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Post by cwagener on Jan 30, 2014 10:13:25 GMT -5
Hello all! I would like to start turkey hunting this year. But I'm not quite sure how to get started and what equipment I need. I bought a diaphragm call and have been practicing with it. What other calls do I need? Slate, glass, box, etc? Is a vest needed or just handy? Decoys? I'll probably be starting on public land until I can find a place. Any suggestions, I live near evansville, but I'm not afraid to travel for a good experience! I have seen quite a few birds at sugar ridge, is there any place else good for a beginner? Any advice/help/tips/pointers/etc would be appreciated! I would like to learn how to do it right so I can teach my kids in a few years when they are old enough. Passing along information and experiences about the outdoors to our kids should be a priority! Instead of the couch and video games! Thank you in advance for your help!
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Post by featherduster on Jan 30, 2014 12:47:28 GMT -5
Watch a lot of turkey hunting shows/videos.
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Post by goosepondmonster on Jan 30, 2014 13:27:29 GMT -5
Some guys swear by decoys, but others refuse to use them. I think having a couple of different calls is a good thing as it gives the illusion that there is more than one bird in an area. One thing to look at is a locator call, I use the Hoot Flute. It allows you to locate birds on the roost and set up close to where you think/hope they will fly down once they leave the roost.
It really is a trial and error thing to see what works for you and what doesn't. What works one day may not work the next. It comes down to getting out in the field and gaining experience.
If you know of a local spot that holds birds, go there before the season starts and see if you can figure out a pattern where they come off the roost and where they head after they fly down.
Also, don't be the guy calling to birds from the road. That educates them and makes them leery of coming to a call in the woods.
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Post by firstwd on Jan 30, 2014 22:30:42 GMT -5
It works a lot like waterfowl hunting, it matters not how good you are with a call if you are not where the birds want to be.
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Post by featherduster on Jan 31, 2014 7:43:55 GMT -5
The Indiana department of natural resources is offering free Turkey hunting/cooking workshops one in the North and one in the South. Learn how to turkey hunt from start to finish with Hunt, Fish, Eat Our wild turkey hunting series will take place in mid March in two locations. If you’re looking to try a new sport and give your family a delicious meal, this is the course for you. Learn more and register for the North Judson or Martinsville workshop. This past fall they offered a waterfowl workshop and according to those who attended it was well worth the time spent.
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Post by cwagener on Jan 31, 2014 15:53:46 GMT -5
Thank you goosepondmonster and featherduster for the info. I'm going to try to get to the martinsville class, but its a 2 1/2 hour drive for me. Thanks again for the info!
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