Hunted a new property this winter. The last few years I've been hunting for my "fall" bird after Christmas, typically during our antlerless only deer season. This is the fourth year in a row I've connected on a bird between Christmas and New Year's. It took me a few days to figure out the turkey movement on the new place. And this warm, wet weather had them acting odd also. Even the landowner said they weren't where they usually are. I watched this group of 6 toms for about 45 minutes before they fed their way into range. Twenty three pounds, 10 inch beard, 1 inch spurs.

That gets me thinking about spring.

Thanks

They were definitely working on their pecking order. One Jake had about a 6 inch beard, and he would putt and cut while rushing the bigger guys. He's the one who kinda led them towards me.

Nice.

being during the open gun deer season do you have to wear the 50% blaze orange?

Yes, for some dumb reason. Goose hunters don't, but turkey hunters do? Makes no sense. Makes it darn hard to be mobile. I usually set up a few blinds and hop from one to another as the flocks move. It's a waiting game, really.

it makes sense on public land , as pheasant hunters before deer season we are not required to wear orange but we do

I would encourage anyone moving on public land durring any open season put something on that is orange just a hat or a bandana ties around your heck , something when you move

if your a bow hunter at the edge of a pheasant field a band of orange above you on the tree won't spook deer but it would be nice to see you.

Great hunt! Thanks for sharing your success.

I'll share a few pictures I got the last few days. They make their round each day like clockwork.

Good for you! For some reason, Turkey hunting just doesn’t interest me.
We had to sedate a “pet” Turkey once at work and clean out its crop. It stunk up the clinic something fierce. That could be why.

Smoothie ?

Technically, yes. An 870 is a smooth bored gun. It's been way too moist here. And flintoocks in blinds are a little nervewracking.

I use modern guns when I'm meat hunting. The flinters come out for fun.

Fine looking gobbler