Are there specific techniques to call stubborn toms?

Understanding Stubborn Toms

Stubborn toms are typically older birds that have been successfully called numerous times before, making them less responsive to typical calling strategies. These toms often require a more persistent and aggressive approach to get them to respond. Hunters should aim to call at least 30 minutes before daylight and continue calling throughout the morning, as toms tend to become more active as the sun rises.

Effective Calling Techniques

To call stubborn toms, hunters should focus on making high-volume, repetitive calls that mimic the sounds of a hen in distress or a young turkey begging for food. This can include loud, shrill yelps, as well as softer, more raspy clucks and chirps. Hunters can also try using a “cutting” sound, which involves rapidly repeating a high-pitched, raspy call that sounds like a hen is rapidly clucking. The goal is to create a sense of urgency and competition among the toms, which can help to get them to respond more aggressively.

Setting Up for Success

A two-man setup is often the most effective way to call stubborn toms, as it allows both hunters to create a sense of distance and movement that can help to stimulate the toms’ natural response to predators. One hunter should call from a fixed location, while the other hunter moves slowly and quietly through the area, creating the illusion of a predator stalking the turkeys. The moving hunter should focus on making soft, raspy calls that sound like a predator or a rival tom, while the stationary hunter continues to make loud, repetitive calls to keep the toms engaged.