Lessons learned this year?

[wisconsinteacher]

So far I have learned to stay longer on a set up.  I set up last weekend on a good spot and after 15-20 took off because nothing happened.  20 minutes later, there was a tom gobbling on the ridge I was sitting.  Friday, I was just about ready to move and heard a hen.  With in 5 minutes I had 2 hens at 20 yards.  Yesterday, I was about ready to tell my dad lets pack up and go.  15 minutes later he had his bird.  I need to trust a good looking spot and sit longer. 

What have you learned so far this year?

[guesswho]

I learned that most free turkey hunting advice I get is worth what I paid for it.

[chatterbox]

I learned that most free turkey hunting advice I get is worth what I paid for it.

[renegade19]

I learned that a Hooks mouth call makes me a much better caller.

[ridgerunner]

I learnd after 20years chasing gobblers all over the Country I'm still learning...I learn something new every year..I learned everybody has a better friend...so when you show a friend your secret spot, next year his better friend and him will be there...and then the next yr his better friend adn his better friend will be there adn before long your scret good turkey hunting spot is over run with idiots and not worth hunting...Never tell anyone where your honey hole is and you'll always have it....I learned to keep my mouth shut.

[bushwhacker]

Amen to that ridgerunner. I love to turkey hunt with someone but I always end up calling, or they have a different hunting style than i do and we argue about how close to get or where to setup, or how long to wait. And they will be back in your spot the minute you have to go back to work. So I choose to hunt alone and have more success.

[jakebird]

Not to hijack this thread, but i for one, love the camraderie of turkey season. No doubt i score more often alone, but i love to share the hunt more. Both of my regular turkey hunting buddies, i introduced to the sport, and either called in their first bird or was instrumental in putting them in the right place. Today they have turned into capable turkey hunters in their own right. I still share my hot spots with friends, neighbors, and sometimes strangers looking for help. To me, to focus on my own success alone, is to really miss the big picture with what this is all about. I could sit alone and kill turkeys and grow my beard collection and spur necklace, or i can share the woods, the turkeys, and the whole grand experience and maybe leave something lasting after im gone.

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Adapt, overcome, and kill.

Same story, new chapter.

[870BkWht]

Ive learned more patience in the 2 days of our opening week than I have ever learned.  It has yet to pay off, but Im not done learning yet, so Im also learning persistence.

[dlquinn]

Dont leave your water in the car 

Just because you dont hear them it does not mean they are not close...sneaky birds

Stay mobile, pack light

Turkeys sometimes get in the trees during the day

Staying still and being in the shade can be the best camo

Locator calls dont always get them to gobble...even when they are fairly close

Learn your hunting area well and use the terrain to your advantage

Patience, persistence and a positive attitude help keep you on the birds

[Dan Mallia]

Take the first good kill shot you have when hunting with a bow. 

[mknoble91]

This year I learned that if hunting in a blind on a very windy day put extra stakes down in the side the wind is blasting.

[Borat]

Know your terrain intimately.  10 yards can be the difference between having them work perfectly and not having them work at all.

Be dynamic and agile in your approach.  If it's not working- don't be afraid to change it.

[tsparks]

I learned that I have a WHOLE LOT left to learn! 

[TauntoHawk]

Not to hijack this thread, but i for one, love the camraderie of turkey season. No doubt i score more often alone, but i love to share the hunt more. Both of my regular turkey hunting buddies, i introduced to the sport, and either called in their first bird or was instrumental in putting them in the right place. Today they have turned into capable turkey hunters in their own right. I still share my hot spots with friends, neighbors, and sometimes strangers looking for help. To me, to focus on my own success alone, is to really miss the big picture with what this is all about. I could sit alone and kill turkeys and grow my beard collection and spur necklace, or i can share the woods, the turkeys, and the whole grand experience and maybe leave something lasting after im gone.

exactly how I feel.. Almost never turkey hunt alone.

Fortunately I have good friends to share the sport with