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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: Dhamilton1 on May 18, 2022, 06:02:19 PM

Title: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dhamilton1 on May 18, 2022, 06:02:19 PM
Long story short, I got on a bird last Friday and couldn't seal the deal. Played cat and mouse with him most of the morning before he disappeared. The next day, Saturday, I slipped in real close to him and was almost under him. Still couldn't seal the deal when he pitched down. Wasn't interested in my calls, my silence, scratching leaves, nothing! (Same deal as Friday)

Would it be a bad idea to try and go after him this Friday again? May even have to resort to bringing a hen decoy along.

What could I do different? This is a public land bird so I try and not over call but when I can't get his interest I feel like I need too. My playbook is pretty short so I've thrown everything at him besides decoys.

Any insight is appreciated.


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: FL-Boss on May 18, 2022, 06:12:45 PM
Any day he could act differently. Put the hen out.. likely won't hurt.   The bird operates in the moment instinct.  Not worried about yesterday or tomorrow...  get after him.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: guesswho on May 18, 2022, 06:15:54 PM
Your not going to kill him if you don't go, that's a fact.   Something to think about, where you set-up is more important than calling in my opinion.   It's hard to explain, but try to visualize what he's looking at if he decides to come in.   You want him comfortable, and don't try to make it happen, let it happen.   Wether that be today, tomorrow or Friday.   You don't have to call much at all, he hears you and knows where you're at.   If he's comfortable with where you are, then it's just a waiting game.   I'd leave the deke, easier to reposition without it. Good luck.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Tom007 on May 18, 2022, 06:16:48 PM
Quote from: FL-Boss on May 18, 2022, 06:12:45 PM
Any day he could act differently. Put the hen out.. likely won't hurt.   The bird operates in the moment instinct.  Not worried about yesterday or tomorrow...  get after him.

X2, totally agree. The right call, right set-up, it all could fall into place....good luck.....
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: TRG3 on May 18, 2022, 06:23:04 PM
 In my experience, there reaches a point when I realize that my calling only identifies my location and the gobbler has either learned not to go there or his hens drag him away from what they view as competition. At this point, I either need to seek another tom or change my hunting style to more of an ambush, perhaps setting out different decoy(s), probably hens, in anticipation of where he will pitch down and not doing any calling. Another possible approach later in the season is to set out a tom with a hen and answer his gobbles with those of your own, giving the impression that there's a peck order challenge in the making. Let us know how this turns out.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: POk3s on May 18, 2022, 07:45:01 PM
Good or bad...I'm not sure, I just know it's a whole lot of fun when you finally kill him.

Frankly, you can overthink it to death and any given thing can work, including the things you've already tried. With that said, I'd try and change up something just a bit and hope it clicks. Whether that's a different calling sequence, pattern, a different sounding call or together and/or decoys. Go get him!
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: ChesterCopperpot on May 18, 2022, 08:26:20 PM
The one thing I know I'd do is change calls. My style of play would differ from what I'd done before. I'd want him to hear a different hen. Might not help, but I've had plenty of times it did and it sure won't hurt. Regardless, unless you know you've just flat out buggered him (something I did this season on a bird I chased multiple days), stay after him.


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Happy on May 18, 2022, 08:30:57 PM
I just got done messing with the same gobbler 2 days in a row. First day should have killed him but an unknown obstruction held him up. Then yesterday I was on him for 11.2 miles and finally had my shot. Only problem was there was a house about 200 yards behind him and even though the turkey and I were on public land I didn't feel comfortable taking the shot. He then followed a hen onto private and I circled it and he never came off of it. I was ready for round three this morning but he was a no show. If there were other turkeys in the area I probably wouldn't have been on him so hard but options were pretty scarce and I was on limited time.

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: mikejd on May 18, 2022, 08:31:53 PM
Good if you kill him bad if you dont.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Turkeyman on May 18, 2022, 08:40:53 PM
You just never know. Example: several years ago a friend told me about a particular gobbler he and several others were trying to get but couldn't. I asked if he minded if I tried...he said absolutely not. I went in there the next day...did your basic owl hoot...he gobbled. Did your basic tree yelps...he liked it. Flew down...ran a string of yelps at him...came in nicely and I killed him. Now...did I do anything others hadn't been doing...no. But I just happened to catch him on the right (vulnerable) day is all. That's why you just have to keep after them and not overthink it.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: rifleman on May 18, 2022, 09:03:20 PM
Agree with POk3s.  Birds have not gobbled very well in my part of WV this year.  They tend to sneak in on my position about 7:30 or so.  I yelp very little but have had luck blindly clucking softly and they seem to love the call I've heard called "bubble cluck".
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: tal on May 18, 2022, 09:13:22 PM
 I agree whole heartedly with everything said. Changing up calls, tactics, and approaches can make the difference. Or just moving back in and get him frustrated enough to close on that hen he missed the day before. It should also be said and playing devil's advocate.... There are some tough old birds with solid instincts that are destined to die of old age. You can waste a season on a bird like that. But the education is usually worth more than the ones you bag.
Go after him
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Yoder409 on May 18, 2022, 09:15:32 PM
Hunt him every day til you kill him.

Every time you try and DON'T succeed...........you oughta be learning something that will up your odds for the next try.  Pay attention to the details of what the bird does.  Use that against him tomorrow. 

I've had very few birds over the years make it past about Day 3 or Day 4.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Greg Massey on May 18, 2022, 09:28:28 PM
Hunting a bird multiple times is a great way to get frustrated with him, BUT you are always learning from him. A gobbler coming in on a string we all like those kinds of hunts. I've seen days that i just wanted to come out of the woods and throw my gun in the lake and burn all my turkey hunting stuff... LOL... but again all those hunts were a day of lessons learned. I agree don't waste all your time just with that gobbler, find another one to hunt and you still can check back with that gobbler later. Good luck... we all love the chase of these gobblers.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: zelmo1 on May 18, 2022, 09:36:14 PM
My wife and I started hunting together 5 years ago. The first year was a flash hunt and over, not a lot of lessons learned. The next year we hunted a bird sporadically throughout the season and we were always a step behind. My lack of patience and her inexperience made it tough. I finally got her tagged out with a different Tom. 1.5 hours after I left my truck, he was mine. All the busted hunts info finally did him in. Don't pound him, but don't give up on him all together. Some days it's time to move on and fight another day. But any day can be the day brother. Good luck, Al
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: CowHunter71 on May 18, 2022, 10:00:34 PM
Quote from: tal on May 18, 2022, 09:13:22 PM
I agree whole heartedly with everything said. Changing up calls, tactics, and approaches can make the difference. Or just moving back in and get him frustrated enough to close on that hen he missed the day before. It should also be said and playing devil's advocate.... There are some tough old birds with solid instincts that are destined to die of old age. You can waste a season on a bird like that. But the education is usually worth more than the ones you bag.
Go after him
Solid advice right here. Some are just meant to die of old age. Tipped my hat to 2 very such Gobblers at the end of my season here Sunday. Anyone who tells you they kill every Gobbler they go after, is full of sh#t
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Greg Massey on May 18, 2022, 10:02:43 PM
Quote from: CowHunter71 on May 18, 2022, 10:00:34 PM
Quote from: tal on May 18, 2022, 09:13:22 PM
I agree whole heartedly with everything said. Changing up calls, tactics, and approaches can make the difference. Or just moving back in and get him frustrated enough to close on that hen he missed the day before. It should also be said and playing devil's advocate.... There are some tough old birds with solid instincts that are destined to die of old age. You can waste a season on a bird like that. But the education is usually worth more than the ones you bag.
Go after him
Solid advice right here. Some are just meant to die of old age. Tipped my hat to 2 very such Gobblers at the end of my season here Sunday. Anyone who tells you they kill every Gobbler they go after, is full of sh#t
X3 agree
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Paulmyr on May 18, 2022, 11:20:16 PM
After the second encounter they go on the hit list. They don't take all my time but they do get special attention.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Gooserbat on May 18, 2022, 11:33:49 PM
My advice is be patient, don't be aggressive, and always be ready for him to turn it on.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Flatbottomarky on May 19, 2022, 12:07:15 AM
I have gotten hung up hunting a bird several days before. Pretty rewarding when you finally get him. If you don't, still enjoy the game, be looking for him next year.

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: RutnNStrutn on May 19, 2022, 12:18:35 AM


Quote from: guesswho on May 18, 2022, 06:15:54 PM
Your not going to kill him if you don't go, that's a fact.
If he's comfortable with where you are, then it's just a waiting game.

Both true!!

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: RutnNStrutn on May 19, 2022, 12:19:28 AM
Quote from: FL-Boss on May 18, 2022, 06:12:45 PM
Any day he could act differently. Put the hen out.. likely won't hurt.   The bird operates in the moment instinct.  Not worried about yesterday or tomorrow...  get after him.
Yep!!

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dhamilton1 on May 19, 2022, 07:36:24 AM
Quote from: rifleman on May 18, 2022, 09:03:20 PM
Agree with POk3s.  Birds have not gobbled very well in my part of WV this year.  They tend to sneak in on my position about 7:30 or so.  I yelp very little but have had luck blindly clucking softly and they seem to love the call I've heard called "bubble cluck".
Rifleman, I'm hunting WV as well. The "bubble cluck" is not something I have been able to master yet. I've watched videos and tried but can't get the technique.

Although off topic, have any good resources or suggestions on how to master it?


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Bolandstrutters on May 19, 2022, 08:04:33 AM
I hunted the same bird 5 or 6 days this spring.  He had a tiny core area in almost a thicket that was very hard to get to.  He would not leave that little spot and it was near impossible to get in tight without spooking him.  He would gobble pretty consistently, but would not budge from that spot.  On the last day I hunted him, i noticed he gobbled just outside of that spot he had been hanging out in.  I got in there as quick as i could, not knowing exactly where he was and called him back within 20 minutes. 
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Bingoman on May 19, 2022, 08:41:28 AM
Quote from: Happy on May 18, 2022, 08:30:57 PM
I just got done messing with the same gobbler 2 days in a row. First day should have killed him but an unknown obstruction held him up. Then yesterday I was on him for 11.2 miles and finally had my shot. Only problem was there was a house about 200 yards behind him and even though the turkey and I were on public land I didn't feel comfortable taking the shot. He then followed a hen onto private and I circled it and he never came off of it. I was ready for round three this morning but he was a no show. If there were other turkeys in the area I probably wouldn't have been on him so hard but options were pretty scarce and I was on limited time.

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Like 11+ miles? That's quite a stalk

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Tom007 on May 19, 2022, 08:53:50 AM
Chasing the same tough bird several days in a row will certainly teach you a mountain of lessons, hopefully leading to a successful harvest. Best advice you can get on Turkey hunting is from a real tough Elusive Tom.....
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: maineute on May 19, 2022, 11:20:48 AM
Definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. You have to take what you learned and try something different based on what you now know. Heck ya you need to hunt him,  but remember, you learn things from him and he learns things from you. That same call or decoy or whatever is not going to work if you have been busted. I hunted the same bird 4 times over 10days (have to work because the kids like to eat)  and finally shot him by being where he wanted to be, I called him into a spot where he wanted to be, that is what I learned. Hunt him until he is dead or you cant find him.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dtrkyman on May 19, 2022, 11:36:33 AM
I have hunted what I assumed to be the same bird many times for multiple days.  It is a blessing and a curse!

Killed many and have had my butt handed to me as well. Many times it may be the only thing I had going anyway so I go all in!  I have also completely bailed on some of those stubborn birds and killed a different bird.

Last one I remember got the better of me!
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Marc on May 19, 2022, 11:47:58 AM
Quote from: guesswho on May 18, 2022, 06:15:54 PM
Your not going to kill him if you don't go, that's a fact.   Something to think about, where you set-up is more important than calling in my opinion.   It's hard to explain, but try to visualize what he's looking at if he decides to come in.   You want him comfortable, and don't try to make it happen, let it happen.   Wether that be today, tomorrow or Friday.   You don't have to call much at all, he hears you and knows where you're at.   If he's comfortable with where you are, then it's just a waiting game.   I'd leave the deke, easier to reposition without it. Good luck.

Very good advise here.  Sounds like a subordinate bird that is nervous coming in?  I would guess when he does come in good range, it will be quiet and sneaky...  Possibly from a direction you are not expecting.

My initial setup on such a bird is such that it is a spot he would be likely to come in to.  It is a spot, that when he can see me (and I can see him) he is in range.  It is a spot that I can reposition if he is coming in or hanging up in the wrong direction.  Have plans A, B, C, & D ready.

These birds, my sucess has come from occasional, subtle calling and leaf scratching...  Generally come in quiet.  Listen for that searching cluck or putt.  Look for that red head that appears out of nowhere.

Quote from: Tom007 on May 19, 2022, 08:53:50 AM
Chasing the same tough bird several days in a row will certainly teach you a mountain of lessons, hopefully leading to a successful harvest. Best advice you can get on Turkey hunting is from a real tough Elusive Tom.....

So true!  Hunting and concentrating on that "one" bird can provide a ton of experience, and hopefully allows you to learn the ins and outs of the terrain and habitat features...  Nothing more frustrating than hunting that bird and coming close...  Not much is more satisfying than finally having that chance at him and being successful!
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: ejhandler on May 19, 2022, 11:58:26 AM
Keep hunting him, especially if you have had a low impact on him the first couple days.  Make small adjustments, too, if you think it will help your confidence. Might try to set up on him in a different direction first thing in the morning.  Try a pot call if you have been hitting him with a mouth call.  Learn his ways, a little bit more every day, cut him off if he goes a certain direction.  I like to give those stubborn birds something a little different every day, especially if their home area seems relatively small.  When all else fails/season is coming to an end, and I know he is roosting in a specific area or tree, I'll get in there in the pitch dark and get in there tight.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: AndyN on May 19, 2022, 12:44:45 PM
You're not mad enough at him yet. I've found when I let the turkeys get in my head and I get real negative about things at turkey usually dies shortly after. I'd imagine I subconsciously change something in the way I'm hunting but I'm not sure what it is. If all else fails TSS and a tail fan...
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: silvestris on May 19, 2022, 04:15:11 PM
There is nothing better than than developing a relationship with a particular gobbler.  One thing no one has touched on is your calling signature.  Everyone develops one and gobblers quickly come to recognize them.  This requires the hunter to think about what he needs to say, and then say it.  Don't let your signature beat you as you encounter a gobbler in a marathon.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: CowHunter71 on May 19, 2022, 05:05:02 PM
Quote from: AndyN on May 19, 2022, 12:44:45 PM
You're not mad enough at him yet. I've found when I let the turkeys get in my head and I get real negative about things at turkey usually dies shortly after. I'd imagine I subconsciously change something in the way I'm hunting but I'm not sure what it is. If all else fails TSS and a tail fan...
Thats truly pathetic
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: CowHunter71 on May 19, 2022, 05:06:10 PM
Quote from: silvestris on May 19, 2022, 04:15:11 PM
There is nothing better than than developing a relationship with a particular gobbler.  One thing no one has touched on is your calling signature.  Everyone develops one and gobblers quickly come to recognize them.  This requires the hunter to think about what he needs to say, and then say it.  Don't let your signature beat you as you encounter a gobbler in a marathon.
Good stuff
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Cutt on May 19, 2022, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: Dhamilton1 on May 18, 2022, 06:02:19 PM
Would it be a bad idea to try and go after him this Friday again?
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No, think about it this way, I only hunt Public and someone is always messing with them, as most birds here never seem to get a day someone isn't after them. So I don't concern myself with giving birds a break, if no one is there I'm hunting. As others said just have to hit it on the right day where he will co-operate.

The place I like to hunt had a hunter get in between me and a bird the first day which he shot and missed. Day 2 and 3 had hunters come in on me, checked the spot all most every day after working nights with vehicles there, and never hit it again till the 13th when there was no vehicle there. Got in the woods at 8:00 and killed a nice one by 8:45.

My point, these birds were harassed every day, hunters didn't give them a break, and he was still killable, as it was the right day.

Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dhamilton1 on May 19, 2022, 08:03:52 PM
Thanks for all of the advice! Was day dreaming about tomorrow morning, most of the afternoon at work today.

Got on my hunting app and looked at where I've got pins for him and where I've sat up the past two times.

Got a plan in mind and a new setup pin placed on the map!


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: mspaci on May 19, 2022, 08:23:22 PM
Luv it when it gets personal w a bird. I call it fun. Done it many times. Mike
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dhamilton1 on May 20, 2022, 07:30:03 AM
S$!T ... thunderstorms and hard rain this morning prevented me from getting in early before dark. Was going to go into work instead but checked the radar and saw an opening so decided to risk the rain.

Stuck to my plan and got to the spot I wanted to even though it was already 7:15 and completely light out. I called a few times on the way in and never heard anything...

Get to the spot and make a call then BAM!! Wings flapping and one soars over my head out of the tree tops over the hill and possibly one up the hill ????????????. Still roosted well after sunrise.

What now?!? I'm currently 50-100 yards from the busted location sitting down at a tree contemplating..


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Yoder409 on May 20, 2022, 07:30:57 AM
Quote from: mspaci on May 19, 2022, 08:23:22 PM
Luv it when it gets personal w a bird.

Yep.  Same here.

Seems when a bird wants to be ignorant, that's when you buckle down and pay attention.  You'll learn more from the hard ones than you will from the ones that come running in tripping over each other.

There's a particular place on my property.  I've hunted it for well over 20 years.  Its a corner where turkeys nearly always roost in the spring.  There's two different fields and a park-like woods between the roosting area and the fields.  You could look at the area and pick out a dozen or more "perfect" setup spots.  Took me nearly 20 years of "difficult" gobblers to figure out that there is exactly ONE spot.  I've killed a bird in that corner for 5 or 6 years in a row now.   
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Yoder409 on May 20, 2022, 07:36:32 AM
Quote from: Dhamilton1 on May 20, 2022, 07:30:03 AM
Get to the spot and make a call then BAM!! Wings flapping and one soars over my head out of the tree tops over the hill and possibly one up the hill ????????????. Still roosted well after sunrise.

What now?!? I'm currently 50-100 yards from the busted location sitting down at a tree contemplating..

If you're 100 yards in the direction the bird went, and you fee confident he landed within earshot of where you are now...........stay sitting down and keep contemplating.  And listen.  Very good chance he's gonna fire up after while.  Especially if you get a rumble of thunder.

Game's not over or lost, either one, yet.

Patience.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: ejhandler on May 20, 2022, 10:36:56 AM
Quote from: Yoder409 on May 20, 2022, 07:36:32 AM
Quote from: Dhamilton1 on May 20, 2022, 07:30:03 AM
Get to the spot and make a call then BAM!! Wings flapping and one soars over my head out of the tree tops over the hill and possibly one up the hill ????????????. Still roosted well after sunrise.

What now?!? I'm currently 50-100 yards from the busted location sitting down at a tree contemplating..

If you're 100 yards in the direction the bird went, and you fee confident he landed within earshot of where you are now...........stay sitting down and keep contemplating.  And listen.  Very good chance he's gonna fire up after while.  Especially if you get a rumble of thunder.

Game's not over or lost, either one, yet.

Patience.

This.  If you boogered him up, I would sit tight and wait for him to gobble on his own.  Then start the game over.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Dhamilton1 on May 20, 2022, 11:02:32 AM
Day ended early due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

He never showed himself or gobbler. However, I did have a hen come in on the ridge above me after I sat in silence, patiently waiting for an hour. So I ended up going back and forth with her for another hour hoping he'd hear all the ruckus and come investigate. That was somewhat fun on its own. She didn't care for my mouth call but the box call got her attention and fired up.

She never showed herself but she stayed close enough the whole time.


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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Cowboy on May 20, 2022, 11:49:43 AM
Quote from: AndyN on May 19, 2022, 12:44:45 PM
You're not mad enough at him yet. I've found when I let the turkeys get in my head and I get real negative about things at turkey usually dies shortly after. I'd imagine I subconsciously change something in the way I'm hunting but I'm not sure what it is. If all else fails TSS and a tail fan...
Why would you mad at a WILD TURKEY?? lol

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: GobbleNut on May 22, 2022, 09:07:37 AM
Quote from: TRG3 on May 18, 2022, 06:23:04 PM
In my experience, there reaches a point when I realize that my calling only identifies my location and the gobbler has either learned not to go there or his hens drag him away from what they view as competition. At this point, I either need to seek another tom or change my hunting style to more of an ambush...

This.  If you must hunt the same bird over and over, the first thing you must do is accept the fact that just repeating the same tactics in your set-up and calling is most likely not going to result in a different outcome.  Gobblers absolutely have the ability to learn to associate turkey calling with humans and avoid approaching  any calling they hear that they cannot actually SEE the turkey that is calling to them.

However, if you are hunting the same gobbler strategically such that you are not boogering him up each time you hunt him, then you should be learning more about him and his behavior and patterns each time.  Once you have put enough pieces of that puzzle together, you should eventually be able to put yourself in a position to have any opportunity to kill him.  That "positioning" will also likely include accepting the fact that your success is more based on ambush rather than calling. 

Every gobbler can be killed, no doubt, but that result if often a function of the hunter realizing what he can and cannot do to in trying to kill him.  The "fly in the ointment", though, is whether you are the only one hunting this gobbler or not.  If other hunters are also hunting this bird at times, then all bets are off.  You can only control how you go about hunting this bird, not what other hunters might be doing to completely change the game. :icon_thumright:

Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Paulmyr on May 22, 2022, 07:56:04 PM
Thought I had one patterned today. Got into a landing about 50yds wide on and old logging rd. The previous 2 encounteres were in an older clearcut. One the boss was there with hens and he showed up. When the boss left with the gals he stayed for a few gobbles before filtering up near the landing and the boss? The boss didn't gobble much. Maybe 2 times on the roost 2 times after flydown and once when he was leaving out with the gals. Second time he was there by himself no boss around.  Couldn't get any replies and he filtered up to the the landing area.

This morn I was waiting for him in the landing area except he shows up from the other direction. Gobbled about 6 times right where I parked the truck. Wouldn't answer me or the hen that was roosted over my shoulder about 75 yds away. She started the calling so I joined in. She waited about 20 mins and called again so I answered back. The Gobbler was in uninterested. Of the times I've called to him he's only answered immediately 2 times. The rest were about 10 second delays.

I spooked her off the roost at 8 when I got up to move to where I heard far off gobbles earlier in the morn. I was thinking boss made them gobbles. She was still on roost when I came through that landing the previous weekend at around 9am while trailing said gobbler to the Clear cut. So I guess that makes 4 times I got on this gobbler.

I get over there and get a quiet gobble about 150yds away about 10 secs  after my 1st calls. Heard nothing for the previous 1 1/2 hours or  after only calling sporadically. I circled around , stopped and called from 2 more locations and nothing. When I got back to the truck, the size of his footprint in the road 10ft in front of it tells me he's a 2 yr old that don't want to get whooped by the boss and only answers when he knows where the boss is.

The boss has been tied up with hens the last 2 weekends. Seen him strutting in the Rd at 1pm yesterday with 2 hens. If course by the time I ease out of the truck and get set up an Atv comes by. Not saying he would have answered anyways because he's been awful quiet the last 2 weekends. Hoped maybe the hen would get going and drag him up as I just watched her flog and chase a hen away.

Got the boss real fired up late on morn last weekend but one of the hens came in dragged him away gobbling his but off as he went. Had him just out of sight at between 75 and 100yds.

Just because they don't come doesn't mean they are call shy.  There's plenty more factors other than pressure that maybe involved, like pecking order. If the boss is vocal and the sub knows where he's at you got a chance. Most likely he'll come quick or silently. If the Boss is quiet all bets are off.

If he's the only gobbler around, he's either tied up with hens or you got one of them hermit Gobblers. Gonna take some work to kill him.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: bonasa on May 22, 2022, 08:43:34 PM
Is this the only bird you have patterned? Confidence is key, without it you are just doubting yourself and won't be able to play at the top of your game. May be best to find another bird, for a fresh start.

After all its just a bird. Perhaps you spooked him before he flew down? Did he gobble on the roost much after you got in? Did he fly down and just walk off after setting his wings?

Maybe setup where he went to, that is if you can roost him or put eyes/ears on him prior. Ditch the hen and just pop the jake out. Listen in the morning and wait for him to fly down before you take his temp. IF hes interested you can always back off.

Good luck
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: ferocious calls on May 23, 2022, 06:44:39 AM
Yes. Hunted the same bird for 19 mornings. Soft talk in the right spot ended his tour. Keep after him.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Happy on May 23, 2022, 12:42:54 PM
Quote from: Bingoman on May 19, 2022, 08:41:28 AM
Quote from: Happy on May 18, 2022, 08:30:57 PM
I just got done messing with the same gobbler 2 days in a row. First day should have killed him but an unknown obstruction held him up. Then yesterday I was on him for 11.2 miles and finally had my shot. Only problem was there was a house about 200 yards behind him and even though the turkey and I were on public land I didn't feel comfortable taking the shot. He then followed a hen onto private and I circled it and he never came off of it. I was ready for round three this morning but he was a no show. If there were other turkeys in the area I probably wouldn't have been on him so hard but options were pretty scarce and I was on limited time.

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Like 11+ miles? That's quite a stalk

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Sorry, just saw this. 11.2 miles round trip. I had my opportunity 4 or 5 miles in.

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: WV Flopper on May 23, 2022, 07:56:48 PM
 I totally get that some of us only have X amount of places to hunt. But I don't get spending half a season on one turkey. You are missing out on a lot of prime scouting time you could be gaining knowledge for upcoming seasons plus maybe running into a turkey that wants to play the game.

If I knowingly mess up on a turkey I may give him three tries, otherwise it's two at best. Sometimes I go back and he is gone...maybe dead, maybe he went for a walk? Maybe I pack him out.

If you places to hunt I wouldn't spend a lot of time on the same bird. Actually, if you only have a couple places to hunt it's all the more reason to find a new. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: GobbleNut on May 24, 2022, 08:48:24 AM
Quote from: WV Flopper on May 23, 2022, 07:56:48 PM
I totally get that some of us only have X amount of places to hunt. But I don't get spending half a season on one turkey. You are missing out on a lot of prime scouting time you could be gaining knowledge for upcoming seasons plus maybe running into a turkey that wants to play the game.

If I knowingly mess up on a turkey I may give him three tries, otherwise it's two at best. Sometimes I go back and he is gone...maybe dead, maybe he went for a walk? Maybe I pack him out.

If you places to hunt I wouldn't spend a lot of time on the same bird. Actually, if you only have a couple places to hunt it's all the more reason to find a new. Just my opinion.

Exactly!   :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Paulmyr on May 25, 2022, 09:45:04 PM
For me playing the game is more than just sitting to a turkey for 2 or 3 hours in mourning. If it works out that way all the better than on to the next one. For the tough ones the game means figuring it out. Where he likes to roost, where he feels safe after he's off the roost, are hens involved, is pecking order an issue. These are things that I need to  answer if I'm likely to get a shot at him.

The hunt for these tough birds goes on even after I leave the woods. I'll be hunting on break at work, at night before I fall asleep, when I'm mowing the grass. There's constant rehashing of previous forays that didn't work as well as planning of tactics that may or may not work that need to be thought out. Do I need to set up in that opening or up on the point of the ridge? Is it possible/feasible to get in close to his roost or do I need to lay back to see what his next move is? Better yet, where are his roosts? The more I'm in the woods hunting these tough gobblers the more likely I'll be able to figure out his personality and areas he's comfortable.

I've always been a competitive person. Don't tell me it can't be done because I'm going to do my damdest to prove you wrong. I might not be able to do it but it won't be from lack of trying. Same thing in the turkey woods. These tough birds bring out my competitive nature. It's hard for me to leave it lie. I will be back as long as there's season left and I have a tag to fill. Like I said before, he won't take all my time but he'll garner special attention with the hopes of coaxing him into gun range. Usually there's other gobblers in the area that become vulnerable when the game is being played.

Scouting for new areas will be left for the not so prime time periods. I don't need to  hear thier gobble to know they are around.
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Pluffmud on May 26, 2022, 06:28:51 AM
I've killed turkeys that needed to be called aggressively all the way to the shot. I've killed turkeys that I only softly called to one time. I've also killed turkeys that I targeted and hunted for two weeks. I've also killed turkeys I had no idea where in the area two minutes after locating them. Get out there and hunt him. One more thing... You can definitely over call a turkey... But on the flip side of the same coin, you can let turkeys get away by being afraid of over calling. Clear as mud?
Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: Cowboy on May 26, 2022, 07:27:11 AM
I'll make it short and sweet. If your having fun huntin him then do it!

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Title: Re: Hunting the same bird multiple times .. good or bad?
Post by: High plains drifter on May 27, 2022, 12:39:21 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on May 24, 2022, 08:48:24 AM
Quote from: WV Flopper on May 23, 2022, 07:56:48 PM
I totally get that some of us only have X amount of places to hunt. But I don't get spending half a season on one turkey. You are missing out on a lot of prime scouting time you could be gaining knowledge for upcoming seasons plus maybe running into a turkey that wants to play the game.

If I knowingly mess up on a turkey I may give him three tries, otherwise it's two at best. Sometimes I go back and he is gone...maybe dead, maybe he went for a walk? Maybe I pack him out.

If you places to hunt I wouldn't spend a lot of time on the same bird. Actually, if you only have a couple places to hunt it's all the more reason to find a new. Just my opinion.

Exactly!   :icon_thumright:    I agree.Move on.