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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: reflexl on February 18, 2013, 09:12:24 AM

Title: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: reflexl on February 18, 2013, 09:12:24 AM
Yall have any? I started waiting till they drop the fan till I shoot. It has cost me in the past but hopefully not this year. reflexl
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Wingbone on February 18, 2013, 09:24:03 AM
I used to be bad about wanting to get up an move on a bird before giving him a chance to make up his mind about closing the distance. I finally learned to have patience, but now my buddies say I give the birds WAY too long to make up their mind. I don't know if that's a bad habit or not, though. I've killed many more turkeys than they have, and I haven't bumped a bird by getting overly aggressive with them in years. I think I'll stick with waiting the ole toms out, if I think I can wear'em down anyway.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: n2deer on February 18, 2013, 09:39:22 AM
I have a bad habit of wanting to make something happen.
Kills lots of birds and runs em off too.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: ziggy on February 18, 2013, 09:48:56 AM
trying to put "the sneak" on them
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: longspur on February 18, 2013, 10:30:56 AM
Quote from: Wingbone on February 18, 2013, 09:24:03 AM
. I've killed many more turkeys than they have, and I haven't bumped a bird by getting overly aggressive with them in years.
this should settle it for you. :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: jblackburn on February 18, 2013, 11:04:32 AM
I get impatient and want to move on a bird.  I can also get too aggressive with calling.  I'm working on both of these, but I have also lost birds by not moving and not calling aggressively.

Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: njdevilsb on February 18, 2013, 11:57:55 AM
I'm too quick to want to move as well.  I've been getting better at this recently.  One year my dad and I had 3 or 4 birds gobbling good after flydown, but they stayed just inside the woods a couple hundred yards away from us.  It seemed like they were in the same exact spot the whole time.  They eventually stopped gobbling.  I suggested maybe we try to relocate a little bit.  My dad said we should just stay put a little while longer.  It wasn't 5 minutes after this that I caught 3 heads coming through the brush about 20 yards away.  The caught me completely off guard.  I was standing with my gun laying on the ground.  I had to get down and get my gun and get in position without getting busted.   They came out to the field and we got 2 of them.  Once they decided to commit, they completely shut up and came right in.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: pappy on February 18, 2013, 12:22:23 PM
One of my biggest problems was movement....when you get anzie like me that is a big mistake...I have to learn to be more patient, last Spring I moved my head to get a better look at a tom coming in from behind me and boom, he was outa there like a lightning bolt. I think another thing that is a bad habit for a lot of hunters is over calling and trying to call those birds in from 25 miles off....I know you don't have to run your calls non stop, but I think a lot of new hunters are so anxious that they believe the more the better, big no-no.....and you really should have to run your calls so loud that you're breaking the windows out of homes ten miles away...good controlled soft calls work a lot better.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Gooserbat on February 18, 2013, 01:27:05 PM
It's a chess game indeed.  I believe I've killed more birds by sitting tight and playing it quiet than not, but there are still those time it pays to gamble.  That said when I gamble I hold my cards close.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: mikejd on February 18, 2013, 01:31:35 PM
Quote from: jblackburn on February 18, 2013, 11:04:32 AM
I get impatient and want to move on a bird.  I can also get too aggressive with calling.  I'm working on both of these, but I have also lost birds by not moving and not calling aggressively.

Same here. Sometimes its hard to know what right. Just have to use instinct and don't do the what if game.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Improvinghunter101 on February 18, 2013, 02:03:15 PM
My uncle is the poster boy for run and gun.  Run being the most emphasized word in that phrase.  When we hunt with him out in Nebraska he will literally fast walk at least 200 yards or better.  There have been a few times where when we've told him to stop so we could call, the birds were literally right there.  We've had to roll to the nearest tree as well as dive down into a creek bottom.  There have only been a couple times I have seen where his "running and gunning" has bumped birds.  Who actually knows the real number.  They can be there and you'd never know it anyways.  Over the years I've come to realize I just have to speak up and stop him every now and again. 
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: tomstopper on February 18, 2013, 02:04:43 PM
PATIENCE. Trying not to overcall and move on birds to soon. Sometimes I try to make things happen and usually nothing happens then. Good things come to those who wait.....
Title: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Rio on February 18, 2013, 02:18:27 PM
Calling too much before fly down. I'm getting better, though. I like to give a soft yelp to let him know I'm there, then get him on the ground before I make my next move. A couple times last year, though, I was SURE he was on the ground and got too loud too fast. 15 minutes later I watch him fly down.....can't win them all! Like I said...I'm working on it. Lol
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: flintlock on February 18, 2013, 04:56:31 PM
Lining out vacation days, gas money and getting the honey-do list done before season.  :)
Title: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: mudhen on February 18, 2013, 06:30:57 PM
Poor equipment.

Many years ago, I decided if I wanted cheap turkey meat, I'd head to the grocery store.

I might still make mistakes, but it will be my fault, not my equipment.

I now buy the best stuff I can afford...

mudhen
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
Thumping twigs like a paper football.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Eric Gregg on February 18, 2013, 07:28:26 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
Thumping twigs like a paper football.

:icon_thumright:
You must have been bored
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 08:08:29 PM
Quote from: Eric Gregg on February 18, 2013, 07:28:26 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
Thumping twigs like a paper football.

:icon_thumright:
You must have been bored
I was seeing if I could reach the turkeys.  I was coming up about five to 10 yards short. 
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Devastator on February 18, 2013, 08:28:55 PM
Probably impatience and calling to much  :-\
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Kylongspur88 on February 18, 2013, 08:30:51 PM
Sometimes I look with my head instead of my eyes...


Back years ago when I chewed which is a really bad habit I swallowed a wad of Kodiak wintergreen just as a bird was working in.. I think I heard him laughing while I was doubled over gagging and heaving.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Kywoodsman on February 18, 2013, 08:35:16 PM
Not giving the birds time to decide if they are gonna come in or not. In the past I've been the world's worst about thinking I had a bird on the way in and then feeling like they were moving away or not getting any closer and I try to get in position to make something happen. I have since learned that more times than not if you just set tight in that situation you stand a good chance of the bird eventually coming in. I can think of at least 2 times I cost myself birds last year alone because of this.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Eric Gregg on February 18, 2013, 09:05:01 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 08:08:29 PM
Quote from: Eric Gregg on February 18, 2013, 07:28:26 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 18, 2013, 07:24:30 PM
Thumping twigs like a paper football.

:icon_thumright:
You must have been bored
I was seeing if I could reach the turkeys.  I was coming up about five to 10 yards short.
You got to make sure that the laces are out.....
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: ziggy on February 18, 2013, 09:13:18 PM
finkle is einhorn, einhorn is finkle.  einhorn's a man!
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: RutnNStrutn on February 18, 2013, 09:29:29 PM
Looks like most of us, except for Guesswho, of course, :lol: suffer from the same problem. Impatience!! I started out very patient, mostly out of fear of moving, early in my career. Finally, after having more turks walk out of my life than I could stand, I decided to see what I could get away with. It took me a few years to finally push the issue too hard, and I got busted. Nowadays, I usually push too hard about once a season and it costs me. >:(  But overall, my success rate in getting up and going after birds is pretty darn good! Good enough to keep doing it anyway!! :lol: But every time I screw up, I kick myself in the butt, and wish I was more patient.
I also am pretty sure I call way too much, but that's probably not going to change. ;D One of these days, I'm gonna hop in Guesswho's pocket and tag along for a season :turkey2: with only a pad and pen, taking notes. ;) But I'll probably lose my mind when he doesn't call when I think he should, and start calling for him!! :TooFunny: Then he will discover me in his back pocket, and the jig will be up!!! :lol:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Tail Feathers on February 19, 2013, 12:30:13 AM
For me it's coffee.

Makes me pee every 45 minutes during prime time right after daybreak. :help:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: Neill_Prater on February 19, 2013, 12:45:58 AM
Moving too quickly, and conversely, just the opposite. I've lost patience and moved when another 10 minutes might have gotten me the gobbler, including several memorable moments when I decided to give up my setup and move, then heard the turkey gobbling from where I had just been. On the other hand, I've made the mistake of trying to wait out birds that are never coming, some of which I am sure I would have been able to kill if I had moved while they were still interested. All this is why I love turkey hunting so much. Each hunt, each turkey, is a unique experience.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: WickedBama on February 19, 2013, 03:23:43 AM
Iv been busted to many times by moving on them after sounds like a hang up.
I'm working on patience.   :TrainWreck1:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: harvester on February 19, 2013, 06:56:40 AM
Second guessing my setup. Usually the first spot I see that will work, IS the best. Lost several birds by moving to that other "BETTER" tree. Working on toning my calling down for when they get close.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: FullChoke on February 19, 2013, 07:29:34 AM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 19, 2013, 12:30:13 AM
For me it's coffee.

Makes me pee every 45 minutes during prime time right after daybreak. :help:
I'd rather light one candle than curse your darkness.

One word for you.

Depends.

I know that Tiffany wears them.

FC
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: WickedBama on February 19, 2013, 07:39:17 AM
Quote from: FullChoke on February 19, 2013, 07:29:34 AM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 19, 2013, 12:30:13 AM
For me it's coffee.

Makes me pee every 45 minutes during prime time right after daybreak. :help:
I'd rather light one candle than curse your darkness.

One word for you.

Depends.
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:

I know that Tiffany wears them.

FC
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: reflexl on February 19, 2013, 08:28:58 AM
After reading through these I have been guilty of most at one time or another. I remember one time in particular I carried my son when he was young. I had a bird talking pretty good and moved in a crossing in between two bean fields. My set up looked perfect------because it was. I got impatient after a few minutes of silence from the bird. I told matt lets go get him. We got up and started into the field and met the bird running right at us. No way to shoot. reflexl
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: 870FaceLift on February 19, 2013, 09:49:51 AM
I agree with most -- my lack of patience has cost me numerous birds.  Sometimes it is so hard to slow waaaayyy down and remember that the tom is on his own time and he'll do as he pleases.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: WickedBama on February 19, 2013, 10:14:41 AM
Driving by a field or open area knowing there might be a tom in it. Trying to get better at stopping shot knocking open areas iv been busted alot of times pulling up to or driving by areas
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: guesswho on February 19, 2013, 04:25:45 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on February 18, 2013, 09:29:29 PM
One of these days, I'm gonna hop in Guesswho's pocket and tag along for a season :turkey2: with only a pad and pen, taking notes. ;)
Steve has been there.  He can answer any questions you might have, unless he was sworn to secrecy ;D
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: BrowningGuy88 on February 19, 2013, 04:42:47 PM
The worst bad habit I have is letting a bird get to close before I shoot. I have usually been able to connect on the second shot, but a few had lived to die another day because they were in at 3 - 8 yards. I like watching the show and should probably pull the trigger sooner.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: RutnNStrutn on February 19, 2013, 06:51:59 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 19, 2013, 04:25:45 PM
Quote from: RutnNStrutn on February 18, 2013, 09:29:29 PM
One of these days, I'm gonna hop in Guesswho's pocket and tag along for a season :turkey2: with only a pad and pen, taking notes. ;)
Steve has been there.  He can answer any questions you might have, unless he was sworn to secrecy ;D
Which I'm sure he has!! ;D :lol:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: leasburg on February 19, 2013, 08:33:42 PM
I have been told I am to patient.  When birds are not sounding off I will sit tight with dekes in a field and usually a bird wonders out and works late morning.  I call to much, and I need to get better at a mouth call but what do I do, whip it out a week before season and sound bad.  Just ordered two gooserbats and am going to fix my problem
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: lonnie sneed jr. on February 20, 2013, 11:45:55 AM
I don't think there is anything that a man can do wrong, that I have not done at least once. My bigest bad habit is not spitting my snuff out before working a gobbler. I know I have spooked several in my life by raising my head net to spit. In years past, I try to remember to spit the snuff out before working a gobbler. Should do like my wife tells me to, Quit


:OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead:
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: hangitup on February 20, 2013, 07:18:05 PM


Hunting high pressured public land birds in Arkansas i have found more often than not it is best to get in as tight as possible to a bird before setting up on him;  in big open timber of steep terrain it can be challenging to know whether its really worth it to cross that ravine or go up to the next bench on a mountain etc... Its almost always best if you can but it doesn't work if he *might* catch a glimpse of you in the process.  So, I think I try to get too close before setting up on a bird sometimes.. and think I've spooked a few birds without ever knowing it i.e. never saw or heard from them again.  Dunno if they just gobbled a couple times and moved off or if he saw me and bugged out...  Those decisions and efforts are what makes it a lot of fun on some trips for me..
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: El Pavo Grande on February 20, 2013, 07:54:59 PM
Sticking with one gobbler or hunting spot too long has been a downfall for me at times in the past.

Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: WickedBama on February 20, 2013, 08:06:44 PM
Quote from: lonnie sneed jr. on February 20, 2013, 11:45:55 AM
I don't think there is anything that a man can do wrong, that I have not done at least once. My bigest bad habit is not spitting my snuff out before working a gobbler. I know I have spooked several in my life by raising my head net to spit. In years past, I try to remember to spit the snuff out before working a gobbler. Should do like my wife tells me to, Quit


:OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead:

I need to give up this habit too.
Causes a bad dry mouth on long hunts as well.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: paboxcall on February 20, 2013, 09:15:20 PM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 19, 2013, 12:30:13 AM
For me it's coffee.

Makes me pee every 45 minutes during prime time right after daybreak. :help:

That made me chuckle.  My wife bought me a nice 20 oz. travel mug with a push button lid....so more mornings like the one you described.  I did give up the bowl of cereal with milk for breakfast before heading out the camp door, that just compounded this situation....

I too quickly become impatient when they go quiet and make the next move.  Not always the best tactic.
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: birdyhunter on February 21, 2013, 08:28:23 AM
I don't have any bad habits. I kill every turkey I hear;D!!!

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

Title: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: WickedBama on February 21, 2013, 08:49:55 AM
Quote from: birdyhunter on February 21, 2013, 08:28:23 AM
I don't have any bad habits. I kill every turkey I hear;D!!!

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

Ok I just figured out your bad habit. ;)!!
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: dawgfrombama on February 21, 2013, 09:45:03 AM
getting up and moving to quick
Title: Re: Bad habits that cost you birds.........
Post by: jyoung on February 21, 2013, 10:12:09 AM
I'd have to add a plus one to patients... time after time, I have tried to move on the bird to fast just to get up and bump him him when he is on his way to me.

Jonathan