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Terrain Features

Started by Dhamilton1, April 02, 2025, 11:03:36 AM

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Dhamilton1

I know this has been talked about and I tried to search as best as possible so please bear with me.

Got access to hunt some corporate owned land this year that is spread out across my county in different smaller parcels 25-100 acres.

Going to check them in person this weekend hopefully but tried to do some e-scouting using Google Earth and OnX before hand.

Most of these parcels are hilly with a ridge then some having meadows on them in the bottom. All seem to be hard woods so not much diversity as far as trees. Very few have any creeks or water on them that's noticeable.

I marked all the ridges and high points as interest, I marked any obvious benches on the hills as potential and any open meadows or open areas in the trees as potential.

What other types of terrain or features would be looked at as potential turkey spots, if these pieces of property even have turkeys?


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GobbleNut

Marking those high points is always a good idea in that listening at first light (and last light...in some places) at those points can often provide all the info you will need on where to hunt.

One factor that I always look for in most places is the presence of surface water sources that provide places for turkeys to drink. If surface water is sparse in the general area, the parcels that have it will likely hold turkeys on or close by, assuming the other habitat features are similar throughout the area.

The presence of agriculture nearby is also always something to key in on. If any of those parcels are near farms that may be raising a crop that attracts turkeys, make sure to check that out.

All other things being equal, the primary tactic you should use is being on as many of those parcels at first light as you can between now and the season and listening (and possibly using a locator call) for gobbling...both on your parcels and within earshot on other parcels.

Then prioritize the parcels based on the above...but also taking into consideration the surrounding properties in terms of the presence of turkeys on them...and the potential for other hunters being on them and possibly impacting the hunting on your parcels (especially on those smaller parcels).  :icon_thumright: 

backforty

The first areas I would check would be benches above the meadows. I would also check transitions like hardwood to pines or clear cuts.
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jhoward11

I'm working the lower valley first, as it will green up before the ridges and has the best chance of water. Seems like the birds know that also. Bench just above valley would be great also. I would rather work my way up to a bird instead of down. With that said, if the sign says the ridge is a good fly down, then follow the sign.

zelmo1

Roost trees, food, cover, strutting areas. Z