Is it necessary to call turkeys after they’ve flown down?

Using Calling to Locate Turkeys on the Ground

When hunting turkeys on the ground, calling can be an effective way to locate birds that have flown down from their roosts. However, it’s crucial to use the right tactics. Start by making soft, low-pitched yelps, such as those made by an injured hen or a young poult. These sounds are more likely to attract birds that are already on the ground, rather than those still in their roosts.

Key Calling Techniques for Ground-Hunting Turkeys

To effectively use calling when hunting turkeys on the ground, it’s essential to be prepared to adapt your tactics quickly. For example, if you’re hunting in a dense thicket, you may need to use a more subtle calling approach to avoid spooking the birds. As a general rule, use a soft, gentle calling style to begin with, and gradually increase the volume and intensity of your calls as you gain confidence in the bird’s location.

Calling to Confirm a Turkey’s Presence

Once you’ve made contact with a turkey on the ground, it’s essential to use calling to confirm the bird’s presence and gauge its movement. To do this, make a series of soft, rapid-fire yelps, followed by a brief pause. This will help you determine whether the turkey is approaching or moving away from your location. If the bird responds with a series of gobbles or yelps of its own, you can be confident that it’s coming closer, and you can adjust your strategy accordingly.