How to Turkey Hunt In The Fall and Tactical Approaches to a successful hunt is What You Need to Know! Turkey hunting is a popular sport in the United States, and for good reason. Although hunting turkeys might be challenging, the experience is very gratifying. Fall turkey hunting may be more difficult and gratifying than spring turkey hunting, and it’s a terrific opportunity to experience the thrill of the sport.
You should be aware of a few common misunderstandings regarding fall turkey hunting. First, some think spring turkey hunting is more successful than fall turkey hunting. That is untrue. Fall turkey hunting may be just as successful, if not more so, than spring turkey hunting.
Another myth regarding fall turkey hunting is that only seasoned hunters should participate. This is also untrue. For novice turkey hunters, fall turkey hunting might be a terrific way to start. In the fall, the turkeys are less active, making approaching and calling them simpler.
This page will discuss the thrills and challenges of fall turkey hunting. Additionally, we will clarify many misconceptions about fall turkey hunting.
Excitement and Challenges of Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey hunting is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the thrill of the activity. The turkeys are likelier to remain around their roosts in the fall because they are less active. This implies that you are more likely to see and report them.
Additionally, fall turkey hunting might be more difficult than spring turkey hunting. Because the turkeys are less active, calling them in requires more perseverance and ability. Additionally, you need to take extra care not to frighten them.
Misconceptions Surrounding Fall Turkey Hunting
- It’s a common misconception that fall turkey hunting is less successful than spring turkey hunting. Said this is untrue. Fall turkey hunting may be just as successful, if not more so, than spring turkey hunting.
- In the fall, the turkeys are less active, but they are also easier to forecast. They often engage in the same daily habits, making locating and summoning them simpler.
- Another common misconception regarding fall turkey hunting is that only seasoned turkey hunters should participate. This is untrue as well. For novice turkey hunters, fall turkey hunting might be a terrific way to start. Because the turkeys are less active, it is simpler to approach and call them.
We recommend trying to fall turkey hunting if you have never gone turkey hunting before. It may be a fantastic opportunity to taste the sport’s thrill and learn the knowledge you need to succeed in the spring.
How to Turkey Hunt In The Fall?
| Aspect | How to Turkey Hunt In The Fall? |
|---|---|
| Scouting | In the morning, keep an eye out for turkeys in open places. Tracks left by turkeys on mud or soft ground. Pay attention for turkey calls. |
| Gear | Use a shotgun with a 12 gauge shell chamber. Carry a variety of turkey calls, decoys, clothing that blends in with the environment, and a blind. |
| Gobbling Strategies | Use different calls, such as yelps, clucks, and purrs. Move about and be persistent to attract gobblers. |
| Ambushing | Install blinds close to transit corridors or feeding zones. Watch for passing turkeys while being calm and patient. |
| Lay an Ambush | Choose a nice spot, install blinds upwind and out of turkeys' sight. While you wait for turkeys, practice patience and silence. |
| Safety Considerations | Wear hunter orange at all times, be aware of your surroundings, avoid risky setups, be cautious when using calls, and be certain of your targets. |
| Fall Scouting Locations | Acorns, feeding plots, and cornfields are good places to look for turkeys. Watch for roosting and transitional regions. |
| Turkey Calling Choices | To attract turkeys in the fall, use more natural noises like clucks, purrs, and yells. |
| Solitary Turkey Hunting | Search extensively for lone turkeys. To attract hens and poults, be persistent, utilize natural sounds, and think about deploying decoys. |
Comparing Fall Turkey Hunting with Spring Turkey Hunting
| Aspect | Fall Turkey Hunting | Spring Turkey Hunting |
|---|---|---|
| Turkeys' Activity Level | Less active | More active |
| Turkeys' Predictability | More predictable | Less predictable |
| Difficulty for Beginners | Easier for beginners | More challenging |
| Calling Effectiveness | Highly effective | Highly effective |
| Hunting Season | Typically longer | Typically shorter |
| Scouting and Observing | Easier to scout | Harder to scout |
| Feeding Behavior | Feeding heavily for mating | Feeding for winter preparation |
| Tactics | Variety of calls (mating calls) | Natural calls (clucks and purrs) |
| Hunting Purpose | Breeding and mating | Winter preparation and conservation |
Understanding the Fall Turkey Hunting Season
The traditional turkey hunting season is in the fall. For many years, it was the exclusive season for hunting turkeys. Spring turkey hunting is a young practice that has only gained popularity in recent decades.
The initial turkey hunting season occurred in the fall for several reasons. First, compared to spring, fall is the more active season for turkeys. They need to gain weight since they are getting ready for the winter. Second, compared to the spring, turkey behavior is more predictable in the fall. This is because they stick to the same daily patterns, making locating them simpler.
Fall Turkey Highlights
The main distinctions between spring and fall turkey hunting are listed below.
• Time of year: Spring is the time for spring turkey hunting when the birds are courting and laying their eggs. When turkeys are molting and getting ready for the winter, fall is the best time to hunt turkey.
• Activity level: Springtime is when turkeys are most active instead of falling. This results from their mate-seeking behavior and increased eating in anticipation of the upcoming winter.
• Predictability: Compared to the spring, turkeys are easier to forecast in the fall. This is because they stick to the same daily patterns, making locating them simpler.
• Tactics: Different strategies are used for spring and fall turkey hunting. Turkey hunters employ a range of sounds to entice turkeys in the spring. Clucks and purrs are among the more natural sounds used by turkey hunters in the fall.
Preparing for Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey hunting may be a thrilling way to participate in the sport. Because the turkeys are less active, it is simpler to approach and call them. Additionally, fall turkey hunting might be more difficult than spring turkey hunting. Because the turkeys are less active, calling them in requires more perseverance and ability. Additionally, you need to take extra care not to frighten them.
The following advice will help you get ready for fall turkey hunting:
Always ensure you comply with local hunting laws and have the required hunting permits. To have a secure and productive fall turkey hunting experience, safely transport your gear and use ethical hunting practices.
Gear Requirements for Fall Turkey Hunting
| Essential Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shotgun with Choke Tube | For shooting and effective range |
| Camouflage Clothing | To blend in with the surroundings |
| Turkey Calls | To attract turkeys and mimic their sounds |
| Turkey Decoys | To lure turkeys within shooting range |
| Ammunition | Turkey-specific loads for effective shots |
| Hunting Boots | For comfort and stealthy movement |
| Binoculars | To spot turkeys at a distance |
| Turkey Vest | To carry and organize calls, decoys, and gear |
| Camouflage Hat | To conceal your head and blend with the environment |
| Facemask | To cover your face and avoid detection |
| Hunting License | Required for legal hunting |
| Game Bag | For transporting harvested turkey |
| Survival Kit | For emergencies and unexpected situations |
| First Aid Kit | For minor injuries and emergencies |
| Water and Snacks | For sustenance during long hunting hours |
Adapting Your Turkey Calling Choices for Fall
| Call Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clucks | All-around call for attracting turkeys |
| Purrs | Soothing call to calm turkeys down |
| Yelps | Aggressive call to call turkeys in |
| Kee Kee Runs | Used by young turkeys to reassemble |
| Assembly Call | Used by hens to gather flock members |
| Lost Call | Used to locate scattered turkeys |
| Gobbler Call | Imitates male turkeys' gobbling sound |
| Cuts | Sharp and fast calls to excite gobblers |
| Fighting Purr | Imitates sounds of fighting turkeys |
It’s crucial to practice and get acquainted with each call’s distinct sounds and tempo before utilizing it while hunting fall turkeys. Using more natural and quiet calls may improve your chances of success since turkeys are often less sensitive to calls in the fall. Keep an eye on the turkeys’ behavior and modify your calling to become more successful.
Scouting Locations and Patterns for Fall Turkeys
| Scouting Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Look for Flocks of Turkeys | Scout early in the morning to find roosting turkeys. |
| Large flocks are more common in the fall. | |
| Follow Turkey Tracks | Look for turkey tracks in soft soil or mud. |
| Tracks can lead you to areas where turkeys frequent. | |
| Listen for Turkey Calls | Pay attention to turkey calls in the morning. |
| Turkeys communicate with each other using various calls. | |
| Study Turkey Patterns | Observe where turkeys roost, feed, and travel. |
| Understanding their patterns will aid in planning hunts. |
Fall turkey hunting requires scouting to find turkeys, understand their habits, and plan. Hunters may find turkey hunting areas by scouting flocks in the morning, following bird footprints, and listening for their cries. Studying bird routines like roosting, eating, and roaming regions helps plan effective hunts and improves fall turkey hunting success. Remember, good scouting may make hunting more pleasurable.
Essential Fall Turkey Hunting Tactics
Here are some essential fall turkey-hunting tactics:
Hunting Solitary Turkeys
Solitary turkeys are more suspicious and less likely to react to typical calls, making hunting them harder. Hunters may find single turkeys by scouting and examining potential habitats. Solitary turkeys are more cautious and need patience once found. Since loud or forceful calls may spook single turkeys, natural calls that replicate turkey noises work well. Using decoys strategically may make the lone turkey feel comfortable and draw them closer. These tactics may help hunters find lone turkeys and make fall turkey hunting more exciting and challenging.
| Tips for Success | Description |
|---|---|
| Scout Thoroughly | Effective scouting is crucial for finding solitary turkeys. |
| Explore areas where turkeys might be away from flocks. | |
| Be Patient | Solitary turkeys are more alert and cautious. |
| Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity. | |
| Use Natural Calls | Avoid loud or aggressive calls. |
| Opt for natural calls that mimic turkey sounds. | |
| Use Decoys | Decoys can attract solitary turkeys closer. |
| Make sure to set up decoys effectively and realistically. |
The Scattering and Recall Tactic
Turkeys often gather in flocks; thus, the dispersing and recall method is excellent for hunting them. The goal is to use a loud cry, like a yell or cluck, to disperse the flock. A softer, more comforting sound, like a purr, is used to attract the flock back together.
The scattering and recall technique may be used as follows:
- Locate a group of turkeys.
- Take up a position upwind of the flock.
- Make a loud call to the turkeys.
- After the turkeys have dispersed, make a gentler, more calming call to them.
- Continue doing steps 3 and 4 until you can shoot a bird.
Ambushing Turkeys
Ambushing turkeys may be useful for hunting these elusive birds. Finding a suitable site along turkeys’ travel routes or feeding grounds is crucial. Find turkey paths, fields, and feeding plots. Hide from the turkeys’ sharp vision after choosing a location. A well-placed blind, tree, or mound of bushes may give concealment. Be patient and avoid unexpected movements and sounds. Turkeys are unpredictable, so wait quietly for them. Ambushing turkeys takes expertise and accuracy but makes for thrilling and gratifying hunting.
| Ambushing Tactics | Description |
|---|---|
| Find a Good Location | Identify areas where turkeys are likely to travel. |
| Look for trails, fields, and food plots. | |
| Use Concealment | Employ concealment to hide yourself from turkeys. |
| Options include blinds, trees, or brush piles. | |
| Be Patient | Turkeys can be unpredictable; practice patience. |
| Wait quietly and avoid making sudden movements. |
Gobbling Strategies for Fall Turkey Hunting
During fall hunting season, gobblers are the most active turkeys and react best to calls. Yelps, clucks, and purrs may gain their attention. Gobblers are temperamental and may take time to reply. Calling and waiting can help attract a gobbler. If you’re still waiting to receive replies, try moving around. Adjusting your location may improve your hunt since gobblers react better to callers they can see. These gobbling methods improve fall turkey hunting and boost your chances of success.
| Gobbling Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Variety of Calls | Gobblers respond better to a range of calls. |
| Try yelps, clucks, and purrs to increase success. | |
| Be Patient | Gobblers can be unpredictable; practice patience. |
| Keep calling and wait for a gobbler's response. | |
| Move Around | If no response, try changing locations. |
| Gobblers may be more receptive if they see the caller. |
Fall Turkey Hunting Techniques Summarized
| Techniques | Highlights | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kee Kee Run | A high-pitched, rapid clucking call used to attract hens | A fast-clucking cry to attract hens and poults. It can track turkeys. Use a box or mouth call to create fast clucking noises to call. |
| Lost Yelp | A high-pitched, plaintive yelp used to locate lost turkeys | Turkeys cry out when they're lost. It attracts hens, poults, and lost turkeys. Make a melancholy yelping sound using a box or mouth call. |
| Gobbler Yelp | A loud, raspy yelp used to attract gobblers | During fall gobbling, male turkeys (gobblers) make a loud, raspy yell. It attracts and locates gobblers. Make a loud, violent yelp using a box call or mouth call. |
| Scouting Locations | Looking for turkeys in food sources, roosts, and transitions | Fall turkey hunting requires scouting. Turkeys forage on cornfields, food plots, and acorn-rich woodlands. Observe their roosts in fields and clearings. Turkeys migrate across habitats, so examine wooded and field boundaries for them. Scouting extensively helps you find turkeys during hunting sessions. |
| Fall Turkey Hunting Gear | Essential gear includes shotgun, turkey calls, decoys, and camouflage | Fall turkey hunting requires proper gear. Turkey hunting requires 12-gauge shotguns. Turkey calls—box, mouth, and slate—let you mimic turkey noises. A blind or other concealment keeps you concealed while decoys bring turkeys to your hunting location. Turkeys won't see you if you're wearing camouflage. |
| Infiltrating a Roost | Setting up near a roost and waiting for turkeys to fly down | Infiltrating a turkey roost may be successful hunting. Scouting in the morning or listening for turkeys gobbling at night helps find roosts. Set up your blind or concealment upwind of a turkey roost to avoid being seen. Wait quietly for the turkeys to fly down after daybreak. Avoiding spooking turkeys requires subtlety. |
| Lay an Ambush | Setting up near a travel route or feeding area to wait for turkeys | Ambushing turkeys includes waiting near their travel path or feeding place. Find turkey paths, fields, and feeding plots. Place your blind or concealment upwind of the turkeys' travel path or feeding area and out of sight. Turkeys take time to approach. Multiple calls might help draw turkeys to your ambush. |
| Ambushing Turkeys | Hunting solitary turkeys using stealth and patience | Patiently ambushing lone turkeys needs subtlety. Solitary turkeys are harder to hunt because they are more vigilant and less responsive to calls. Scout for these lone turkeys to improve your chances. Once found, set up your blind or hiding nearby and wait. Clucks and purrs work better for lonely turkeys than forceful calls. Decoys may help these fowl approach by making you look like another turkey. |
| Gobbling Strategies | Utilizing different calls and patience to attract gobblers |
Safety Considerations for Fall Turkey Hunting
| Safety Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Wear hunter orange vest or hat | Wear a hunter orange vest or cap to attract other hunters. This keeps you safe and visible in the wild. |
| Be aware of surroundings | The woods have more than turkeys. Watch for hunters, hikers, and animals. Being aware of your surroundings prevents accidents. |
| Caution with blind setup | Install your blind or concealment carefully. Avoid cliffs and precipitous drops. Make sure your setup doesn't block other hunters or animals' views. |
| Careful use of turkey calls | Turkeys hear well. Avoid loud or abrupt sounds that may scare turkeys or attract other hunters. Maintain a safe amount to attract turkeys. |
| Do not shoot at turkeys that are too close | Turkeys move swiftly. Avoid shooting close turkeys since you may miss or hurt yourself or others. Before shooting, stay away. |
| Be sure of your target | Check for impediments and other animals before firing at the turkey. Target identification reduces mishaps and misfires. |
| Know your target's range | Learn your shotgun's effective range. Turkeys may be shot up to 40 yards, but for precision and to avoid hurting them, aim for 10–20 yards. |
| Wear eye and ear protection | Protect your eyes and ears from the shotgun blast. This prevents shotgun recoil-related hearing and ocular damage. |
| Be aware of weather conditions | Fall turkey hunting is weather-dependent. Dress for weather fluctuations. Hunting safely and comfortably requires proper attire. |
| Know hunting laws and regulations in the hunting area | Know the hunting laws in your hunting region. These rules assure ethical and lawful hunting and protect local hunters. |
Conclusion
Finally, fall turkey hunting offers a thrilling and unique experience for hunters of all skill levels. Hunters may successfully attract and find turkeys by observing the behavioral changes that occur in turkeys during this season and utilizing more subtle sounds. A successful and pleasurable hunting journey depends on careful survey and respect for safety precautions. The fall turkey hunting season provides amazing possibilities and priceless moments in nature’s embrace, regardless of whether you are an experienced hunter searching for a new challenge or a beginner hoping to enjoy the excitement of the hunt. Happy hunting!
FAQs on How to Turkey Hunt in the Fall
When is the fall turkey hunting season, and how long does it last?
Depending on the state and location, fall turkeys have several hunting seasons. It often begins in September or October and continues into late November or early December. For particular dates, it is crucial to review the laws of your regional wildlife agency.
What are the main differences between spring and fall turkey hunting?
The term “spring” refers to a period in which a person’s conduct is influenced by their environment. In contrast, fall turkey hunting focuses on food sources and movement patterns since the birds are less loud and more dispersed during that time of year.
What calls should I use for fall turkey hunting?
Use more natural sounds in the fall, such as clucks, purrs, and yelps. These quiet sounds are more likely to attract turkeys since they are in keeping with their seasonal habit.
How can I locate turkeys in the fall?
Acorns, feeding plots, and cornfields are good places to look for turkeys. Additionally, search for roosting locations where turkeys spend the night early in the morning.
What gear do I need for fall turkey hunting?
A 12-gauge shotgun, many turkey calls (box call, mouth call, slate call), decoys, blind or concealment, camouflage apparel, and eye and ear protection are all necessary.
Are solitary turkeys more challenging to hunt than flocks?
Isolated turkeys are less receptive to calls and are more vigilant. However, hunters may still successfully take down single turkeys with patience and subtlety.
What are some safety considerations for fall turkey hunting?
Always wear hunter orange to increase visibility, be alert for other hunters or animals, take care while erecting blinds, avoid making loud noises that can spook turkeys, and follow all applicable rules and regulations when hunting.
Is fall turkey hunting suitable for beginners?
Due to the turkeys’ consistent behavior and low vocalization, fall turkey hunting might be a wonderful place for novices to start. It offers a chance to develop fundamental hunting techniques without the intensive mating rituals of spring.
How far should I aim to shoot a turkey in the fall?
Turkeys can be shot from up to 40 yards away, but aiming at closer ranges of 10 to 20 yards is advised to guarantee a clear and moral shot.
Can I use the same gear for both spring and fall turkey hunting?
Yes, a lot of the equipment used for spring turkey hunting may also be used for fall hunting. However, consider employing quieter sounds and modifying your strategies to fit the behavior of the turkeys during this season.
