Preseason Scouting and Calling

[Tom007]

One thing I have noticed about every spring gobbler hunter that has spent much time doing this is that there is one pretty consistent fundamental rule...do NOT call to the turkeys you are planning on hunting before you start hunting them. That is, don't use the "turkey sounds" you are going to use to call them in when you start actually hunting them.  If you do that enough times, you will eventually learn why that rule exists. 

For me, locator calls of the ilk mentioned...owl, crow, coyote, etc...are in a different classification altogether. They can be a very effective tool for finding gobblers. However, there are limitations in using them. From my experience, repeatedly using a locator call in an area can "burn" gobblers. That is, they will become prone to stop gobbling at a locator...even a good one...if it is repeatedly used such that their shock response is suppressed. A good rule of thumb: use whatever locator you might decide to try sparingly.

Here's another important consideration. If you KNOW somebody else is hunting in an area, DON'T use a locator call there! Nothing is more irritating to someone that is on a gobbler than to hear somebody stop next to their truck and blow on a locator call. Respect your fellow hunters. Move on to another area where nobody else is already hunting. THEN, blow that locator if you want to. 

X10, I scout by walking and listening, and watching. No calling, none!

[Hook hanger]

I wouldn't even use a location call till the night before I hunt. Wouldn't risk them getting used to it and shutting up. I would listen (pre-season) in the mornings only and not waste my time on listening in the evenings.