2025 Official Turkey Challenge

[47thGARBB]

There are some public tracts that have really good hunting. The key is to not over-call them and be patient. When you think you should get up from a setup, stay another 30 minutes.

The place I have been scouting has been shockingly good so far. Some fantastic ground out there and over 10,000 acres. Have heard no less than four different gobblers every morning I have gone to listen, sometimes more. I just hope the place ain't loaded with trucks when the season opens up.

 

[mfoster]

The place I have been scouting has been shockingly good so far. Some fantastic ground out there and over 10,000 acres. Have heard no less than four different gobblers every morning I have gone to listen, sometimes more. I just hope the place ain't loaded with trucks when the season opens up.

Afternoons will be your friend in the areas you hear the gobbling if a lot of mourning traffic

 

[47thGARBB]

Afternoons will be your friend in the areas you hear the gobbling if a lot of mourning traffic

I will certainly keep that in mind. I think I just about have their primary roost zone figured out. I figured if the morning doesn't work out I can catch them back on the way to the roost.

 

[24on48hunting]

I will certainly keep that in mind. I think I just about have their primary roost zone figured out. I figured if the morning doesn't work out I can catch them back on the way to the roost.

Don’t write off evenings, like mfoster said. You may not hear much gobbling, but if you do get a gobble in the evening, put your call down and get ready because he’s probably gonna be coming in. Sit tight for an hour or so and do not call again. Older birds will take more time to come in sometimes.

Even in the morning setups, less is more. If I get a bird to respond, I shut up and wait for him to gobble again on his own.
I might reply with a few, soft calls, some purrs or leaf scratching after he does, but that’s about it. Otherwise I give them the silent treatment and that usually works.
My last few birds in recent years were killed up to an hour after my last call, including both of my Texas birds from this season. One of them was a 2 hour standoff, the other was about a half hour. They never left, I heard them gobbling periodically on their own as they took their time circling around.

 

[new57]

Weekend is almost here. Good luck in the woods to those going forth.

 

[donblfihu]

Good luck and be safe!

 

[Shads]

Today is the day! Good luck!

 

[thendricks]

Wish I was out there today. I’ve missed opening weekend every year for the last 3 years

 

[24on48hunting]

Good luck everyone. I got off of work at 8 this morning. Might go bow hunt our honey hole this evening.
Checked another farm of mine on the way home and spotted a few strutters with hens. Taking my boy out there this evening to put them to bed so we can get up under them in the morning.

 

[BIKER13]

Good luck and dont forget the decoy