Haven't gone after fall birds in years, looking to get after them shortly. As an opportunist I buy a fall tag and some years I have just happened upon them doing other stuff (scouting, squirrel hunting etc) and got lucky.
Any Iowa guys here get after fall birds? I'm relatively new to the game and I have heard bagging fall birds with any sort of consistency is kind of a tall order around here. For what it's worth, scouting for ducks and geese I have seen a couple decent size flocks on the ground I hunt.
Don't know what part of the state your in but Iowa has a good turkey population. As far as being consistent , scouting helps. I have found fall birds in the same areas year after year, just like spring. As far as hunting. I found that setting up and calling them in works well. Good luck
I am from southeast iowa and when I hunt in the spring, it is an area with pretty good numbers. Problem is this is different property that I dont know as well. I have seen 2 flocks scouting on here, not in the same area. Never spring hunted this area.
Good luck!!
Another Iowa guy here. I've bought a few fall tags and only filled one. I busted a flock feeding in picked beans and they scattered into a marsh grass field. Went in and shot one like I was pheasant hunting. I didn't really enjoy the hunt. I probably won't get another fall tag because I am so busy chasing deer, ducks and geese. I do see bunches of turkeys while sitting in my tree, but seldom do they present a shot. Not to mention, I'm not going to chance messing up my deer hunting for a turkey. I'm a fanatic for turkeys in the spring, just not the fall. Good luck!
If I don't see any while scouting, I will just set up in a good spring spot, spread out as many decoys as I can carry, and start in with agitated cuts and fighting purrs. If birds are around, they will usually come out and take a look.
I am also from Iowa, and planning on getting out later this afternoon for my first fall turkey hunt of the year. I havent been really big into fall hunting in the past but have killed a couple in the fall and really enjoy it. My intentions are to get more into fall turkey hunting. I love bow hunting and waterfowl hunting, but turkeys are my passion!