,...rather than sit. I also regularly choose to lie prone if the conditions call for it. The point is, don't make the mistake of assuming that the "sit with my back against a tree trunk" is the best way to go. Always consider the conditions and alternatives that will maximize your chances of success in every situation.
It's important to have more cover behind you than in front. You want to blend in to your surroundings, whatever they may be. A tree trunk that's wider than your shoulders with some scrub brush in front of you is a good setup. So is a pile of briars or a blowdown. Keep the taller thicker cover behind you, and the shorter cover in front to conceal movement from your legs or shotgun.
One other thing that's often overlooked is sun vs shade. On a sunny day you can hide a LOT better setting up in a shady spot vs out in direct sunlight. Even in the woods you want to pay attention to this. It's even better when the bird has sun and you don't. Think of standing in a sunny field looking into the woods and you see the shade under a small cedar tree. It looks almost black from your perspective because your eyes are adjusted to the bright light. It's a lot easier to hide in something dark than out in the spotlight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Quote from: Kylongspur88 on March 12, 2019, 07:16:16 AM
Try to stay in the shadows and be still. I don't sit up high. Birds aren't like deer and will pick you out pretty easily from a stand. Stay low and stay still.
I think that's excellent advice about staying in the shadows. I strongly dislike being directly in the sun. I must say tho that I have had great success in tree stands for both turkey and deer. My stands are very well hidden: much like I am trying to accomplish on the ground. Thanks for your feedback.
Quote from: bbcoach on March 12, 2019, 08:28:03 AM
Two things 1. Always setup in the shadows. If you can, never have the sun in your face shining directly at you. The sun will magnify any movement you make. 2. Always setup in brush against a tree if on the ground. Any brush that is between you and the bird will help conceal you and breakup your outline. Never setup right on the edge of a field or road. Move off the field or road 5 to 10 yards for that natural camouflage.
Really useful advice. I hunt alot in the woods but have trouble with brush in front of me. Do you trim shooting lanes if you have time? Thanks
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 12, 2019, 08:29:26 PM
Quote from: bbcoach on March 12, 2019, 08:28:03 AM
Two things 1. Always setup in the shadows. If you can, never have the sun in your face shining directly at you. The sun will magnify any movement you make. 2. Always setup in brush against a tree if on the ground. Any brush that is between you and the bird will help conceal you and breakup your outline. Never setup right on the edge of a field or road. Move off the field or road 5 to 10 yards for that natural camouflage.
Really useful advice. I hunt alot in the woods but have trouble with brush in front of me. Do you trim shooting lanes if you have time? Thanks
When you say trim brush if you have time what exactly do you mean? If it's middle of the night and you have a bird roosted perhaps but if you're running n gunning, do anything besides grab a quick tree if that bird is close and it's guaranteed you'll pay for that eventually trimming branches when a bird walks in. You don't need it wide open
I prefer to be sitting against a tree slightly wider than me.But I have shot them standing behind a tree, kneeling behind a tree, kneeling in the wide open and even laying prone. Trick is be set up to shoot as soon as you can get a positive ID when set up in a compromising position.
Quote from: Bowguy on March 12, 2019, 08:49:33 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 12, 2019, 08:29:26 PM
Quote from: bbcoach on March 12, 2019, 08:28:03 AM
Two things 1. Always setup in the shadows. If you can, never have the sun in your face shining directly at you. The sun will magnify any movement you make. 2. Always setup in brush against a tree if on the ground. Any brush that is between you and the bird will help conceal you and breakup your outline. Never setup right on the edge of a field or road. Move off the field or road 5 to 10 yards for that natural camouflage.
Really useful advice. I hunt alot in the woods but have trouble with brush in front of me. Do you trim shooting lanes if you have time? Thanks
When you say trim brush if you have time what exactly do you mean? If it's middle of the night and you have a bird roosted perhaps but if you're running n gunning, do anything besides grab a quick tree if that bird is close and it's guaranteed you'll pay for that eventually trimming branches when a bird walks in. You don't need it wide open
I should have been clearer. I do a lot of blind calling as I pull many of my birds from neighboring property. So I have time to set up and trim a few lanes if need be. I don't like shooting through a lot of brush. Missed a gobbler once. Shot a sapling clean in to - never seen it.
I am basically trying to improve my ground game without the use of a blind. I'm very mobile although after 10 am I will move into a blind.
Quote from: Happy on March 12, 2019, 08:57:51 PM
I prefer to be sitting against a tree slightly wider than me.But I have shot them standing behind a tree, kneeling behind a tree, kneeling in the wide open and even laying prone. Trick is be set up to shoot as soon as you can get a positive ID when set up in a compromising position.
I understand sitting, standing or kneeling behind or in front of a tree: that's good advice. I've gleaned from this topic the importance of staying in the shade, having the sun at your back and a good back drop along with some cover such as brush in front if possible. A downed log or root ball with a slight hole is good cover and most importantly staying still. I also think using terrain such as where a turkey has to pop over a hill or rise is a good place for an ambush. Turkey is in range before he has a chance to see the hunter.
When concealing oneself at a fields edge it is important to sit back 5 to 10 feet to remain out of sight which will also conceal one from the suns direct light bu utilizing natural cover. I have just the spot in mind. One should always face West when possible with the sun behind you as its better to let the turkey have the sun in his eyes.
I also like the idea of building brush piles ahead of time in spots known to be turkey hot spots. I have several of those locations in mind and will build them next week.
I appreciate all the info and I think it will help me a lot. Now I need to put it all together. I have hunted Turkey in several states but these Eastern birds are very difficult at times especially when they have a bit of pressure. I'm sure this information is going to help a lot of other turkey hunters too.. Good luck to everyone this season.
Quote from: Ross R on March 12, 2019, 08:16:15 AM
Luckily in Florida we have a ton of Palmettos and cabbage palms nearby.
You're right! Hunted Florida last year. Much more cover than any where else I have hunted.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 12, 2019, 09:10:15 PM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 12, 2019, 08:49:33 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 12, 2019, 08:29:26 PM
Quote from: bbcoach on March 12, 2019, 08:28:03 AM
Two things 1. Always setup in the shadows. If you can, never have the sun in your face shining directly at you. The sun will magnify any movement you make. 2. Always setup in brush against a tree if on the ground. Any brush that is between you and the bird will help conceal you and breakup your outline. Never setup right on the edge of a field or road. Move off the field or road 5 to 10 yards for that natural camouflage.
Really useful advice. I hunt alot in the woods but have trouble with brush in front of me. Do you trim shooting lanes if you have time? Thanks
When you say trim brush if you have time what exactly do you mean? If it's middle of the night and you have a bird roosted perhaps but if you're running n gunning, do anything besides grab a quick tree if that bird is close and it's guaranteed you'll pay for that eventually trimming branches when a bird walks in. You don't need it wide open
I should have been clearer. I do a lot of blind calling as I pull many of my birds from neighboring property. So I have time to set up and trim a few lanes if need be. I don't like shooting through a lot of brush. Missed a gobbler once. Shot a sapling clean in to - never seen it.
I am basically trying to improve my ground game without the use of a blind. I'm very mobile although after 10 am I will move into a blind.
In a situation where you really did have time it'd not hurt. Turkey don't seem susceptible to anything slightly different but you can't cut every sapling down between you n the expected path of bird. You should also realize you can overdue the camo n make things harder to shoot/swing a gun.
Some natural cover in front is great imo, it allows you to pick up gun, readjust, etc. I'd never want perfect shooting lanes. Most times spring birds are already in openinish cover anyway.
Don't overthink this. Trees, rocks, tree tops, ridges are all gonna be obstacles but may offer a perfect chance to be ready like you wouldn't be if it was wide open.
It sounds like I'm going back n forth perhaps that's because every situation is different and there's no substitute for experience. Some birds just get away. Being still is your best option and less may be more
Quote from: Curtdawg88 on March 11, 2019, 10:40:20 PM
The best camo is remaining motionless if he can see you. Blinds and cover help but just be still, have a good backdrop and you should be good.
I agree I usually hunt thick enough areas to hide me
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
In the shade, back up against something be it a tree or brush, and if i have time I may clip a few branches or brush and shove them in the ground around me.
Quote from: Gobble! on March 13, 2019, 04:20:48 PM
In the shade, back up against something be it a tree or brush, and if i have time I may clip a few branches or brush and shove them in the ground around me.
Thanks for the info. I actually used this technique in New Mexico and it worked well. I even had five deer within 15 feet. I appreciate everyone's input. I will definitely be improving my ground game this season. It's a huge help having everyone explain and provide tips. Maybe this year its my turn to put one over on these pressured birds.
Good advice. I'm a runner and gunner and I follow the big tree and shade advice where possible. The one thing I'll add, that others may disagree with, is I like to have an opening in front of me but brush to my sides. Roughly a 90 degree opening or a bit more. Most of the time the turkeys are following the woods line when they are coming in. The disadvantage is that you won't see the turkey until he's close, but that is true the other direction too.
When I am hunting solo, I almost exclusively hunt without a blind. With kids, I tend to use the blind. Last year, however, I took a big ol' gobbler by slipping in before daylight and setting up out in the field I figured he would pitch down into. There were only a few isolated oak trees so I took some camo netting and a few green tomato stakes. I stuck the stakes into the ground at an angle and then I wrapped the netting around them using those new flexible rubberized "twist ties." It worked great and the whole thing is super easy to wrap up and carry around (lightweight, too).
You ask about trimming shooting lanes. I carry a pair of pruners with me always. I will sit down and see if I have areas that need trimming and trim accordingly, if I have time. Most of the time, no lanes are cleared. I will cut tops off very small saplings and brush. Just enough to keep my outline broken up but able to see over. Shadows, natural camouflage and keep my movement to a bare minimum is always BEST.
I totally agree with others about setting up in the shadows, against a large back drop, use some brush to break up your outline, etc. These are all great points, but if you are covered up in good camo, then I feel that your movement (or lack of) is by far the most important aspect. And it's really not how much you move, as it is when you move and how fast you move.
Some turkey hunters say that you can't move at all, that you need to sit as still as a statue, you can't blink or you can't even hardly breath when a turkey is in sight and that is just not true. Timing your movement to when when a turkeys line of sight to you is blocked by something or if the bird is in full strut and looking in the opposite direction is great, but you can also get away with a lot of movement even when a bird is in view, as long as your movement is very, very slow.
Setting up against a big tree and in shade is standard operating procedure. I also like to use ground contour if possible so that when the bird comes into view, he's pretty close to being in gun range. That can apply to hilltops or any small rise in the land that you can put between you and the bird. If he can view your position from a long distance, the more possibility that he might hang up if he sees your shape/movement or if he can't see the hen he's expecting.
Good stuff here. I agree that sitting next to a large tree in the shade is the way to go. But that's also how I am getting picked off. It usually occurs in early season when there is little foliage. This is the main reason I have asked for advice plus I am just curious how others do it. I like the idea of brushed in blinds: preferably next to a downed tree or a large tree a bit larger than one's shoulders.
I also like using the contours of the surrounding land. Especially rises where I may sit a decoy and the first opportunity the Gobbler has to see me is when he pokes his head up to look over the rise.
I carry a pair of hand shears to cut some brush out of the way but not too much. I do frequently sit back in the brush in such a manner that the Turkey cannot see me until he is close.
The property I hunt consists of fields and bushy ravines with good timber growth.. There are plenty of hay roles to sit beside and behind too. So the possibilities are endless.
I will post any success I have on here during and after the season. Again I can't thank everyone enough for taking the time to answer my questions.
P.S. I did want to mention that I use shooting sticks to minimize motion when sitting.
I am not as picky about being on the shade as some. By all means if practical I will use it. But it isn't a deal breaker to me. If I am in the right spot it's to late for the turkey anyways. I am fairly aggressive when I see what I perceive as an opportunity. And while agree that movement gets their attention quicker than anything, I disagree that you can't move on them. It is just knowing when to move and how to move.
This may sound simplistic, but by putting a camo-type screen or netting in front of you, your choice of what to wear is not that important because the turkey can't see beyond the screen/netting. In addition, your movements are not visible so that you can put down a slate/striker and pick up your shotgun without being seen, especially if you have a decoy that occupies the real bird's attention. Several times I've set up in a mowed grass field by leaning against a fence post with the camo screen in front of me along with a Funky Chicken decoy some 20 yards away. The incoming gobbler focused his attention on the decoy and didn't notice me at all. Sometimes you need to set up in a less-than-desirable place and the camo screen makes this possible.
Quote from: TRG3 on March 17, 2019, 12:24:04 AM
This may sound simplistic, but by putting a camo-type screen or netting in front of you, your choice of what to wear is not that important because the turkey can't see beyond the screen/netting. In addition, your movements are not visible so that you can put down a slate/striker and pick up your shotgun without being seen, especially if you have a decoy that occupies the real bird's attention. Several times I've set up in a mowed grass field by leaning against a fence post with the camo screen in front of me along with a Funky Chicken decoy some 20 yards away. The incoming gobbler focused his attention on the decoy and didn't notice me at all. Sometimes you need to set up in a less-than-desirable place and the camo screen makes this possible.
Thanks for the info. Certainly worth a try. :OGani:
I will add one thing here. Don't blind yourself up to the point you can't move around your tree. Many many times I'm all set gun up ready and the bird comes in from the opposite direction. I have slid around many a tree to get into the right position. Many others would not have the confidence to move like this. You need to make the move at the right time. I have on countless times had to change trees in the middle of the fight just to be able to get a chance at a bird. Many times I have looked back on my successes and realized if I didn't move forward I would have just watched another long beard walk away. If you think you need to move, don't wait or it's to late. Do or die. Every time it will be different. That's why I love it so much.
Quote from: turkaholic on March 24, 2019, 08:19:12 AM
I will add one thing here. Don't blind yourself up to the point you can't move around your tree. Many many times I'm all set gun up ready and the bird comes in from the opposite direction. I have slid around many a tree to get into the right position. Many others would not have the confidence to move like this. You need to make the move at the right time. I have on countless times had to change trees in the middle of the fight just to be able to get a chance at a bird. Many times I have looked back on my successes and realized if I didn't move forward I would have just watched another long beard walk away. If you think you need to move, don't wait or it's to late. Do or die. Every time it will be different. That's why I love it so much.
Had that experience once. Bird kept circling just out of sight twice and the headed down hill toward the creek. Fortunately another bird gobbled about 80 yards away and the first turned around and walked by me at 30 yards. He did not make it to far and I went around the tree twice.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 12, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Always consider the conditions and alternatives that will maximize your chances of success in every situation.
Well said...
Adapting to the situation is the key to success of the guys I know who consistently put game on the table (whether it be turkeys, ducks, or deer).
If I am running and gunning, and hear a gobble, I will look at the most advantageous spot to sit comfortably and hidden. I would rather hide behind a rock I can rest my gun on, than in front of a tree I can lean against. But, if the tree offers the better position, I will take the tree.
If I am walking across a meadow or pasture and hear a bird gobble over a knoll that is close, I will lie down prone.
If I have birds gobble just the other side of a ridge I am near, I will quickly attempt to calculate if I can get to that ridge, or at least get within shooting range of the skyline of the ridge. My calculations have been known to be incorrect.
And yeah... Sometimes standing up will give you an opportunity that sitting will not. I have had multiple birds that were in range, that I simply could have stood up and shot at... Instead they walked away, while I attempted feverishly to call them back.
I have used a ghille suit with some success, but mine is rather green and hard to use IMO in the early season or when the spring is late. Maybe they can't see as much green as I can in it.
Quote from: ggrue on March 28, 2019, 05:43:54 AM
I have used a ghille suit with some success, but mine is rather green and hard to use IMO in the early season or when the spring is late. Maybe they can't see as much green as I can in it.
Had been considering a gillie suit. However, I fight briers all the time and I would be constantly untangling myself.
Yeah I might keep mine in the back of my turkey vest and just use the jacket on setups.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Typically low to ground and with some back cover and some way to cut shadows. Well that's the strategy I will use this year for my first year. Will see how it goes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: brettdunn7 on March 28, 2019, 04:04:46 PM
Typically low to ground and with some back cover and some way to cut shadows. Well that's the strategy I will use this year for my first year. Will see how it goes.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There is some really good advice in this post. I would write it down as it is a lot to remember and try the suggestions. That is what I am doing. I started this post by asking for advice to improve my ground game. I do a lot of running and gunning but still get picked off occasionally. I have been busted by Turkeys and especially coyotes. I am not new to turkey hunting but there is always something new to learn. Another way I learn is by reading all the old posts even tho some go back three years or more. Good luck this year!
I usually only get creative with hiding my set up when I am cold calling, if I am working a vocal bird I pick the best tree in the spot I feel I can call a bird into.
I am not saying not to worry about it but I rely on large trees shadows and being still!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk