Early Morning Gobblers

By Patrick Murphy of Rocky Mount, NC

6am finds me on schedule to my first listening location. The air is cool and sharp, there’s no wind. The thick smoke from my breath hovers around my head as I stop to listen. It seems thick enough to convince me it’s hampering my hearing, so I tip toe and listen rather then stand still.

Then it comes…the first gobble. I’m immediately 15 minutes late now, he’s a long ways. It takes forever, dodging the gauntlet of deer in route slows me down even more. As I close the distance, I know exactly where he’s at and the tree I’m gonna call home for the morning. Read more

The Art Of Setting-Up On Turkeys

By Blaine Cardilli

~Ever wonder why some set ups work and some don’t?~

As a die hard turkey hunter and seminar speaker for both “Hunters Specialties” and “Northwoods Adventures TV“, I get asked a multitude of questions each season on how to set up on turkeys. Do you use a decoy? Do you roost birds every time? Do you ever “run-and-gun”? How important is specific camouflage design? Well, for me, the most important aspect of the hunt is a good set up so let’s start there.

Here in the Northeast, our turkeys tend to start gobbling in mid-March and strutting activity becomes widespread about the same time. It’s then that I’ll put my scouting tactics into overdrive, even though the season doesn’t open until the very end of April. Why? Because good preparation will always tip the odds in my favor. Read more

Turkey Hunting Tip for the Beginner

When and How Often to Call
By Scott Ellis
My name is Scott Ellis. I am a member of the Crossroads Cabin (fullstrut). I am also a member of Quaker Boy Game Calls Pro Staff.

The best two tips I can offer to the new turkey hunter is one: Practice your calls regularly and become proficient in more than one type of call. Also, be sure to gain confidence in your calling ability. Nothing is worse than a “newbie” out in the woods that is afraid to talk with a gobbler because his calling lacks confidence.

The second tip is to learn when and how much to call. This is something that a hunter will learn in time but a good rule of thumb is if the bird is coming, shut up!! Overcalling is probably the number one reason rookies don’t bag toms. In addition if you know anyone that has been successful hunting and taking turkeys, pick their brain for knowledge, or better yet take to the field with them and see what makes them successful. You can learn more from one hunting trip with a good turkey hunter than many a seasons a field by yourself.

If you have any other questions my email address is Proturkeyhntr@aol.com - I would be more than happy to answer any questions your readers may have via email…

Thanks!!!
Scott Ellis
Quaker Boy Pro Staff

How To Avoid Getting Water Over the Tops of Your Boots

By A. Sayward Lamb

 

To avoid getting in over your hunting boots when crossing a stream while hunting, simply carry a pair of the thin covered, nylon fabric, hip boots that fold flat and will easily fit into the back pocket of your hunting jacket. When you see the water is so deep that it will be over the top of your hunting boots, take your boots off and slip into the lightweight nylon hip waders. These boots do not have a solid sole, so pick your way carefully, to avoid punching holes in them. Once safely across the stream, remove them and put your hunting boots back on. Takes a couple of extra minutes, but sure beats running around in the cold weather with wet feet.