Spring Turkey Hunting 2007 Pre-season Scouting
February 23, 2007 - 11:57am — JYork
You’re invited to share my 2007 spring turkey hunting preparations and eventually the hunt too. I ask that you keep me posted on your hunt as well. We can exchange information on calls, guns, ammunition, decoys, blinds, techniques and the all important tricks for “hard to hunt” birds.
With about two months to go before the start of the Pennsylvania’s Spring Turkey Hunting season on April 28, 2007, I have prepared a game plan that looks similar to ones formed by most hunters. My plan includes pre-season scouting, equipment preparations, and patterning selected gobblers.
It comes as no surprise to anyone, especially Pennsylvanians, that turkeys are present in every county in the state. So pre-season scouting could consist of looking out your back door or driving down any country lane near your home. Chances are you will find the birds in all the places you found them in 2006.
On a sunny, warm day - February 21, 2007, I took my first official turkey scouting walk along the ridge near my home in Huntingdon County. I did not see any birds but I did find tracks.
A little later that same day I was in my truck heading toward a location where I had seen birds recently. I wanted to see feathers! As I drove along, the turkeys were easy to spot on the snow covered field a short distance from my house. But I was not prepared when the entire flock of 60 birds decided to make a move from the ridge on the left side of the road to the ridge that runs behind my house.
This video clip is not the best because I was in the truck for most of it and you will need to look carefully to see it “raining turkeys.” After you watch the melting stream scene at the beginning, get ready because the bright blue sky was full of birds.
The first day of turkey season is still months away, but I have learned two things;
1. The birds near my home had a good hatch in the spring of 2006, and they came through the winter without low mortality.
2. A 58-year old hunter has no business sprinting uphill no matter what the reason.
If the truth be told, pre-season scouting is not about finding turkeys. Any rural school bus driver in the state can point you toward several nice flocks. No, the real scouting is finding turkeys in a location that has light hunting pressure so you can hunt birds that spend their day acting naturally. Do that and you are on your way to a great spring season.
Don’t forget, Pennsylvania has a special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license - April 21, 2007, and Pennsylvania hunters can apply for a second spring gobbler permit now through April 1st.
Subscribe to this blog or bookmark it. Future topics will include, Equipment Options – Is Your Gun Ready? – Hunting Ethics – Selecting a “First Day” Hunting Location – Bad Weather Hunts and Photos of Success.
Please comment, share your expertise and suggestions or ask questions!
Comments
scouting the birds
Not sure why you would run to the top of the ridge and spook the birds. Rule is to never make your appearance to and birds you plan on hunting. Big no no!!
turkey hunting
Jack, so sorry u have a month and ahalf to wait....ours opens in 5 days! But, scouting is great too. Have several located, but one nice bird has claimed a small group of hens..he has a nice beard and comes from an area that has produced multiple beard birds. Have another group with three nice longbeards, but I think I will go after the bigger bird first. The others are in an area only I can hunt, so I have a little time with them. If they bust up that's OK . Beautiful spring (early) weather here has them gobbling good. Woods are still bare but "green-up" will be early this year. Went in the woods this morning with just a light shirt on and was very comfortable. I expect the hunting to be hot and heavy here for the first 2 weeks. I hunt Missouri and Texas the last week of April.
Keep us updated!
I am packing for a spring steelhead trip to Lake Erie - my other passion. Sounds like your turkey season will kick of with a bang! Sorry about the pun.
Our weather is improving here. 40's The birds will start greeting the mornings now. Still some snow on the ground though.
Please keep us posted and send a few pictures of the terrain too. Any information will be appreciated.
We will be with you in spirit.