will they be back?

[Bigeclipse]

All,
I was riding my quad from one field on a connecting trail to another field. This trail is mostly level ground except one part where there is a small 15ft tall hill which rises and then drops. When I crested that hill There was a large tom strutting with 3 hens about 50 yards away on the other side I couldn't see until it was too late. Yes they saw me. I immediately stopped the quad and shut it down and stopped all movement. one hen flew away. The other two hens walked fast (not exactly running) down the path about 75 yards and then stopped. The tom followed them strutting here and there (he seemed to care the least about me). He then hung around strutting another minute or so. Then all 3 of them walked off slowly up this other hill deep into the woods.  Opening day isn't until may 1st. These birds have been around this part of the woods for the past 2 months. Do you think this one incident could have pushed em away for good? I know turkey's can be very unpredictable but assuming nothing else changes what do you think?

[turkeyfeathers]

They'll be back. No worries 

[spaightlabs]

I wouldn't worry about it.  If he goes to another area it won't be because of this one non-threatening contact, and I'd say there is a good chance he will be around in 2 weeks if someone else/something else doesn't booger him up.

On the farm where we hunt we often bump into birds on the roads either in trucks or on tractors, doesn't bother them.  My advice in general is to not stop if you do make contact with a bird, just keep on moving SLOWLY past them and they don't get too worked up.

[ilbucksndux]

Turkeys get spooked 20+ times a day. I wouldnt worry about it

[Spitten and drummen]

yes they will be back. you need to realize that turkeys are not intelligent. they cannot reason. they survive by instinct and being so dang paranoid. since in the egg something has been trying to eat them. they are spooked most likely at least 20 times a day. sometimes their own shadow scares them. do not think twice about getting on them again. they will be around somewhere close most likely.

[fallhnt]

I've spooked em with less and they were no shows

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[SinGin]

Next time just keep driving and try not to pay too much attintion them, turkeys are used to seeing tractors and stuff. It's when you stop and stare them down that makes them nervous, but they will be back

[kyturkeyhunter4]

You will be fine, they will be back no worries.

[guesswho]

No harm.