I try to get as close as I can confidently get without bumping him. Terrain plays a big role for me here. I let him know I'm there with a few soft calls: tree yelps, clucks, and purrs. Once I'm confident he's heard me, and I didn't shut him up with my approach, I shut up. Next, I try to make sure I am the first "bird" on the ground. I use either a wing or my hat for this. After I'm on the ground I mix in some clucks and purrs with a little leaf scratching. Kinda like I'm not worried about him, I'm just happy up here eating breakfast. It doesn't work all the time obviously, but when it does it makes for one heck of an exciting hunt! I love talking back and forth with them, and those close range gobbles is what hooked me in the first place. Last year on opening day I had three gobblers basically run to me with this approach at first light. However you get it done, it feels great when a plan comes together! Good luck out there!
