Top 3 Tips for Hunting Early-Season Turkeys

By Jack Orloff, Waypoint TV Social Media Coordinator

It’s that time of year again. The flowers are blooming, the birds begin to sing their songs of spring, and summer feels like it’s right around the corner. It’s about this time that turkey season begins in most of the United States. When these majestic, prehistoric birds come to life, swooping down from their roost in search of love. 

There are many different theories on hunting these interesting birds, especially during the early days of spring. Some will tell you to do this, and some will tell you to do that, but here are three simple tips to remember during the early season to help you bag that first spring gobbler.

Less is more

It’s opening day. You are out of bed and have already had that first cup of coffee. You know exactly where you're going because you’ve scouted and you know where they’re roosted. However, after sitting there for two hours watching the sunrise and dew sparkle around you, nothing has happened. You may have accidentally taken a mid-morning nap too. Did you somehow miss the fly down? Did he swap trees on you? Suddenly, you hear a gobbler in the woods behind you. Your first instinct is to pick up and move, get closer, and hope to get in range for a shot. But you might want to rethink that tactic a little. 

Most gobblers are still grouped up and have not broken off the flock early in the season. And they can see very well; they will often see you before you see them, especially if you’re on the move. The combination of a potentially big group of birds and their excellent eye sight doesn’t tip in your favor, especially when there are fewer leaves on trees. Instead of chasing after them and giving the birds a college-level course on human impatience, hold back, and try working him in from there. If you happen to be on the move and hear one, pinpoint his location as best you can, and sit down quickly. Remember, there is plenty of time in the season. Staying back and being patient could potentially have a huge payoff in the end. 

When calling turkeys during the early season, something more subtle could help close the deal. Hitting a few soft clucks, chirps or purrs every 15 to 30 minutes lets the bird know you are there, but it isn't too much where they might question it. When you start calling too much, turkeys will be more likely to suspect something. Hunters often need to correct the mistake of overcalling, which leads to empty-handed days. Remember to use softer clucking or chirping sounds spaced out over extended periods during the early season to be more realistic.

Pick the right decoy

Most male turkeys have yet to establish their dominance during the early season. This is the perfect time to ruffle their feathers and see who’s boss. Using a hen decoy in front of a jake or strutting gobbler can be highly effective during the early season, as most birds have not established their dominance. Also, using a submissive hen decoy is as practical, especially for bow hunters, as the gobbler will try to mount the decoy remaining still on top, which is perfect for a kill shot with the bow. Usually, once the bird has seen the hen with a jake or gobbler, they will run into the decoy spread, looking for a fight, especially if you are on a “hot” bird. So be ready to act quickly. At this time, the safety clicks off, and you're ready to roll!

Never give up the fight.

Marcus Letrel, author of the book “Lone Survivor” famously said, “never give up the fight.”  When you’ve been busted, or things aren't going your way in the turkey woods, take a deep breath and change your strategy. Don't be discouraged. This may be as simple as switching from a slate call to a louder box call or moving twenty yards down the road so that one bird will hear your call. Persistence is the name of the game when it comes to hunting turkeys. Staying persistent and genuine with yourself will eventually pay off, no matter how frustrating times may feel. Remember to tell yourself to “never give up the fight” because when you think it's over, you'll find out it's just beginning. 

Keeping a mental note of these simple tips during the early days of turkey season will help you be more effective and productive on your next hunt. Good luck, and may the turkey gods be with you this year!