Got To Start Somewhere

[Triple Gobble]

Alright question, what key areas
Do you guys focus in on with a
Topo map when hunting new land
Without any food plots? Just trying to
Get a good starting point, I will be putting
Down lots of boot rubber, and the terrain
Is real hilly country. Any advice would
Be greatly appreciated.

[jakesdad]

Unless its a very large piece of property,I just take off and start walkin. I carry a topo map or a map of any kind of the land and mark spots that have sign or look good.Maps are a great tool but to me nothing beats boots on the ground and seeing it first hand.The eyes can see things maps cant show ya.

[Triple Gobble]

It's a large property

[jakesdad]

I would eliminate any areas that look to be almost vertical,or very difficult to get up and down.Would concentrate on flat open areas if there are any.If there isnt then would look for areas that are the least "hilly" and are somewhat open.

[FullChoke]

I'd be looking for openings, roads and trails running along the tops of ridges. Check those out while scouting for tracks, feathers and droppings. Also try to find any saddles that allow birds to cross a ridge at a lower elevation. What is easy for you is easy for the turkeys. Look for food sources that produce in the spring.

Find a good high listening point where you can hear in several directions and get there before dawn. A good GPS unit will have topo maps on it and you can use that to get a better idea to pinpoint that spot when you hear a gobble.

[GobbleNut]

If you are in arid country, focus on the areas around water sources.  If roost trees are scarce, check out potential roost sites.  Creek bottoms are always promising,...walk those and check for sign.  Always try using roosting tactics,...owl or crow calling,...at first and last light (this is especially critical if you are hunting a very large area with widely-scattered turkey flocks).

[silvestris]

A ridge between two running branches.  They like to roost on a running branch in hill country.

[Triple Gobble]

Thanks guys

[zelmo1]

  FullChoke and GobbleNut both hit it, very good tactics for the area you have.

[Gooserbat]

Find a high spot and listen.