late to the turkey game

Bronkorob

Active Member
Dec 24, 2018
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First time hunting turkey in CA, actually only second time hunting turkey period!

Went in to the area blind, but heard they are out here. Knew I was late in the season, but some time out there is better than no time. Was a lot of fun, even though we didnt see or hear a thing. was questioning my calling technique....box call, educated by youtube.

On the hike back to the truck I mentioned to my buddy that we will probably see all kinds of birds on the way out, and sure enough....there they were. On private property, not more than 2 miles from where we were hunting. Pulled over to take some pics and took out my call to see if I could in fact get a response. Made a few calls and they were quick to gobble back!

So not a total failure at the california turkey hunting. I found an area that has them, I was able to verify that the calls I was making could get a response if birds are within ear shot, and I got eyes on the real deal out there. Now I just need to make the best of the remaining few days weeks.

Rough cell phone pic from a distance, but I was stoked to see them!

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Sweet. If you are going to hunt turkeys for a first time, later in the season is better. Solitary Tom's looking for ladies are stupid.

Early season birds tend to be "henned up" and calling them in can be tougher.
 
Sweet. If you are going to hunt turkeys for a first time, later in the season is better. Solitary Tom's looking for ladies are stupid.

Early season birds tend to be "henned up" and calling them in can be tougher.

Nick,

Partially true...Early in the season birds that are kicked out of the winter flock up are very susceptible to calling...Jakes and especially 2 year olds are feeling their collective oats and will run in throwing caution to the wind....Now we have the smartest of the birds that have survived the onslaught of calling & hunters.

With this said, an old dominant bird that has lost his last hen can be taken....Although, more times than not, they demand hens come to them.
 
Nick,

Partially true...Early in the season birds that are kicked out of the winter flock up are very susceptible to calling...Jakes and especially 2 year olds are feeling their collective oats and will run in throwing caution to the wind....Now we have the smartest of the birds that have survived the onslaught of calling & hunters.

With this said, an old dominant bird that has lost his last hen can be taken....Although, more times than not, they demand hens come to them.

Agreed, Steve. Good points.

I am a little skewed by these unpressured CO birds I have been hunting.

I skipped our opener this weekend. Didnt want to make the early morning drive in the snowing conditions.
 
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