Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Spring Turkey


IceHawk

Recommended Posts

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Well who else is going after long beards this spring? I was drawn for season B again no surprise. There were surplus tags left as there were last couple years.  Really like the new approach to not having to apply for the later seasons spreads the hunters out and gives guys like me the opportunity to get after them early :grin:  Been out doing some scouting and been seeing some big wintering flocks one I was glassing other day had over 60 birds in it! They have really been working over the picked corn lately.  Oh cant wait to hear the first gobble of the year ;)

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

+1 here. :)

I miss the hills of SE MN but when I have birds walking through my yard it’s hard to leave Central MN.

Its not like they’re gonna be super easy but I’m trying to get my first with a bow, and that’s not easy.  Not yet anyway.  The more days I can get in, the better.  And sticking around home makes THAT part easier.

When I first started hunting turkeys it took me three seasons to kill a bird.  Then every year after that was a score with the shotgun for about 20 seasons maybe?  I’m going into my second legitimate season of effort with my bow.  Hoping two times is a charm.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

First off welcome to the site ! Fish that area quite often and have seen some good flocks around there.  I would get out and do some glassing in the area , especially around some picked corn fields. Right now they are wintered up but will break  apart once spring gets closer. Maybe hit up a local bait store and ask around if anyone knows of a spot. Or look at the landowners list that received permits in that area. They legally have to grant permission to hunt there land but unfortunately a lot of landowners will tell you they are full even if there not :( Good luck in your search. 

Edited by IceHawk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's go time, i pretty much have all my gear ready for end of March for NE. Our first hunt is archery only then I get to come home and get even with the pipe bomb.

Good luck Wanderer once you get that first they just start to drop after that. Bow or shotgun they are a blast.

Bisonguy, Scout scout scout. The more you know what the birds are doing and want to do will help. Being a better woodsman and knowing your land and what the birds are doing will put more birds in the dirt then great calling. Patience is another huge part of turkey hunting. I am 1st to want to start running and gunning and give up on a bird i've been working but over the years have got a lot better and just need to give some setups a chance before moving. Good luck be safe.

Edited by Hoyt4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I will be at it with archery gear. It took some time to get the first one with the crossbow but the last two years I stuck a turkey. Watch for the turkey contest here as it is fun times. I can’t wait to see all the photos of turkeys soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did not draw an early season permit.  I may be able to snag a surplus season B, otherwise it will be a later season for me this spring.  The birds are getting SMART.  They have refused to listen to any calls and they are decoy shy so I haven't been using calls or decoys for a while now.  Rather, I just sit there and wait on a travel route and hope they walk within range (sort of like deer hunting I guess).  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Scouting is obviously important.  What has also really helped is the use of Winchester Longbeard XR ammo.  I have harvested turkeys out to 60 yards with it in recent years.

Edited by gimruis
Link to comment
Share on other sites

will definitely be hunting turkeys again this year.  Love chasing these birds.

Intend to go the archery route this year for the first time.  I have 2 kids that always are excited every year, until a couple of early mornings wain thier enthusiasm!  Figuring archery will allow me go on those days the kids dont want to wake up and I think I have something figured out.  Hope my skills will be up to the challenge.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Darn you guys!!   How am I supposed to stay at work and pretend to be interested now? There's nothing better than bow hunting turkeys in the spring after a long winter!

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Anyone one of you guys ever use Dave Smith decoys?  They sure look realistic but wow come with a price. I like the avian X and I have a couple custom painted from a artist friend that look real good also.  Yes I  realize  a lot of people  don't use decoys. And I realize there is a time and situation for that  But I'm kind of a decoy junky lol! i rarely find my self going with out any. :grin:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Decoys sure have come along ways from the foam things my grandpa used. I bought some Avian X decoys and retired grandpa’s foam things. I have noticed I am getting more birds into range with the better decoys. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Have to Agree moose the turkeys are becoming a little smarter each year. Better decoys have definitely upped my odds last few years. Seriously considering those Dave smiths or some Avian X.  Moose what are you using for a setup combo with those Avians? My customs look nice but always looking for something better :grin:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I have 3 avian x hens two feeders and one head up. I gave semi strut Jake as well. 

I want to get a full strut

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

I've used a full body full strut before can be good or bad depending on a birds mood at the time. In certain situations they can be a killer, 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

I'm really leaning to buying a mojo scoot and shoot amd trying that this year talk about a adrenaline rush. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I have two boss toms at my dads and I think a strutter might be the ticket

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will also follow the archery route. I have been successful the last 4-5 years with the Bow. I think I am actually more successful with the bow as it is pretty tough to run and gun with it. It's makes scouting more of a priority as I need to be where the birds are. I will stick out a few cameras as soon as soon as the snow is gone. There is about 2 feet on the ground. I will focus on field edges, strutting zones. Once I find an active area we will simply sit in a blind and be patient. I have had really good luck with a hen and Jake set-up. However I really would like to add a strutter.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great minds think alike. We use the same approach for scouting and set up. We've used the hen and Jake decoy set up and have a pretty good streak going. The scouting makes it work.. The you get to relax in a blind. (nice not have to worry about scent!)

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I agree the hen and Jake set up has been effective, but the big boys don’t fall for the Jake. Ok they did once for my nephew but he got turkey fever and shook so bad he never got a shot off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I prefer using a blind instead of just sitting on the ground in a ghillie suit.  Its dry if it rains, I can drink coffee, look through binoculars, etc and not worry so much about my movement.  The downside is that its not as mobile.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
7 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I prefer using a blind instead of just sitting on the ground in a ghillie suit.  Its dry if it rains, I can drink coffee, look through binoculars, etc and not worry so much about my movement.  The downside is that its not as mobile.

I agreed and when I take the nephew it allows him move. O yeah and you can bring the heater with!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Killed Toms 4 of the past 5 seasons.  Almost always D or E.  Only blank season is when I tried Season B ... not again.

Son shot his first Tom last spring.  Hunted a few times early.  Took his gobbler at 20 yards (Season E).   Called in two nice birds for a friend and his son the weekend of season E.  

I do not even think about applying for an early permit.  Pick season based on work schedule and weather patterns.

No issue pulling long beards in later in the season even on public land.

Around the metro, I notice plenty of bird movement through the entire month of May.

 

 

Edited by brittman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Have to agree the later seasons can be good. Have a bud that always get his bird those late seasons.  I'm totally opposite. I have taken a Tom In all of the last 10 years in all but one in B season. I'm personally lucky in that I have permission and access to real good private land. The later seasons  never have interested me in that  the misquitoes  and bugs can be horrible.  Plus during that time of the year the fishing can be lights out, so I'm usally sitting in my boat rather than a turkey blind. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I've shot birds in every season with the exception of "B".  Then again it's the only one I've never hunted.  That may be changing this year.

As far as decoys go I used a strutting Jake with a real fan or no decoys.  I don't use hens as they tend to hang up mature toms as they strut and gobble out of range until the real girls show up and they leave.

Calling is always based on reading the bird I'm working.  I usually fire them up early and when they get closer get quiet.   Has worked well for me over the years.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

@Borch we having s turkey contest?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I may work on it today.

  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Lots of turkeys around and the season can’t come fast enough. I have been practicing with crossbow and patterned the 870 for the nephew. It will be a great time with my nephew sitting in the blind. He said he would get one this year. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Looking at getting another call?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

I have a few different calls Box, Slate, Glass they all have a time and a place. My favorite is a Cody slate! If its windy Glass is the way to go reaches out then I grab the Primos jackpot. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      Walked today and yesterday, flushed 9, shot at two and got two. Hopefully next year I'll have a dog to hunt with. Still warm up here, skim of ice on ponds. Weather has been nice. Hopefully walk a bit more the next few weeks. Been pretty cautious walking for birds to not interfere with deer hunters. There sure are not the deer hunters there used to be 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.