New guy from TN

[TNTurkeySlayer]

My names Brandon and just joined from East Tennessee. I have been hunting deer and other game for 10 years now. I've taken some nice bucks over the years but never got interested in turkey hunting. So this is my first year hunting them. And let me tell ya its addicting, I believe I like it better than deer hunting. I've been a few times but couldn't get one close enough for a shot. They have been with hens every time and have tried some aggressive calling but still couldn't get the hens to come to me. My dad and me lease 1300 acres every year to hunt on. And nobody has hunted the turkeys on it for years. Its mostly mountain with big flats on top. And there is some nice sized birds up here. But needing some tips on calling them in. I use a box to locate them and a slate for when I'm calling to them. Any tips is much appreciated.

[memert116]

First of all..... .......secondly, stay after them.  It's very difficult to compete with real hens no matter what you do or how good you call.  Lots and lots of things you can try and I'm sure several on here will have great ways of dealing with this.  With that said, I think patience is the most important thing.....just stay after it and things have a way of working out. Another "tactic" I like if they are "henned up" and the hens aren't coming in to challenge you is to leave them alone and at some point in the day the hens will go sit on their nests and the gobblers will be out looking for some willing partner.  Pick a good set up where they like to go and call softly and sparingly and stay alert and still.  Often times I put out a lone hen so they have a visual.......they also often times come in quiet or maybe drumming.   Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!!!

[TNTurkeySlayer]

Thanks for the reply and it's good to be here. There is 4 big flats that they like to scratch around on top and they tear it up. There is one bird I want bad, I seen him back in deer season and his beard was almost rubbing the ground. Hopefully I can get him before it ends.

[KYFrid]

      You will love it here!  Great bunch of guys...   If I were you I would get there early and set up on one of the flats and just wait em out. Judging from the sign I'd say they will come through eventually.   

[TNTurkeySlayer]

That's what Ill do the next time I go. Didn't get to go today been snowing down here.

[learn2hide]

    Need a hunting partner? LOL   Sounds like you have a nice spot...my best advice is not to get too close to them on the roost...big mistake people make is to try to get right on em. While there are times when that can work more often than not you will spook the birds and mess up the pattern, nullifying your scouting.  Also don't call too much, when on the roost maybe just a call or two and if they answer it give em one more agressively and then put it away...be ready they will come searching sometimes.  As much as it's a blast to get a total interaction where it's call, gobble, call gobble, call gobble, many times they will hang up out of range cause they've been able to pinpoint where you should be.  In nature hens generally go to gobblers not the other way around so be seductive about that aspect, play hard to get otherwise he might stand there until other hens come and take him away.  Best of luck to you, look forward to the pictures of your bird...