Creatures of Habit / Scouting

[Greg Massey]

I wanted to share an experience I had last spring while scouting for gobblers. I hunt mainly 2 different farms and one of the farms while scouting and listening is one of my main spots that I have killed several turkeys over the years.I have killed gobblers in this field - spot coming in as singles and I have had multiple gobblers come into this same spot. This spot is approximately a 25 / 30 yard shot for myself. Back to scouting last year,while sitting at this spot listening and waiting for daybreak I could hear gobblers in the area sounding off in different directions on the farm. While watching and listening I see movement at the end of the field which is just over 300 yards to another wood line that separates 2 big fields. I had not heard of a gobbler - gobble in the wood line at the end of this field.I was sitting in my usual hunting spot listening and watching and just enjoying the morning. After seeing this movement at the end of the field at the wood line with my binoculars I see this gobbler coming up the field right to my killing spot that I have killed multiple gobblers over the years. This gobbler came within that 25/30 yard range and started gobbling / spitting / drumming and strutting for approximately 20 minutes before easing off into the woods behind me. I had NO turkey calls with me,because I don't want the temptation of using them while scouting.

So are turkeys creatures of habit?

MY question - was this gobbler one of the multiple gobblers that had come into this kill spot with other gobblers? Or was it just a coincidence? Did he think in past years he had heard hen sounds from this same location? Have you ever had this scenario happen to you while scouting? We know turkeys have the same roosting / travel / strut zone, but in all honestly I feel over the years those magical strut zones of days of old have become a lot less. I feel pressure / predators have taken away these magical strut zones / areas.

[Tail Feathers]

They are imprinted on a home territory.  Something there still keeps them around. 
Big changes can move em off but they tend to stay year to year if the area has no major changes (like clear cutting, new houses, etc.).

[Tom007]

Good one Greg. I do believe they are creatures of habit. In my areas, Gobblers of many generations do the same thing year after year(unless the get spooked). Like you, I've had gobblers come the same way/time in my key spots every year. You are very strategic with your property, not pre-season calling and minimal pre-opener pressure. All this is why you are successful! Good luck this season my friend.

[Turkeybutt]

Never good topic Greg.
I believe turkeys are creatures of habit to a certain extent and any number of things can cause changes to their routines, with predators, hunting pressure, and habitat changes i.e. clear cutting, burning or construction.
As Tail Feathers stated, "They are imprinted on a home territory.  Something there still keeps them around".
Your question, "was this gobbler one of the multiple gobblers that had come into this kill spot with other gobblers?" That's very possible, but hard to say. Now if you notice him frequently around that area, spot or 'Kill Zone" I would think this is not by chance or coincidence as there is something that keeps him returning. 
I would like to hear some other members' opinions on this topic.

[TrackeySauresRex]

I'd like to think they are creatures of habit as well. But when its game time they do something else 

I hunted this one area many moons ago. We had it for probably 10 years. Two fields were separated by a hedgerow. One field was three times the size of the other. At the bottom of the hedgerow was a big cedar that created lots of shade and concealment. From the cedar to the wood line was approximately 40 yards. The area was perfect and a slam dunk for a long time. They always strutted around in that area coming from the large field. I did notice on several occasions anytime a Jake or Jake's entered that area.  They entered from the small field. I'd guess to say, they'd peek out to see if the coast was clear before entry.

I never walked in there before the season. I'd sneak along the top of the field at dark and duck in the hedgerow. If they were in close proximity, I knew my chances were good.