A scenario, what's your move?

[chatterbox]

One option would be to wait till they wander off, then get tight on their roost tree. Once their hens leave them, they will be looking for love, and they know that roost tree was a safe area. Start calling, then scratching in the leaves.
Worth a shot.........

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Be sitting within 45 yards of that roost by 415 AM.... It's amazing what happens when you're that close to them and they fly down. It's also cool to there observing and listening to them as they wake up.

[perrytrails]

All good stuff. Its a chess game sometimes, that's why we do it.

As said, get in there early, be above or on the same level as him. I stay on the ridges or in the highest areas when Turkey hunting. If your in a bottom and he is half way up or on top its more work for you. If your on one ridge or hill, and hes on the one across from you, get on his ridge or high area before you call to him.

Loose the decoys,  You don't need them. I don't use them cause I want the bird to come in with his head high looking for that hen. Set up so when you first see that bird he is in range.

If the morning game doesn't work out, back to roost area around 10, setup and call off and on.

Just scratching in the leaves has called in and killed 15 or more birds for me over the years. One of the best calls there is and its free.

[flintlock]

If the leaf scratching doesn't work (which is DOES), I like to try this around noon: Cut, cut and cut some more!  Three or 4 sequences  and more agressive w/each one.  Then, sit like a stone for an hour and be ready.

[bamagtrdude]

If the leaf scratching doesn't work (which is DOES), I like to try this around noon: Cut, cut and cut some more!  Three or 4 sequences  and more agressive w/each one.  Then, sit like a stone for an hour and be ready.

I like to do this, too; works!

[budtripp]

These types of threads are soooooo much better than the "my shotgun shell is superior to your shotgun shell" peeing matches I have nothing really to add as there's already some great advice.

[SouthernStrut]

No game plan that has been suggested is any better than the other, as all of them will work in the right situation.  The first thing I'd try is getting to know the birds a little better during these two weeks before the season, then opening day I would be there well before first light and sit there til they start talking.  Take your chances of the birds flying down into your lap if you can get close to the roost.  The other strategy I would try is one most people don't like to do.  I read a couple comments about busting them off their roosts the evening before to maybe split them up a little more before they go to bed, but what about just busting them off the roost in the morning and calling them back together once they are on the ground looking for each other?  This has worked for me a few times.  The first time was by accident about 8 years ago, but it worked like a charm.  I busted them off a ridgetop and they all split up on either side of the ridge and hit the ground.  I eased down the ridge and set up right between the two flocks of birds and just listened for a little while.  When I started hearing the kee kee's and lost yelps, I gave it right back to them.  I ended up calling about 6 hens up that gathered about 15 yards away from me to my right and continued calling.  From that point I let the hens call the gobbler the rest of the way til he met his maker.  He never made a sound all morning.  It was one of the most exciting hunts I can remember.  You never know, you might use the ridge at your place the same way and call them back together at the top.  You can do this really early so they fly to other trees, or you can wait til it's light enough to where they'll fly down when you bust them up.  Either way they end up separated and will want to all get back together eventually.  You got two weeks to go sit and observe so I would first try to pattern them as best you can and get there well before first light to get as close to them as you can.  Good luck to you, and March 15th can't get here quick enough for you and me both!

[cahaba]

On a rainy day I would be setting up at that cow pasture. They will be there sooner or later.