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Post by trapperdave on Apr 3, 2009 8:08:27 GMT -5
How close can you get to roosted birds and set up a blind and decoys? And how long before first light should you be set up?
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Post by woodmaster on Apr 3, 2009 8:43:02 GMT -5
Depends......
on the terrian, how much wind there is, how much foilage there is. If you can get within 75 & 100 yards that should be perfect. Get there as early as possible. Take a fold chair and take a nap if you have to.
The main thing is get between where they are roosted and where they want to go.
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Post by jrbhunter on Apr 3, 2009 12:11:35 GMT -5
I've seen both ends of the spectrum with roosted birds. When hunting big hardwoods it can be difficult to pinpoint a roost location because of the terrain/echoes and such. Especially when you're deaf in one ear. In the past I've assumed birds were roosted on the top of a knoll, only to find myself leaning on their roosting tree halfway down the hill as the sun broke. When I got this close, I came in under foliage... on wet ground... and it ws VERY dark.
On the flipside, I've roosted birds on the south end of a 20 acre field only to bust them by setting a decoy on the north end the next morning. I came in too late and too loud- and it cost me the element of surprise. Unless I'm hunting a particular hawg of a bird I don't push their roosting locations. I use patience and predictability to my advantage, in strut zones and feeding areas.
If there is one particular old bird you're after- it's easiest to shoot him as he touches down.
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Post by trapperdave on Apr 3, 2009 14:17:30 GMT -5
I'm worried about being too close. I have small wood lots to hunt. Can put the blind out ahead of time if needed so I wont have to make much commotion.
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Post by huxbux on Apr 3, 2009 16:23:39 GMT -5
Try to put the blind up days before the hunt. Even if it's real dark (no moon or cloudy) and they can't see you, they probably won't fly down your way if they hear you.
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Post by featherduster on Apr 7, 2009 17:48:40 GMT -5
If you are the only one planning on hunting these birds then set up on or near the roost.Go in several days before season and find a place to take a stand. Trim the bushes and clear away the under brush.Go in several hours before daylight place your decoys and wait.If you can observe them for several days before you hunt figure which way they will walk once they land and set up to that side of their landing zone.Early is not early enough and by all means QUITE.
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Post by mullis56 on Apr 7, 2009 20:36:07 GMT -5
75-100 yards is perfect. Every situation is different for sure and get there earlier then you can imagine. Be as quiet as possible. If you can set blind up way in advance do that too. If you have good blind don't be afraid to set it up right out in a field we do it all of the time if we can. Best of luck to you it is fun stuff, that is turkey hunting!
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