Massachusetts turkey hunters are in full throttle as the 2022 wild turkey hunting season is well under way. Things kicked off on Monday, and as we slowly move into the season, expect the hunting to get better and better.
What is it that makes turkey hunting so special? For me, it’s all about the dance, You know what the dance is, because you’ve been there before, right in the middle of it, with a pumped up, adrenalin-filled boss gobbler moving your way. You know what it feels like to hear him roar, listening to him spit and drum, and realizing that he’s close; right on you, but you still can’t quite see him. You gently move the mouth call from your cheek to your tongue and softly begin that serenade, and he screams right back at the sound, just begging to be noticed. And suddenly, there he is, a large black figure with a periscope for a head, moving ever so slowly through the hardwoods, and right to you!
This scenario will be repeated by hunters in every New England state as the season continues on. Trying to dance with a gobbler, communicating with him, and hopefully, eventually drawing him in can be extremely satisfying. It can also, at times, be downright frustrating. And even the sagest wisdom handed down through the generations must be tested under fire. A turkey hunter’s best teacher is trial and error, and even then, what happened five years ago, or even yesterday, may not happen again in a decade, if ever.
Remember that each night begins a new day, as another evening of roosting unfolds into a springtime morning, anticipating what will happen as it all begins again. Will you dance once more with a gobbler? Will you win the game, or be beaten again? You never know, which is exactly why turkey hunting is an indescribable love affair that you can never get enough of.
All that said, no matter how long you’ve been turkey hunting, added experience and a few well-intended tips can help make a hunt of a lifetime. Taking another step in that direction, here are a couple of “well tested” ideas that might just help you get those tags filled as we move deeper into the 2022 turkey hunting season.
1. In those early morning hours, when I start up a bird but can’t seem to turn him my way, I’ll typically stay put. When I was younger, I would try to move on them — a less than perfect maneuver more times than not resulting in leaving the woods empty-handed. Since then, I’ve learned to sit tight if a gobbler doesn’t commit to my calling early. A better tactic in that situation is to periodically call softly, just to let him know you’re still there. He might not be gobbling anymore, but if he hasn’t left, which he probably hasn’t, rest assured he’s listening and knows exactly where you are. And even if he has moved on, chances are he’ll be back once he’s done breeding hens. This might take several hours, but remember he’s hanging out in that area for a reason. Just be sure to stay sharp, as these cocky old gobblers will often show up unannounced looking for that hen they heard earlier in the morning.
2. If you accidently spook a gobbler, which happens to all of us, don’t start thinking that the hunt is over. Just stay calm and keep your cool. Watch where he goes, and then be patient, let the woods calm down around you and just let him go. Sit down; relax a little and wait at least 30 minutes before calling again. Wait even longer if time allows. Then try to slowly gain a little ground, being cautious as you move and calling infrequently which will give the impression that a new hen is around. And remember, turkeys get spooked all the time by hikers, farmers, other animals, or other disturbances in the woods. But if this area is a place he wants to be, and chances are it is, he’ll be back there again… and soon!
3. Finally, stay positive, hunt smart, and make sure you keep safe throughout the season. Watch out for other hunters in your area while keeping in mind that turkeys and humans sound very much alike when walking through dry leaves. Avoid the colors of red, white and blue. And make certain of your target before you decide to take the shot.
Turkey hunting safety is the responsibility of all of us. So keep it safe while enjoying what might just be your best turkey hunting season ever!
Joe Judd is a lifelong hunter and sportsman. He is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker, member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, and a 2019 inductee into the N.E. Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also on the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Pro-Staff.