Locator call or let the woods come alive

[Dinger]

Hey Busta Biggun, thanks for responding.  Let me apologise for sounding like my panties were in a wad.  I know exactly what you are saying.  Man, I like to hear Turkeys gobble  but you have to be smart also.  Yeah, I agree....locators have their value....just use them wisely!

[zeus26]

I give 'em a nice and loud "WCFY, WCFYA?"

Like others have already said, if you know who you're playing with and where they're located exactly; listening to everyone in the spring woods wake up on their own is awesome.

But, if there's any question as to who and where everyone is, then the earlier I can get em talking and I can take roll call- the better!  Then I can figure out a game plan and take 'em to school.

And, if all else fails and the Thunder Chickens are tight-lipped, then at least I can usually strike up a conversation with Mr. Owl.  He always seems chatty!

[redleg06]

I want to be able to move with the cover of darkness as much as possible so I tend to go to the locator call early If I need to.

I personally dont feel like an owl call does any harm as it's a very natural sound in my area (and most area's Ive ever hunted) and is much less likely to spook a bird then moving around blindly without knowing where he's roosted.

[wbpc]

I let nature take its course first, then if nothing happens I will owl a few times.

[turkaholic]

I like to let it happen on its own if I can.  I think in my area in the northeast locator calls are not as effective as they once were, say ten years ago. I still use them when it's called for. It seems to me that when the song birds are going crazy,  it's a good day in the turkey woods. Some days are more quiet and less talkative. I've noticed on slow gobbling days the crows are also quiet. You never know when locator calls will be effective, that's why I carry them.

[afoshie]

I use the owl call to locate them most of the time and give me the location to set up

[turkey slayer]

If I know where they are, I leave them alone. If I am in a new area or just not sure of there location, I'll give em a hoot or two.

Smae here!

[NWBama]

I prefer to let the woods come alive.

[TNTOM]

What a great thread.  I agree with what others have said and generally prefer to let the woods come alive without forcing it.  I sometimes make an exception when hunting public land where I need to set up tight on a bird and I know I have competition in the woods with me. 

[NCDEADEYE]

I have seemed to have my best luck letting the woods come alive. Just curious about everyone else technique.

[Mossygoose]

I usually only crow call well up in the morning