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​Turkey Hunting- Early Season Preparation

Posted by Dave Constantine on Mar 16th 2021

It goes without saying, that each year as spring turkey season approaches, most turkey hunters cannot wait for opening day!

When it comes to early season preparations, a few things are worth consideration to ensure success.

Aside from the normal prep such as patterning your shotgun, assembling calls, gear, or placing blinds, here are a few tips for early season preparation.

  • Early season scouting- late winter turkeys will gradually disperse as spring approaches. Those winter birds may transition from thermal cover to spring green up food sources or other habitats.
  • Match your camouflage to the time of season. From gray/brown to more green patterns.
  • In hill country, turkeys will focus on south facing slopes in early season.
  • Practice calling. Find a call type that you can play well and practice the language. If you are not confident or proficient with your calling, a good “push/pin” call will do the trick!
  • Decoys- early season here in Wisconsin are the first week to ten days. Leave the hen decoys at home and use a single jake or strutter decoy. Or jake/strutter combination. Then transition to jake or strutter over a breeding hen.
  • Mentally prepare yourself for early season dynamics. Most early season scenarios , at “fly down” will have some early breeding and pecking order, fighting, etc. taking place right away. Mentally prepare for this as your success will likely come in mid-morning.