Hunt the Best Day of the Strut

As turkey hunting season approaches, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you’re going to get your gobbler. May is a particularly exciting time for turkey hunting as it signals the start of open season for many hunters in the Northeast. Meanwhile, hunters in the Midwest and prairie states can expect some of the best hunting conditions of the year, with clear skies and an uptick in gobbler activity.

While the spring breeding cycle is starting to wind down, this time of year still presents a great opportunity to bag a trophy tom. As hens begin to lay their daily eggs, many of them become less interested in running to gobblers throughout the day, leaving them free to pursue other activities. This means that dominant toms who have been waiting for hens to come to them are now more likely to get mobile in their search for a mate.

One important factor to keep in mind is the impact of topography on turkey movement. Steep hills, dense forests, and other challenging landscapes can make it difficult to get close to birds, so it’s important to rely on scouting to find the best hunting locations. This is especially true in areas where turkey numbers are not evenly distributed across the landscape.

To maximize your chances of success, it’s important to do whatever it takes to get into the turkey woods as often as possible. Whether that means waking up early, hiking long distances, or sitting for extended periods of time, persistence is key. Additionally, seeking out expert advice from seasoned turkey hunters can be invaluable, especially if you’re new to the sport or unfamiliar with the local terrain.

By following these turkey hunting tactics, you’ll be well on your way to bagging a trophy tom and enjoying a successful spring hunting season.