delaware water gap , pA
While decoys and calls are good to have , you must know when to actually use them . For example , in the spring time , you will be scouting for males that haven ’ t shacked up with a hen yet . They will be calling for a female mate , and you can seemingly call back . If you are following a male flock that already has a hen in sight or range , then you will be wasting your time , as they won ’ t leave her side to investigate what may not be a sure thing . You can , however , find a flock that has a hen that is in the process of , or already has laid eggs , and rile her up . If you get her attention , she may come into your sights , and the male turkeys will be following closely behind her .
With so much private land ( and even public ) for guided hunts , it is almost improbable to not book a trip with a pro . The lodges have close to a 90 % success rate , which almost guarantees you a tag put to good use . What could be better than hunting with a great group of guys , and all of you bagging a gobbler during the trip ? Enjoy your time , chill out by the fire , camp with your buddies , and tag a ‘ Bama Tom while you ’ re at it .
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great state to venture into when looking for a prized spring turkey . The terrain is rugged and beautiful , and the lands are usually crowded with hunters for the season . This isn ’ t a bad thing , though , as the turkey population is plentiful , at more than 300,000 gobblers in the state . There are a good amount of stocks and food plots to keep attracting the gobblers back time and time again . Even with the spring season tagging over 40,000 birds , the ratio ranks at only 12 % of the population , so the pickings are anything but slim . From April 29 th to May 31 st , you can enjoy the spring gobbler hunt , as long as you only take two in a season . That is pretty much the standard , and of course , no two turkeys taken in one day , as with Missouri .
A non-resident turkey hunting permit here is right around $ 100 , which is reasonable . You ’ ll be tagging a couple birds and having a blast while doing so . Pennsylvania ’ s vast public lands allow for a complicated hunt that is full of diversity , which is exactly the type of environment you will want to be in . Public lands give you an advantage and “ level the playing field ,” so to speak . The state ’ s thick trees and open fields are perfect for spring gobblers who will be roosting and roaming as the weather gets warmer .
When hunting in a state other than your own , remember that rules will differ . You will have to check hunting hours and obtain the necessary non-resident permits . Most non-resident turkey permits are completely affordable , and every state in the U . S . has a spring turkey hunting season , excluding Alaska . Check with wildlife management for the best results during your spring hunt , and don ’ t forget your camo !
If you have never hunted wild turkey before , we recommend booking a guided hunt with lodging included . These outfitters will likely provide you with all of the proper documentation , including permits and tags that they ’ ve pulled for their inventory . You will just have to make sure all of your information is entered correctly . You may take your turkey home , travel permitting ! Guided hunts are an excellent way to get acclimated to the sport , and good grounds for building lasting hunting friendships . Every hunter that has ever bagged a turkey can attest to how addictive it is . The challenge of chasing these crazy birds is both fun and rewarding when you finally take your spring gobbler . It just might become a tradition for you !
92 | Spring 2017 | Adventure Outdoors