I'm wondering how many of you have resorted to scratching the forest floor when hunting?
I did once, and I'm glad that I did it, because I was able to kill a real nice Tom who had hung up on me.
Kind of a strange one. I was all set up on a nice ridge, in the woods, about 50 yrds away from a clear cut opening, which is maybe 20 -30 yards wide, and goes down a hill to the left, to the right, it ends a few yards further at the wood line.
After about an hour hunting, I finally have a bird coming in, so I get situated and prepared for his arrival. After some careful calling, there are two birds gobbling back, and slowly making their approach, this is getting good.
Suddenly from behind me, and to the left I hear something coming, damn it, they back doored me, can't do anything now, just sit tight. The noise is getting louder, here they come...what the F*&k?
A tabby cat comes jumping in right next to me, and lands on a pile of blow downs a few yards away from me, and lays down, twitching it's tail. All this time, while I'm watching Morris do his thing, the Turkeys had showed up, and were looking in my direction, from the small clear cut, behind a stone wall, great I thought, busted, as one of them started to putt a little, but was still walking around out there.
I think he saw the cat, within a minute or so, they are walking down hill out of site, what to do, mind is racing, damn cat is just laying there, doesn't even know I'm there. I kept calling every so often, and the birds would answer back, but would not come back. Finally the cat jumps up, and leaves through the woods to my left, away from the birds.
I get real aggressive on the call, and start to cackle real fast, and then I started to scratch the leaves around me. I stopped calling, but kept scratching, like a Turkey would when they would feed, and scratch, so I tried to mimic that. Low and behold, I see a red head show up in the clear cut, I stopped scratching, put the red dot on his head, and pulled the trigger, the little 20 gauge did it's job, I had a nice Turkey down.
So, how many of you have tried the scratching technique? Did it work for you?
I've done it. Its a pretty good call to make.
Do it all the time.....learned that lesson a long time ago !! :fud: :gobble: :gobble:
Always. Usually when I set up I try to put a stick maybe 3-4' next to me so I can reach down to my side with little moovement and just scratch a little. Its perfect when he just wont break that line you need or if you need him to pick his head up for a shot.
I try and make my calling just like that in nature (dont I wish that I could perfect this). Turkeys always kick around leaves so I try to mimick that as well. The more you sound like a turkey, the better you will be IMO.
I do it every time that I set up on a turkey or if Im blind calling.
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
Yeah this is a mostly under used tactic. I have a Preston Pittman "Flap and Scratch" it is super realistic and has worked for me several times.
Non vocal calls are great! I like to use leaf scratching and wing flaps/stretching all the time. It works imo extremely well in higher pressures areas where less communication with the bird is for the better.
Last year I setup on a bird just after he gobbled for the first time on the limb. The only calls I made that day was a couple soft tree like clucks and one to two soft yelps. Then I used my hat to imitate a fly down, but I did it as to make it sound like there was more than one hen hitting the ground. He gobbled harder at that than he did at any of the tree calling. I know it's not leaf scratching but its non vocal calling.
In my experience the leaf scratching is great because it gives the approaching or hesitant birds confidence that the hen is just content where she is and it's safe to approach.
I wouldn't recommend that tactic, doesn't work, especially in Bama.
HC
heck yeah i use it. if a bird is interested bug hangs up just out of range, i'll get to scratching. killed a few birds this way. of course, i don't mention this tactic to any of turkey hunting buddies :camohat:
It can seal the deal on a close but hung up gobbler in timber. Stop answering him and just scratch the leaves a bit. It can get him frustrated that you wont answer his gobbling and bring him into sight. Just be careful not to let him spot your movement though. Like any other calling, you need to be familiar with how a hen scratches to memic the right sound.
Quote from: Byhalia on February 20, 2013, 06:32:00 AM
Do it all the time.....learned that lesson a long time ago !! :fud: :gobble: :gobble:
Absolutely! It is more rare for me to NOT scratch in the leaves? How many turkeys actually stand in one spot and yelp their heads off? :turkey2:
Quote from: tomtamer25 on February 20, 2013, 07:22:44 AM
I do it every time that I set up on a turkey or if Im blind calling.
X2
If I can't see him, I'll throw out some scratching.
Quote from: Byhalia on February 20, 2013, 06:32:00 AM
Do it all the time.....learned that lesson a long time ago !! :fud: :gobble: :gobble:
X3.
Never heard of such.
Quote from: 870FaceLift on February 20, 2013, 11:47:07 AM
Quote from: tomtamer25 on February 20, 2013, 07:22:44 AM
I do it every time that I set up on a turkey or if Im blind calling.
X2
If I can't see him, I'll throw out some scratching.
X3
Quote from: Skeeterbait on February 20, 2013, 09:25:45 AM
It can seal the deal on a close but hung up gobbler in timber. Like any other calling, you need to be familiar with how a hen scratches to memic the right sound.
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
My most memorable hunts and best birds have been taken this way. ;D
I used the scratch method last yr to seal the deal on one! :icon_thumright:
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Yes Sir All The Time . :turkey2:
Most under rated call in your arsenal!!! Killed a tub full by only clucking, purring, and scratching.
First time I did it it was by accident. I had tried to move positions slowly and I guess he heard the leaves rustle. Once I got to the new location I saw him near where I just was. That was the only time I have scratched on accident, however I have used this trick many times since.
works wonders
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
I use it about every setup ,I think its my testing call ,when he gobbles at it He's Mine !!
Agree it's often the best call to make, along with silence. Sometimes it is the only call that should be made if you want to kill certain turkeys.
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
Every time there's dry leaves..
Gobblers have keen hearing
I was roosting gobblers in Cypress swamps in Florida -I didnt make a call at all - I was sneaking along a trail looking to set up , I came upon a large puddle I could not get around without stepping in it .... two slow steps into it - GOOOOobleoble oble ..... a gobbler heard my steps in the water and ran in from 150 yards , I could see him coming , I had to duck down so I wouldnt spook him - eventually he walked off - man, they got good hearing
Quote from: jblackburn on February 20, 2013, 08:50:36 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
:TooFunny:
Quote from: Eric Gregg on February 20, 2013, 09:42:39 PM
Quote from: jblackburn on February 20, 2013, 08:50:36 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
:TooFunny:
lol too funny.
I finish all of my birds with scratching....
Once he commits, I stop calling and begin scratching
I've done it a time or two.
Scratching in the leaves, if you guys say so but there's an easier way to accomplish the same sounds.
Wet leaves, dry leaves, no leaves....no problem. Two words, Wal-Mart, or is that one word?
There are countless options, I prefer Wal-Mart but anything resembling a Wal-Mart should do just fine.
HC
Quote from: El Pavo Grande on February 20, 2013, 09:10:29 PM
Agree it's often the best call to make, along with silence. Sometimes it is the only call that should be made if you want to kill certain turkeys.
+1 :z-winnersmiley:
Quote from: Hardcore on February 20, 2013, 09:11:41 AM
I wouldn't recommend that tactic, doesn't work, especially in Bama.
HC
That's cause you killed them all! ;D
Seriously, scratching with wing flapping are the 2 deadliest calls in the woods.
Quote from: Hardcore on February 20, 2013, 10:27:43 PM
Scratching in the leaves, if you guys say so but there's an easier way to accomplish the same sounds.
Wet leaves, dry leaves, no leaves....no problem. Two words, Wal-Mart, or is that one word?
There are countless options, I prefer Wal-Mart but anything resembling a Wal-Mart should do just fine.
HC
What in the heck are you talking about? ???
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/Secretcall_zps08af5b62.jpg)
Quote from: guesswho on February 21, 2013, 05:11:22 PM
Quote from: Hardcore on February 20, 2013, 10:27:43 PM
Scratching in the leaves, if you guys say so but there's an easier way to accomplish the same sounds.
Wet leaves, dry leaves, no leaves....no problem. Two words, Wal-Mart, or is that one word?
There are countless options, I prefer Wal-Mart but anything resembling a Wal-Mart should do just fine.
HC
What in the heck are you talking about? ???
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/Secretcall_zps08af5b62.jpg)
Obviously a Colonel Sanders works just as well as a Wal-mart.
Think I might just have to change brands, I sure do love fried chicken.
HC
I've done it a few times also. But the cat thing reminds me of a hunt I had one year when a fox showed up looking for a meal. He was closer to me than I liked so before he decided to come sit in my lap I pulled down my face mask and hissed at him, GET YOUR LITTLE RED AZZ OUTA' HERE. He turned inside out leaving the area and I shot that tom. Good memories.
Camo
Quote from: jblackburn on February 20, 2013, 08:50:36 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
Sory I missed this, this is funny :TooFunny:
Ya gotta do it like your making a snow angle! ;D
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 22, 2013, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: jblackburn on February 20, 2013, 08:50:36 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
Sory I missed this, this is funny :TooFunny:
Ya gotta do it like your making a snow angle! ;D
Let's copyright that! The LeafAngle Turkey Scratchin' Call! Paired with a Squealing Hen, Funky Chicken, Wounded Gobbler, and a Butt Out, You will KILL ALL THE TURKEYS!! :toothy12:
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :bike2:
Gotta scratch, especially when he's hung up. Play hard to get, don't call back to his gobbling, just scratch and maybe a couple soft clucks but more like you're just talkin' to your hen girlfriends and ignoring Tommy.
If he's coming with out it I don't but if he needs some coaxing then it stir the leaves.
Quote from: jblackburn on February 22, 2013, 01:32:23 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 22, 2013, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: jblackburn on February 20, 2013, 08:50:36 PM
Quote from: guesswho on February 20, 2013, 02:53:04 PM
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on February 20, 2013, 07:52:55 AM
Scratch..........scratch,scratch............. Scratch.........scratch,scratch. :fud:
I have to ask again. What cadence does two or more feeding turkeys have. What is that sequence, I want to sound like four or five hens.
Lets not forget the acorn cruncher
Take your vest off, lay flat on your back then roll for about 12 yards, then roll back. That will sound like a whole herd of those flockers! Grab your gun and get ready!
Sory I missed this, this is funny :TooFunny:
Ya gotta do it like your making a snow angle! ;D
Let's copyright that! The LeafAngle Turkey Scratchin' Call! Paired with a Squealing Hen, Funky Chicken, Wounded Gobbler, and a Butt Out, You will KILL ALL THE TURKEYS!! :toothy12:
We can't forget the acorn cruncher ;D