How To Hunt Afternoon Turkeys

How to Hunt Afternoon Turkeys: Strategies for Success

Hunting turkeys in the afternoon presents unique challenges and opportunities. While the morning hours are often associated with gobbling activity, the afternoon can offer excellent hunting if you understand turkey behavior and adapt your strategies accordingly. This guide will provide you with effective techniques to increase your chances of success during the afternoon hunt.

Understanding Afternoon Turkey Behavior

Turkeys, particularly mature gobblers, often become less vocal in the afternoon. Their focus shifts from seeking hens to feeding and finding a safe roosting spot for the night. This change in behavior requires a different approach than morning hunts.

The Afternoon Feed: A Prime Hunting Opportunity

Afternoon feeding is a crucial period. Turkeys are most active foraging for food between midday and sunset. Knowing their preferred food sources can be your key to success. Look for areas with:

• Mast: Acorns, walnuts, and other nuts are high on their menu.
• Greens: They relish various grasses, weeds, and berries.
• Insects: Ants, grasshoppers, and other insects are significant protein sources.

By locating these food sources, you dramatically increase your chances of encountering turkeys.

Utilizing Thermal Cover and Strategic Positioning

As the afternoon sun intensifies, turkeys seek shade and cover to stay cool and avoid detection. This necessitates careful positioning. Look for:

• Thickets and Brush: These offer excellent concealment and thermal protection.
• Edges of Fields: Turkeys often feed in open areas but seek cover nearby.
• Water Sources: Especially important in warmer weather.

Strategic positioning allows you to intercept turkeys moving to these preferred locations.

Effective Afternoon Turkey Hunting Techniques

Utilizing Decoys Strategically

Afternoon turkey hunting often benefits from using decoys to lure in birds. Strategic decoy placement is crucial:

• Vary your setup: Experiment with different decoy formations—a hen decoy alone, a strutting gobbler, or a combination.
• Consider the surroundings: Place your decoys naturally within the environment, avoiding unnatural placements.
• Utilize a hen decoy primarily: The hens are more likely to be foraging in the afternoon.

Remember to maintain realism in your setup and adjust it based on your observations.

Calling Techniques for the Afternoon Hunt

Afternoon calling requires a subtle and patient approach. Loud yelps and gobbles might spook birds accustomed to relative quiet. Try:

• Soft clucks and purrs: These sounds mimic a hen foraging peacefully, inviting curiosity.
• Occasional soft yelps: These can be used sparingly to simulate a hen's distress call or a brief interaction with a gobbler.
• Observe and adapt: Listen to the environment and adjust your calling based on any sounds you hear.

Patience and Observation are Key

Afternoon turkey hunting demands a high degree of patience and keen observation skills. Success hinges on observing turkey activity and adapting your strategy accordingly. Resist the urge to rush or overcall.

Additional Tips for Afternoon Success

• Scout before you hunt: Pre-hunt scouting helps you identify potential feeding areas and preferred turkey routes.
• Wear appropriate camouflage: Blend seamlessly into your environment.
• Remain still and silent: Sudden movements will alarm birds.
• Wind direction is crucial: Always position yourself so that the wind carries your scent away from the turkeys.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to any signs of turkeys and other wildlife.

By understanding afternoon turkey behavior, employing strategic tactics, and cultivating patience, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful afternoon turkey hunt. Remember to always practice safe and responsible hunting techniques. Happy hunting!