Is today a good day to hunt Turkey?
The short answer to that question is yes. Any day is a good day to hunt Turkey. But have you ever wondered when is the best time to hunt Turkey? What part of the day, and in what weather conditions? Early morning on a hot day or evening on what has been a cold day? Woken up, took a look outside and thought to yourself, is it even worth going out today? Haven't we all thought that at least once on a cold, rainy, and windy day?
So what time of day is best for getting that big old Tom? Remember that they are out there all day so you do have a chance at all hours, but I have found most success in the morning shortly after they come down from the roost. Between 8 and 10:30 am roughly. There is no magic, it just so happens that between those hours is when I have been the most successful. Could be that the magic of silently making my way to my blind to sit and watch the sun rise puts me in the right spot at the right time in the morning. Sometimes those Toms get hung up on the Hens and there is not a thing you can do to pull them away. Those days see success later into the morning. I do find that mid day has given me the least success though, and evenings I don't tend to hunt but rather to locate for the next morning. But that is just the routine I have gotten into that has given me the most success.
As for weather conditions, if it is windy stay home. The wind blowing through the trees making sudden rustling noises, dropping branches and other debris, causes all animals to become more skittish. Same with heavy rain. Just like humans, all animals will seek shelter in the heavy rain. You will have your least success on windy days or days with heavy rain.
During light to moderate rain Turkeys seem to enjoy finding open areas such as fields or roads. My feeling is that they seek open areas to avoid the unnerving and constant sound of the rain on the forest floor and in the trees. If one of your primary defenses was your sense of hearing, but all you could hear was the noise of the rain in the forest, wouldn't you want to get into the open as well? Rely on your other senses like sight? Maybe they like the open areas so they can dry their feathers quicker, or perhaps they just like the feeling of the light rain. Whatever the reason, during light to moderate rain, look in open areas such as fields or roads.
On cloudy days, whether hot or cold, the Turkeys could be anywhere. Without any other influences such as sun or rain, they have nothing urging them towards any particular area. On hot and sunny days however, they will be in the woods or other shady places seeking relieve from the scolding sun. On cold and sunny days you will find them trying to warm up on southern facing slopes or ridge lines, trying to get as much of the sun as they can.
Above all, remember that Turkeys are wild animals and are unpredictable by nature. These guidelines are based off of years of experience and should only be used as a means to help you start your search. Using the suggestions mentioned, place several trail cams and study the areas you hunt. Get to know the Turkeys in your area and hopefully it won't be long before you have one on the table.
What are your experiences with weather and time of day regarding Turkey Hunting? Do you agree with these suggestions? Perhaps you have your own suggestions, something to add? We would love to hear them. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smallgame.ca and comment.
