Talking Fall Turkey
By Steph Lane, Iowa Program Coordinator
A lot of folks love the springtime. Flowers are blooming with warmer temperatures, and the world seems to come a little more alive. But I love it because that means it's time to chase some Gobblers! And turkey hunting is one of my favorite pastimes. The goosebumps I get from their booming calls before the sun comes up, their back and forth with a neighboring owl, watching them strut and fight. Have you ever heard a Tom Turkey drum at close range? There is nothing like it, my friends!
But what about the Fall? I mean, we serve Turkey at Thanksgiving...right?
There is a Fall Turkey season; however, I know very few people who take Fall Turkey hunting as seriously as they do in the Spring. One could assume that turkeys take a back seat with all the other fun to be had in the Fall. From stories told, podcasts, and magazines, the pursuit of the Fall Turkey was much more common than it is today. And I have decided to take it more seriously myself.
In years past, I would purchase my Fall Turkey Tag in hopes one would walk by while I'm in the deer stand, and although that can be a strategy, if you want to take a more active approach, let's discuss a couple of things to consider before you hit the turkey woods this Fall.
Find the Turkeys!
Like in the Spring, your scouting is just as important. Scout carefully, from a distance, when possible. Pay attention, grab binoculars, and use good vantage points if available. Get out early morning or before the sunsets to look and listen for their roosting spots! When you can find out what the Turkeys are up to daily, you can rock n' roll! Find out where they are feeding, traveling, and roosting to make your game plan.
Strategy
In most states, you can take either gender of Turkey in the Fall. And they all have different habits in the Fall than in the Spring. In the Fall, turkeys run in flocks, hens and poults typically in one flock, and Jakes and Tom's in another. Bonus points, get to understand the turkey population in your hunting area. How are they doing? Are there more Toms? Hens? This can help you make a more ethical and strategic decision on what turkey you shoot this season.
If you are after a hen, one of the most effective calling methods would be a kee-kee whistle, which impersonates a young turkey calling out for their mother. Or a kee-kee run call, imitating a young Jake trying to attract the attention of other turkeys.
If you are after a Tom, raspy yelps can do the trick but remember they aren't behaving the same this time of year so sometimes waiting is the best option. But most importantly, scouting and a good plan to be where they are going to be, is the best move!
Go out and get yourself a Thanksgiving bird this fall! Good luck!
