I hunt a property that is a cornfield on the north side of a deep creek...trees along the creek. At the southeast corner of the field the ground drops down towards the creek and the lower elevation keeps the turkeys out of sight of a road about 400 yards north. In that corner there are some larger trees that I suspected the birds were roosting in. The other morning I was hunting the same farm but a field across the road to the north (successfully!!!!) and I heard at least three gobblers down there near that field corner gobbling like mad. The tough thing is the trees are right on the property line (or the neighbors) and I suspected the toms were flying down on the neighbors side which I can't hunt (it's a pasture).
I got in really early today, set up about 80 yards back form the corner against a small tree, tall weeds around me ...no decoys. I hated to call to them on the roost but I did because I was sure otherwise they would fly down on the neighbors. Only one flew down on my side...about 55 yards east...immediately looked along the creek for the hen...I called once more to try and get him to come west to me...no dice...he acted like he was in a hurry and then flew across the creek to join his buds. I could have gotten closer but I was not exaclty sure which trees they roosted in. It was windy this morning too. Any suggestions???
Yea, if you're going to call in an area where a bird can see 55 yards either improve your gun to be effective at that range, use a decoy, or change your setup to a location where the bird has to be in range before he can see where the hen should be.
Now you know pretty much where they roost I woul slip in to about 50yds (early) put out 2 hen decoys. Soft clucks when the birds start chirping. Tree yelp when they start gobbling then just sit tight and wait. If they read the script you will done in time for breakfast!!!! (hopefully)
Justin
Only reason that bird left was he didnt see a hen. Next time use the hen decoys.
Thansk fo rth eadvice guys , I agree need a hen decoy. This kind of spurred me on to make a homemade movement decoy...I used it succesfully this weekend at another location. I'll try it at this place soon.