Best Time To Hunt Turkeys (Spring And Fall)

Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by many hunters around the world. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice hunter, knowing the best time to hunt turkeys is critical to your success in the field.

There are two main turkey hunting seasons – spring and fall – each with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Factors such as weather conditions, turkey behavior, and hunting strategies all play a crucial role in determining the best time to hunt turkeys.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the best times to hunt turkeys during each season and explore the different factors that affect turkey behavior.

Additionally, we will discuss how to adjust your hunting strategies based on weather conditions and provide tips for a successful turkey hunting trip.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when and how to plan your next turkey hunting adventure.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season

The spring turkey hunting season is the most popular time to hunt turkeys for many hunters. During this time, male turkeys or toms, are actively seeking out female turkeys or hens, for mating purposes.

This behavior creates an opportunity for hunters to call in and attract toms using various turkey calls such as yelps, clucks, and purrs.

However, this season also presents its own set of challenges. As the weather starts to warm up, vegetation begins to grow, making it harder for hunters to see and locate turkeys.

In addition, turkeys become more cautious during the spring season as they are on high alert for predators, including hunters.

The best times to hunt turkeys during the spring season are typically early morning or late afternoon when turkeys are most active.

Turkeys are known to roost in trees at night and fly down to the ground at daybreak, so hunting during these times can increase your chances of success.

During midday, turkeys often take a break from activity and rest, so this time may not be as productive for hunting.

Another important factor to consider during the spring season is the timing of mating season. The peak of mating season usually occurs around mid to late April, which means that the best time to hunt turkeys is typically during the first few weeks of the season.

As the mating season progresses, toms may become less responsive to turkey calls, making it harder to attract them.

Overall, the spring turkey hunting season offers a unique opportunity for hunters to witness turkey behavior and potentially harvest a mature tom.

With the right hunting strategies and a bit of luck, hunters can have a successful and rewarding hunting trip during the spring season.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season

The fall turkey hunting season presents a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to the spring season.

During the fall, turkeys are not in mating season, and therefore, the behavior of both toms and hens is different.

The primary goal for turkey hunters during the fall season is to locate and target flocks of turkeys, rather than individual birds.

One of the advantages of hunting turkeys in the fall is that turkeys are typically found in larger flocks, which can increase the chances of success for hunters.

Additionally, during the fall season, vegetation has started to die off, making it easier for hunters to spot turkeys. However, fall weather conditions can be unpredictable, and the colder temperatures can make hunting more challenging.

The best times to hunt turkeys during the fall season are typically early morning or late afternoon.

Similar to the spring season, turkeys tend to be most active during these times. However, unlike the spring season, turkeys are less likely to respond to turkey calls, which means that hunters need to rely on different hunting strategies to locate and target flocks of turkeys.

One of the most important hunting strategies for the fall season is scouting. Before the hunting season begins, hunters should spend time scouting potential hunting locations to locate flocks of turkeys.

This can be done by looking for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and scratchings. Once a flock of turkeys is located, hunters can set up in a strategic location and wait for the turkeys to come into range.

In summary, the fall turkey hunting season offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities for hunters.

By relying on different hunting strategies, such as scouting and targeting flocks of turkeys, hunters can have a successful and rewarding hunting trip during the fall season.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the best time to hunt turkeys, regardless of the season. Turkeys are sensitive to changes in weather conditions and will adjust their behavior accordingly.

One of the most important weather considerations for turkey hunting is wind. Strong winds can make it harder for turkeys to hear calls, and they may be less likely to move around in areas where they feel exposed to the wind.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid hunting on particularly windy days. On the other hand, a light breeze can be beneficial as it can help to carry turkey calls farther, making them more effective.

Temperature is another important factor to consider. Turkeys are more active during cooler temperatures and may spend more time foraging for food.

During warmer temperatures, turkeys may spend more time in shaded areas and be less active during the middle of the day. As a result, it’s often best to hunt during the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

Rain can also affect turkey behavior. During light rain, turkeys may continue to move around and forage for food. However, during heavy rain, turkeys may seek shelter in areas with dense vegetation, making them harder to locate.

Lastly, barometric pressure can also impact turkey behavior. Turkeys are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, and they may become more active before a storm front moves in. Therefore, hunting during periods of low or falling barometric pressure can increase the chances of success.

Weather conditions play a significant role in determining the best time to hunt turkeys. By taking weather conditions into consideration, hunters can adjust their hunting strategies and increase their chances of a successful turkey hunting trip.

Turkey Hunting Strategies

There are several hunting strategies that can be employed during both the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. These strategies are critical for hunters looking to increase their chances of success in the field.

One of the most important strategies for turkey hunting is scouting. Scouting involves spending time in the field before the hunting season begins, searching for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and scratchings.

By locating areas where turkeys are active, hunters can identify potential hunting locations and develop a plan for hunting. Scouting is particularly important during the fall season when hunters are targeting flocks of turkeys rather than individual birds.

Another important strategy is the use of turkey calls. There are several types of turkey calls that hunters can use, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles.

These calls can be used to attract turkeys and bring them within range of the hunter. However, it’s important to note that not all turkeys will respond to calls, particularly during the fall season. Therefore, hunters should be prepared to use other hunting strategies if calls are not effective.

One of the most effective hunting strategies for turkeys is the use of decoys. Decoys are lifelike models of turkeys that can be placed in strategic locations to attract live turkeys.

Decoys can be particularly effective during the spring season when male turkeys are actively seeking out female turkeys. However, it’s important to use caution when using decoys, as they can also attract other hunters.

Hunting from a blind is another effective strategy for turkey hunting. Blinds are portable shelters that can be set up in strategic locations to conceal the hunter.

Blinds can be particularly effective during the fall season when hunters are targeting flocks of turkeys. By setting up in a blind near a flock of turkeys, hunters can increase their chances of a successful harvest.

Lastly, it’s important for hunters to be patient and adaptable. Turkey hunting can be unpredictable, and hunters may need to adjust their strategies based on the behavior of the turkeys.

By remaining patient and adaptable, hunters can increase their chances of success and have a rewarding hunting experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing the best time to hunt turkeys and employing the right hunting strategies are critical for a successful and rewarding turkey hunting trip.

Whether hunting during the spring or fall season, it’s important to consider factors such as turkey behavior, weather conditions, and hunting strategies.

Scouting, the use of turkey calls and decoys, hunting from a blind, and being patient and adaptable are all effective hunting strategies for turkey hunting.

Additionally, hunters should always practice safety and ethical hunting practices to ensure a sustainable turkey population and a safe hunting experience for all.

By applying the knowledge gained in this article, hunters can increase their chances of success and have an enjoyable and rewarding turkey hunting trip.