Quick Answer
Turkeys tend to prefer food sources rich in protein and high in fat during the spring, particularly insects, grubs, and small invertebrates, as well as grains and seeds.
Spring Food Preferences
Turkeys are omnivores and their diet changes seasonally. In the spring, they focus on food sources high in protein to replenish energy reserves after a long winter. A 20-gauge turkey hunter can increase their chances of success by recognizing these preferences. Turkeys often forage for insects and grubs in fields, pastures, and along woodland edges, particularly in areas with moist soil and decaying vegetation. A study found that turkeys visited insect-rich areas 3.5 times more frequently than areas without insects.
Grain and Seed Sources
Grains and seeds are also essential food sources for turkeys during the spring. They tend to visit fields with mature crops, such as oats, wheat, and corn, particularly in areas with minimal human disturbance. A 20-gauge turkey hunter can identify these areas by observing turkey sign, such as droppings and scratch marks, in fields and along field edges. When hunting in these areas, it’s essential to be quiet and still, as turkeys can be easily spooked by human presence.
Hunting Strategies
To capitalize on turkeys’ spring food preferences, hunters should focus on areas with high concentrations of insects, grubs, and grains. This may involve setting up in fields or along woodland edges, particularly during peak insect activity, which often occurs during the early morning and late afternoon hours. A 20-gauge shotgun with a modified choke and a 1-ounce load of No. 6 shot is effective for turkey hunting in these areas, as it allows for a wide spread pattern and minimal pellet drop.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.