I HAVE KILLED A LOT OF LONG BEARDS IN FIELDS & IT SEEMS IF THERE ARE 2,3,OR MORE THAT COME IN, IF YOU TAKE JUST ONE, IT SEEMS I NEVER SEE THE OTHERS IN FIELD THE REST OF THE SEASON. WHERE OR WHAT DO THEY DO . RELOCATE? MOVE TOTALLY AWAY FROM AREA???? ANY COMMENTS OR SUGESSTIONS
Have killed birds in a field in the morning and then saw some others in there a few hours later. Not sure why you are experiencing what you are.
Sent from the Strut Zone
Had a miss on a field Tom trio. The next day the 3 were still there, but not as eager to come in. A subordinate came in from behind though. So idk?
Do you stand up when they can still see you?
Quote from: C. Brumfiel on April 14, 2016, 08:38:25 AM
Do you stand up when they can still see you?
Amen. When you shoot, don't move. Start calling and settle them down. Do not get your bird until they are gone. I did this and the bird settled down and proceeded to gobble and strut in the same field. Got some really good pics and called him back in to shooting range. I then stopped calling and he eventually wandered off. I killed him 2 weeks later (maybe three) in the late morning and he had not gobbled, but I knew we was still around. Came in quiet, right to me. Called every 10 minutes or so. I know it was the same bird because I thought he was double bearded, but it was just an oddly curled beard that looked like two beards.
Quote from: g8rvet on April 15, 2016, 05:22:38 PM
Quote from: C. Brumfiel on April 14, 2016, 08:38:25 AM
Do you stand up when they can still see you?
Amen. When you shoot, don't move. Start calling and settle them down. Do not get your bird until they are gone. I did this and the bird settled down and proceeded to gobble and strut in the same field. Got some really good pics and called him back in to shooting range. I then stopped calling and he eventually wandered off. I killed him 2 weeks later (maybe three) in the late morning and he had not gobbled, but I knew we was still around. Came in quiet, right to me. Called every 10 minutes or so. I know it was the same bird because I thought he was double bearded, but it was just an oddly curled beard that looked like two beards.
Exactly, the gun shot doesn't spook them nearly as much as seeing a human.
What is the "home range" of the turkeys you hunt? Some may live and die within a mile square area while turkeys in other areas may winter in one area and literally migrate 10 miles away for strutting/nesting, etc. If you happen to shoot/spook birds that are in the transition period from winter to spring zones...it may send them over the edge and disappear to their strutting/roosting areas. As an example; I hunted a spot in late March and had over 200 turkeys roosting in a line of trees one day....shot a tom and there were only 20 turkeys in the same line of trees from that day on. I literally watched groups break up, scatter, and head several miles to their spring strutting/nesting grounds. I've also noticed that merriams in areas with lots of predators act pretty funky....are quiet and move considerably if pressured.
Thanks guys. First time on turkey forum. Yes I sat there and called bird back in but couldn't get a clean shot so I wouldn't shoot. Waited Til he finally walked off. Don't think that he saw me, but maybe he did. There is a lot of acres and they have a lot of land to roam on. This has happened in several fields. I appreciate all the information. Been turkey hunting a lot of years, but I'm a believer that you can always learn something no matter how long you've been in it. Is there any guys out there that this is their favorite hunting of all??? Lol