Turkey hunting in hilly terrain?

[Bucksnort101]

Well, unfortunately I did not get drawn for my normal Turkey hunting area this year so I thought I'd try a different location in SE Minnesota. It is in the heart of rolling hills and bluff country so there is a lot of up and down land to hunt. Never hunted such country before and was wondering what kind of habits Birds have in this type of area. Do they prefer the higher ground, low lying areas or does it really matter? I would think calling from higher ground would make more sence? Make sure I am not outling against the sky etc... Any other tips and siggestions for hunting rolling hills?

[Steve in Canton]

Hunt the bench's along the hill.  Turkeys love to strut on these benchs and if there is a logging road there so much the better.  I have found that it is easier to call them uphill than downhill.  Good luck

[dan ferguson]

I,m not sure about Minn as I have never hunted there, I hunt really up and down country and what I,ve noticed is they like to roost in the bottoms and then the gobblers like to strutt on top of the ridges so all the girls can see how good looking they are, My country is fairly open and sometimes I can watch two to three gobblers on different ridges strutting there stuff at the same time. They like to play king of the hill. Its fun to watch the Jakes get knocked off the hill by ol Boss gobbler.

[Bucksnort101]

That's sort of what I was thinking. I think the land I will be hunting gets hit pretty hard at times, being a public WMA. Lots of acres in there though and I am planning on hikiing in a few miles from the main roads if possible. Area was hit with some heavy flooding last year and from what I've read the river bottoms were hit pretty hard. Am only going to get one or two chances to scout the area out so I will have to plan on doing a lot of hiking. I'm notorious for getting turned around in area's as well. May be one long unending Turkey hunt;)

[dan ferguson]

Get that turkey then worry about getting out, they taste good over the open fire, I,ve never got lost, but my truck sure has.

[Bucksnort101]

Been working on the treadmill at 15 to 20 degree inclines to get my legs used to climbing a bit. Now that the weather is warming up and the snow is melting it's time for some hill sprints and strnuous hikes at the lacal park to get ready. Got to drop 20-30 pounds by June anyway. Am getting pumped up for my first Traditional Turkey hunt!!! I may just pack in a light weight tent and spend a couple nights in the forrest. Peanut butter sabdwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?