There are many lessons in the turkey woods that are learned through trial and error. In an effort to save you some frustration, we asked a few common questions to CVA Pro & turkey hunting expert Rick Taylor.

Q: When headed into a spot in the dark, having scouted the roost the night before, how close should you set up to the roost?

Rick:

If the cover allows, I like to get within 100 yards of where he is roosted, and generally like to set up where I believe he will fly down on his own or with just a little bit of calling. Just remember, roosted doesn’t always mean roasted!

Q: Do you always use a decoy? And when you do, what decoy set do you like to use?

Rick:

I don’t always use a decoy, but if the situation fits I will. Generally, a single gobbler or 1/4 strut decoy will work for most of the season. If a gobbler is dominant to the area then a strutting decoy could really bring him into range. If he isn’t the most dominant bird around then a Jake or 1/4 strut non threatening decoy could be all he needs to come those extra steps to get into range.

Q: What strategies do you have for when a gobbler hangs up in your set-up?

Rick:

There are a number of things you can do if a gobbler hangs up out of range. One common tactic is to move your position slightly if you are able and even switch up the call you are using. Another tactic is to back off of him completely and try to circle around him and get to where you suspect him of wanting to be. One of my favorites is to stop calling completely and just scratch in the leaves to mimic turkeys feeding. That little bit of natural noise can seal the deal on a weary tom.

Q: If you’re on the hunt for a brand new turkey hunting spot, what do you look for? Any specific features in terms of location, proximity to water/food, timber, etc?

Rick:

Some of the terrain features turkeys love are things like river bottoms, AG fields, cattle pastures, hardwood saddles and edges where different types of terrain meet. While scouting new areas I will focus on roosting sites, feeding areas and water sources. Specific turkey sign that I look for: tracks along the river bottoms or water source, scratching areas in the leaves through the hardwoods, dust bowls on the edges, cow patties flipped over in the cattle pastures and turkey poop under trees at roost sites.

Q: What is the biggest mistake that beginners make while turkey hunting that holds them back from success?

Rick:

A couple common mistakes new hunters make are calling too much & setting up wrong. Just because a turkey gobbles at your call doesn’t mean you have to continually call to him. He may just be reacting to your call and not responding, learn to know the difference. The wrong set up can get you busted every time. Find the shady side of a tree or brush pile that is wide enough to cover the width of your shoulders when you sit down.

Q: If you had to pick one go-to call to use for the rest of your turkey hunting days, what would you pick?

Rick:

The mouth call or diaphragm call is probably the most versatile call that turkey hunters can use. It can mimic the sound of a wild turkey while also being able to remain hands free and allow you to have your gun in shooting position without the burden of a call in the heat of the moment. It’s also lightweight and goes right in your pocket!

Q: Do you have success knocking on doors for permission to hunt turkeys on private land? If so, do you have any tips for asking permission? 

Rick:

Gaining access to private land to hunt is getting harder and harder these days. Utilizing apps like onX Hunt to find landowner information can be key to gaining access. Many times the landowner doesn’t live in the state the property is located and those kinds of apps will even give you a name & address. Maintaining a good relationship once access is granted is key to keeping that access long term. Showing up the night before opening day every season can turn landowners away. Offering to help with fences, property maintenance/upkeep and even sending a Christmas card can go a long ways!

Q: How often do you call?

Rick:

There is a phrase that I use as well as other hunters I know and that is “I like to check his temperature”. Basically, what that means is I want to see how he is acting. Is he reacting to my call or responding to my call? Is he gobbling in his own to attract hens or is he content with the hens he has around him but gobbling in reaction to my call? Depending on the scenario I will call more or call less, usually I try to let him dictate that. That being said, I do like to hear him gobble right up close, so sometimes I’ll even cut at him when I am ready to shoot just to hear it one last time!

Q: How long do you wait in a set-up if a gobbler goes silent on you?

Rick:

Pressure will often times contribute to a bird going silent. That pressure could be hunting pressure, or even other predators. A gobbler will learn to adapt to that pressure and often times go silent when he hits the ground. If you are confident he was alone while he was gobbling but you are getting anxious and thinking you need to move-give him 10 more minutes…and then 10 more! I’ve been busted more than once thinking I needed to make a move and had I waited just that extra 15/20 minutes it would have made the difference in me spooking him or having a shot opportunity.

Follow @cvaoffical & @tntrkyhntr to stay up to date on all Turkey tactics and success throughout this season. Be sure to reach out with any other questions!