Campfire » First Lite Turkey Tip #2

Continuing on in our series of First Lite Turkey Tips, our second tip is particularly relevant for early season weather.

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.   John was kind enough to provide us with quite a few Turkey Tips and this one is especially important this time of year.

Turkey Tip #2:  Wet Weather and Watching the Watch

Turkey hunting in April can be a soggy affair here in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho.  I've been snowed out of  hunts and have definitely spent a few evenings at the campsite, hanging out with a bottle of Wild Turkey instead of chasing wild turkey while the rain poured down from spring storms.  Incidentally, we have a tradition requiring your best "natural" turkey call before each belt from the bottle--It's a great way to insure that if there happen to be any turkey around the campsite, they'll run like hell at the sound of a couple of half drunken guys doing their best to immitate the gobbler with nothing but their mouths.  

But I digress...When I asked John if he had any tips for those of use who endure bad weather early season, he was quick to relay the following fact. "After a storm, the birds will head straight to the fields, pastures or clearings to dry their wings and hopefully enjoy some sunshine.  If you know this and know the area, sit out the storm and head straight for those locations once it's tapered off.  That's where the birds will head."  

When I told John about the frequency of morning storms, evening showers and generally bad weather during Idaho early season, John also offered his experience in timing.  "Most folks give up after a few hours but I'll tell you that nine to noon is just as good as dawn.  I've killed just as many birds in mid to late morning as I have right after they roost.  Patience pays off."

Stay tuned for Turkey Tip  #3:  Effective Turkey Targeting with a Bow