Campfire » First Lite's Turkey Tips: Tip #1

  First Lite's Pro Staffers will be sharing their most precious and effective tips for hunting wild turkey thoughout this turkey season. 

One of First Lite's premier turkey hunting Pro Staffers is Mr. John Brown out of the great state of Illinois.  John has been hunting gobblers for longer than most folks have been breathing and is a board member of the local NWTF, taking an active roll in wild turkey conservation. 

Just this weekend, John was able to help a fellow National Wild Turkey Federation member's 12 year old daughter bag her very first gobbler at 25 yards with a Benelli 20 gauge.  Using his tips found here at the Campfire, you're sure to learn a thing or two that will help you to fill your tag this season.

Turkey Tip #1:  Woodsmanship over Calling

"Where you set up is far more important than how you call," John says.  "You don't need to walk around, calling as you go.  Instead, follow the birds with your ears, instead of your feet!"  John advocates spending ample time in one place, listening to where the hens are, listening to where they're falling from the roost and then locating the nearby strutting zones.  Walking around aimlessly is more likely to blow the birds out of the area than it is to locate them successfully. "It doesn't take much to blow them out of there and you're better off getting within the right area, staying put, and then honing in on them from there, rather than walking around."

"Take the time to learn their patterns.  Learn what they're doing and where they're going."  John believes that the hunt is all in the preparation, taking the time to scout for up to a month ahead of the season, then zeroing in on them a few days prior. 

Stay tuned for Turkey Tip #2, right here at the Campfire!