The Turkey Hunt Begins Before The Season Starts
An often overlooked piece of advice is to get your turkey scouting out of the way during the preseason. This way you’ll be ahead of the game when the turkey hunting season actually starts. If you’re unsure when you’re local turkey hunting season begins, check your states DNR or related outdoor recreation website for specific dates.
Finding Your Hunting Spot
First off, if you don’t already have land to hunt, then finding a spot is the first order of business. If you would like to hunt a piece of private land that you have seen turkeys on, contact the property owner immediately. Offer to help around the property if needed.
If your only available option is to hunt public land, then get familiar with the area. And keep in mind they might get a little crowded.
Take time to peruse through your old hunting areas and look around. Recent storms or other natural acts may have taken down the old roost you’re used to scoping out so you may need to do some homework to find a new one.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, create a backup plan now in case your first spot is already taken. Which leads us to…
Developing Plan B…C…and so on
Most hunting veterans have a favorite spot they like to hunt. Unfortunately, your favorite spot could become someone else’s favorite spot at anytime. It’s a good idea to have at least three spots you can go to in case one is over run.
Having these different spots in a close vicinity will save on travel time, as well.
Patterning birds
Usually a few months before open season turkeys are traveling in flocks and are visible.As we close in the rut, they will scatter and the smaller toms will form smaller groups. The larger toms will gather females and begin breeding season. Notate where you see them as they will be close by come opening day. Which leads us to…
Keeping a turkey hunting journal
Along with any topo maps, etc, keep a small notepad and keep tabs on travel patterns of different flocks in your hot spots during the pre-season. Like humans, birds like to keep a schedule and you can get a good idea of when they fly down and when they hit the strut. By closely recording these habits these you will know when and where you need to be on the first day of the season.