Elkeater, I've been hunting turkeys in the spring for about 27years. I absolutely love it. I hunt spring gobblers in two different states (Connecticut and Maine). Success depends on a number of factors includng the number of birds present and
more importantly hunting pressure. I agree with most others in that
limiting your movement is the most critical especially when birds are approaching your position and trying to locate the calling hen. In situations
with heavy hunting pressure camo is very important in my opinion. My turkey shotgun is painted with flat camo paints in an attempt to reduce as much glare as possible. On pressured birds decoys can even spook birds so keep that in mind. Good luck and most importantly BE SAFE. Spring turkey hunting is statistically one of the most dangerous forms of hunting.
Found these tips for safe turkey hunting here
Realtree Turkey-Hunting Safety Tips
BASIC FIREARMS SAFETY
A simple document called “Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety” is often packed with new guns and distributed in hunter safety courses. It is the “Bible” of good gun handling and safety practices. Turkey hunters should pay particular attention to Commandment No. 4: Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before you pull the trigger.
It seems ridiculous to think that
a human being could be mistaken for a turkey. However, that is the leading cause of turkey hunting accidents. Don’t make a target of yourself.
NEVER TRY TO STALK A TURKEY
Given a gobbler’s keen eyesight and wary disposition, stalking offers low odds for success and exposes the stalker to considerable danger. If it becomes necessary to change calling position, do so with caution. If possible, use established trails or woods roads and move briskly in an upright human posture. Don’t sneak through shrubbery tempting other hunters to think you are a turkey rather than a hunter.
AVOID THE COLORS OF RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
Not only are these the colors of a gobbler’s head, the gobbler’s head is also the preferred target for an effective shot. Uncovered skin and white tee shirts are prime offenders, but sock tops or long underwear exposed if your pants ride up, and red or blue handkerchiefs are also potential problems.
SIT AGAINST A TREE OR ROCK
This provides a shot-proof barrier covering your entire back and with a view 180 degrees to your front. While this is not always possible, in most circumstances you can find a set-up spot that provides you with protection.
ASSUME EVERY SOUND IS A HUNTER
Turkeys and humans sound quite similar walking in the leaves, and thanks to modern turkey call technology, the average hunter does not have to be a contest champion to call like a turkey. If you see someone approaching, sit still and speak loudly. If you are set up and calling and see someone approaching your position, do not assume that he sees you as another turkey hunter.
Modern camouflage is incredibly good.
DO NOT SIGNAL WITH YOUR TURKEY CALL
Such sound or movement could cause you to be mistaken for a turkey. If you elect to gobble, be extremely cautious. Calling like a gobbler is sometimes an effective hunting tactic, but using a gobbler call can also attract other hunters.
In a sense, you are making yourself the target of other hunters’ attention.
NEVER SHOOT AT SOUND OR MOVEMENT
Always be sure of your target before pulling the trigger. (Bill Konway photo)
Be 100 percent sure of your target before you pull the trigger. Remember Commandment No. 4. You can never call your shot back.
DECOY SAFETY
Like the use of a gobbler call, decoys are effective...but can put the user at potential risk. Obviously, if a decoy can fool a sharp-eyed gobbler, it can fool another hunter. More than one decoy has drawn fire from an intruder into the decoy user’s hunting area.
Hunters should observe rigorous safety practices when using decoys. Always carry a decoy covered in the cargo bag of your vest. Never give in to the temptation to carry an exposed turkey decoy “just a few yards” while hunting. Don’t place the decoy too close to your position. Always place the decoy so that you have a good view past the decoy in a direct line from your position.
SPORTSMANSHIP, ETHICS, AND SAFETY
Perhaps we should redefine our contemporary concept of turkey hunting success and brush up on our ethics and sportsmanship in the interest of safety. Are we too competitive? Will we leave the early bird to his worm when we discover another hunter’s vehicle already parked at “our” hunting spot? Will we break off and slip away if we discover another hunter working a gobbling turkey? Ethics, sportsmanship, and safety considerations provide us with the answers and should be recognized as integral parts of safe hunting.
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Realtree turkey hunting tips.