Without question, a shock call can be one of the most valuable tools that you carry into the spring woods this season. For good reason, shock calls enable you to effectively locate and monitor the current movement or directional travel path of gobblers. These calls have excellent volume, which means you can make contact from extended distances and during windy conditions that often impair a longbeard’s ability to hear a traditional-style hen call. Plus, shock calls allow you to pinpoint a gobbler without actually persuading him to approach your calling position.
“Getting feathers ruffled and tempers flaring brings up another lethal tactic that can really pay huge dividends when gobblers are whipped and locked-down by the ladies. Strategically simulating a fight with your calling can coax an entire flock to your setup in a hurry!
“When I first started chasing longbeards, I strictly followed many of the so-called laws or golden rules of turkey hunting. As a result, my personal experiences, mistakes, and success in the field have taught me that many of these rules simply don’t hold water. For example, I had once read that a turkey hunter should never call directly to a hen that is accompanied by a longbeard. According to the theory, this will only trigger a jealous response that will cause the hen to lead the gobbler off in the opposite direction."
Every turkey hunter knows that when the days start to get longer and warmer then Turkey season is right around the corner. The worst thing that you can do is let it sneak up on you - unprepared. Nothing can ruin a hunt like getting to the woods, or field, late and without the right calls and equipment. Take a few minutes in the week prior to your season opener to inventory what you need for a successful hunt.
The world-record rack from an 8-point Minnesota whitetail killed by a poacher in 2009 has attracted many gawkers since the Department of Natural Resources started displaying it at special events around the state.
Without question, it can be extremely difficult to tangle with call-shy longbeards that refuse to cooperate and have bad attitudes. Outside factors such as lopsided hen-to-gobbler ratios, periods of intense hunting pressure, increased predator encounters and even the weather can cause gobblers to be tight-beaked or non-responsive. When facing these tough hunting conditions, you need to switch gears and exploit call-shy longbeards with the following customized calling tactics and strategies that will get the job done.
Don’t put away your game camera once deer season is over. Use it to track turkeys, and you’ll punch more tags than a champion caller. A game camera can uncover a daily pattern of turkey activity including roosting sites, feeding areas, travel routes, and strut-zones. Easily differentiate high-traffic areas from stagnant zones to make your hunting productive, even during late season when gobblers are call-shy and hard to find. From effective calls, to traps and tricks, your strategies are endless when scouting turkeys with a Moultrie game camera and our helpful tips. For the full story, visit MoultrieFeeders.com.
Want to preserve your trophy buck? Follow our tips and protect your prizewinner long after it leaves the taxidermist. To remove dust and cobwebs, reverse your vacuum’s suction, and blow air along the animal’s hair pattern—not against it. Use liquid wood cleaner to polish antlers, and clean hair with a soft rag dampened with Windex. Place your trophy in a location away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent dry out and discoloration. For more advice on caring for your buck, read the full story at SummitStands.com.
