How to Call Turkeys in the Fall

Hunting a wild turkey requires knowing how to make a turkey call.

Turkey hunting is a popular sport throughout various regions of the United States. Using calls to lure the turkeys closer is part of the challenge in turkey hunting. It is important for hunters to know what type of calls to use during the fall hunting season, as they are different from calls used in the spring.

Instructions

1. Search for signs of turkeys in the area including droppings, feathers and toe scrapings on the ground. These are signs turkeys may be close by. If the droppings look dried out from the sun, this means they are old and the turkeys may have already moved on to a different area.

2. Carefully observe your surroundings for signs of movement. Turkeys easily blend into wooded areas due to their coloring. Try to spot the turkeys before you start calling them.

3. Once you find the flock, scatter them. After the turkeys have scattered they will start regrouping. Hide in a location close to the turkeys and imitate their sounds by using a calling device such as a turkey box caller or a ruler box call. In the spring turkeys are attracted to mating sounds, but in the fall they are more attracted to gobbles and clucking sounds.

4. In addition to imitating the sound of the turkey call, some hunters use a turkey decoy. Stay still so the turkeys do not realize there is a human in the area.

5. Choose your target and “talk” to the turkey. Aim for the turkey with your weapon of choice and attempt to kill it in one shot. The turkeys will scatter again after hearing the first shot, which makes it difficult to take a second.

References

• National Wild Turkey Federation: Sounds of the Wild Turkey
• Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Tips
• Fall Turkey Hunting: Calls & Calling