Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    What is the range of a flock of birds.  If a flock was spotted a
    couple of weeks ago what are the chances that they will still be
    in the area on the opener?  I don't know a thing about turkeys but
    one of my bowhunting partners had 20 birds walk single file past
    his bow stand on the farm we hunt.  Any suggestions on how to approach
    this situation?
    
    -Dave

    
    Our experience for fall turkey is that these birds are interested
    in one thing... FOOD.  So the thing to do is to find where they
    are feeding.
    
    Turkey unlike deer do not use "turkey runs" to get from roost to
    feeding areas.  They scavage areas and are not always in the same
    spot day after day.  
                         
    Ask your partner if the turkey he saw were feeding or just walking.
    If they were feeding in the area there is a good chance that they
    won't empty the area of all food within the next few weeks.
    
    If they were passing through looking for better feed, scout the
    direction they were heading, circling the area in 1/10 of mile 
    circles looking for sign of scratching or roosting.
    
    If the sign is there, you got a good chance of getting those birds
    to come to you.   
    
    When you first come into the woods use a locater call, that is 
    an owl hoot or a crow call.  NEVER GOBBLE call.  It is too dangerous.
    There is always the chance that you could get shot by another hunter if
    you gobble call.
    
    Listen sometimes you will here the young jakes trying to gobble
    at the owl hoot or crow call.  If you are getting response then
    try and call the flock to you using the appropriate hen calls.
    It is not uncommon to call the birds to you from over 100 yards.
    
    Now in the fall it is okay to move about.  In fact, if you stumble
    into the flock and scare them to all points of the compass that
    is actually a good break.  Stay in that spot wait quietly for
    about 20 minutes and then use the "old hen gathering" call.
    Majority of the time those young birds will come a ruuning.
    
    Last year one of my hunting partners stumbled into a flock and
    scattered them.  He waited 20 minutes and called.  Five jakes 
    came a running.  He shot one  and the others scattered.  He covered
    the downed bird with a camo cloth and waited quietly for 20 minutes
    then called again.  Those young jakes came a running again.
    He got his 2nd bird.
    
    Patterned your shotgun and know its kill range.  Aim strickly for
    the head.  A head shot on a turkey drops them instantly.  A body
    shot might mean that you will never get that bird.  They are
    exceptionally strong and fly very well.  We never shoot at any
    bird beyound 25 yards, and prefer to patiently wait for them
    to get in about 15 yards.
    
    The excitement of the hunt is getting the bird to respond and
    come to you.  Once this happens you will be hooked.
    
    Good luck and let us know how you do.
    
    One last thing.  Wild turkey is excellent tasting.  They don't
    have any chemicals and are soooo plumb.  The meat is always
    tender and juicy.

     Sounds like a lot of fun and excitement... I have never tried,
    but could get into it. Let us know how you do this year.
    
     Sad thing, from what you say, is that there are 'sound' shooters
    out there when it comes to turkey too. Geeezzzee, I can't imagine
    takin a shot when you haven't completely identified the target.
    So your saying many guys shoot at the sound, then identify their
    quarry...
    
          Smitty

    I guess it goes with the old saying:
    
    
    DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING, BUT GOT A COUPLE OF SOUND SHOTS OFF!!!!!!!!
    
    
    just kidding :^)...................
    
    sjn
                             

    turkey runs!!!, got a good laugh there!!!! ;^)
    
    Fra_who_never_sees_his_quarry_during_the_right_season
    

    Boy .1 covered it all it seems.
    
    I got my first turkey this year during the spring season. I'd do
    it every year, if I can. ( I entered a note in the firearms notes
    file about the trip)
    
    When I went to retrieve my bird he had not yet expired. I'd dispatching
    first, if I where you. I didn't, before I picked him up. Damn near
    beat me to death, with those big wings and feet. (23 lbs worth)

    My brother hunts turkeys every year, spring and fall. He finds where
    they roost and waits there before evening, and they come a run'en.
    (this is the fall season)
    
    I praticed my mouth call all winter and also got a slate call. The
    slate calls seem easier, to me than the mouth calls. Too easy to
    mess up on the mouth calls. But, I was using both when I took my
    turkey.
    
    Mark

    ps. there is no better site than seeing old Tom in full strut...

    62.6   Boy that is a nice size bird 23 lbs.
    
    Another hint about turkey.  After shooting the bird (remember aim
    for the head) the bird should drop immediately however get over
    to the bird quickly and step on its neck.  
     The bird will start flapping its wings like crazy.  This is just
    a nerve reaction much like the old saying "running around like
    a chicken with its head cut off".  Basically the turkey is dead
    but doesn't know it yet.
      
      By pinning the bird you won't be chasing it around the forest
    floor as it flutters around.  This also protects the tail feathers
    from damage.  Sometimes these bird will beat their wings for 10
    minutes so be patient about waiting.
    
    	I bet you were surprised holding a 23 lb bird when he started
    to flap his wings.  I bet you could really feel the bird's strength.
                                                                        
        Congratulations that is a good size bird.

    I was in Brattleboro this weekend and saw a flock of 18 turkeys
    in West Brattleboro.   They were on posted land and they acted 
    like they knew it.
    

    It's enough to p*ss you off!
    
    Mark.