Quick Answer
Turkeys responding poorly to calls may be due to unfamiliarity with your voice or calling style, or the presence of predators or strong scents that spook them. Consider adjusting your approach to include more varied and natural-sounding calls, as well as careful scouting and preparation before calling.
Assessing the Situation
When turkeys won’t respond to calls, it’s essential to reassess the situation and look for potential reasons why they’re not coming in. Check for nearby predators, such as coyotes or hawks, and remove any strong scents, like human odor or scent from other animals. If you’ve been using the same calling sequence and location, try switching up your approach and moving to a different area.
Adjusting Your Calling Style
To get turkeys to respond better to calls, it’s crucial to use a varied and natural-sounding calling sequence. Aim for 3-5 different calls per sequence, including yelps, clucks, and purrs. Use a mouth diaphragm to produce a more natural, nasal tone, and avoid overcalling or using the same call repeatedly. For example, start with a soft, rising “eee” call, followed by a deeper, more raspy “cluck” and finish with a high-pitched “yelp.”
Scouting and Preparation
Before calling, make sure to scout the area thoroughly to determine the best location and time to set up. Look for areas with good turkey sign, such as droppings or scratched leaves, and try to identify the gobbler’s roosting location. Plan your calling sequence around the gobbler’s expected movement patterns, and be prepared to adjust your approach based on the turkey’s response. For example, if the turkey is responding to your calls but not coming in, try using a more aggressive calling sequence or moving closer to the gobbler’s roost.
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