Rookie Turkey Hunter

[Danel]

I've never turkey hunted before and would like some advice on how to get started.  

Any suggestions on a good call and instruction dvd or book for a beginner?

[Stone Knife]

You will need some calls. Start out with ones that are easy to use like a push button or a box to get the yelp. then work your way into other types. If you can learn to use a mouth call the best two call to learn first is the cluck and purr the rest you can learn later. These two calls can be used to get that bird into range in my experience they are really the only two calls you need to kill a turkey the rest are just icing on the cake. A good butt pad is a must so you can sit still for long periods of time many times it will take hours to get a bird to come into range not always but it will happen. Do not make any kind of movement when the birds head is visible or they will spot you. They have a 270 degree field of vision and they know how to use it to there advantage they are not smart but their eyes and ears are second to none. In warm weather don't forget your bug spray you will regret it if you do i like to be in full camo from head to toe and  keep movement to the bare minimum. Do a lot of scouting before season stand well before daybreak and listen for the m to gobble to give away there location. It is best to be within 100 yards of the roost site when it comes time to hunt them i have found it will increase your chances for the early morning hunt but when the foliage is thin you need to sit still after you set up or you will get spotted the more birds there are the more eyes that are looking for danger. Try to position yourself with your back to a big tree to break up your outline. Patience and persistence will get you turkeys don't rush things and you will get your shot. You will learn as you go just try to remember what works and what doesnt then after a few seasons things will start to click, good luck and have fun.

[Danel]

Thanks for the information Stone Knife.  Any certain push button or box call better that others.  Knight&Hale push button looks somewhat fool proof.

[Ian johnson]

thnaks stoneknife!, I am going turkey huting for the first time also

[Stone Knife]

Knight & Hale make good call i like there synthetic slate call old yeller. The thing to do is go shopping somewhere that you can try a few out if possible. That way you can decide what works best for you everyone has different tastes when it comes to calls what works for me might not work for you. Just remember to stay away from the gadget type calls just keep it simple. Call softly and sparingly and you'll get good results.

[Mudfeather]

Most of the instructional videos will focus on the yelp. My take on it is once you get a bird interested.....I seldom yelp....soft clucks and purrs are what has worked for me...BUT

Each bird is different and "reading" a bird is ONLY learned by experience.

Look at it like this.....You in a bar picking up women..You want the loudmouth that is hittin on everybody or does the sorta quiet one in corner catch your eye???

You can get the loudmouth anytime!!!!!LOL