This page has been moved to http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/strut-zone
If your browser doesn’t redirect you to the new location, please visit The Strut Zone at its new location: www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/strut-zone.
To Flush or Not To Flush?
The idea of flushing fall turkey flocks to gain a tactical advantage is
based on the notion you want to call your turkey to your setup after
those birds have been scattered.
But yeah, if you’ve patterned or happened into fall turkeys—and a bird is in range, and you want it—sure, take the shot. You choose.
Often enough autumn groups are on the edge of gun or bow range though. What do you do then? That’s when you might need to flush them.
Gregarious by nature, this strategy is based on the fact we can guess with reasonable assurance flock members will want to regroup.
There’s a difference between a good and bad flock flush, as all you veteran fall turkey hunters know.
In a lousy break, smaller groups of birds stay together. This puts you at a tactical disadvantage. In one done right, single turkeys fly off or run in all directions. They’ll want to regroup.
You can set up at that site and try to call one into range. Also, some might suggest this approach is more sporting than simply taking one that is in range by luck and circumstance.—Steve Hickoff
What is the best way to go about flushing, if you don't have a dog?
Posted by: Dirty | July 29, 2008 at 03:47 PM
More sporting to flush? I'd say if you creep into gun/bow range on a wild turkey that's pretty sporting.
Posted by: Levi | July 29, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Hey guys,
The best way to flush without a dog is to use terrain to your tactical advantage. Put your gun or bow down where you can find it, then rush in. The trick is to get singles to fly in many directions, then set up nearby at the flush site.
Creeping into gun/bow range is definitely a major achievement and will work on private land if you're certain you're alone. On public land, where either-sex fall turkeys are often legal, safety is a consideration.
But yeah, flush and call back; creep and shoot. Both work.
Steve
Posted by: Steve Hickoff | July 30, 2008 at 07:27 AM
I have flushed fall turkeys and calling them back to the flush site is definitely exciting. I have also still hunted up on feeding turkeys using terrain and stealth which is also pretty exciting. On the other hand calling in fall turkeys especially targeting gobblers into gun range is my favorite fall tactic.
Posted by: Joe | July 30, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Thanks Joe.
You know, I love it all. Locating fall flocks in the woods by first calling, then setting up, then working them into range is definitely exciting!
Calling fall gobblers is the ultimate challenge, and as I'm sure you'll agree, it can definitely be done. Pecking order rules their lives spring and fall . . . and some male turkeys simply have to check out a gobbler yelp.
That's the key: thinking like a turkey.
Thanks again,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Hickoff | July 30, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Have you guys checked out Steve Hickoff's turkey book?
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Winter-Turkey-Hunters-Handbook/dp/0811734064
Posted by: Boomer | July 30, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I've never heard a gobbler yelp. How does it sound different from an old hen?
Posted by: Justin | July 30, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Hi Justin,
Thanks for the question.
The gobbler yelp is best described as a raspy and deeper "yawp, yawp, yawp" . . . it's often three notes. Not always, but much of the time.
If you ever get the chance to flush fall gobblers, you'll sometimes hear it as they regroup. You'll hear it when a gobbler gang flies down and gets together in the morning. Spring jakes will also make it as they approach your setup on some occasions.
In the end, wild turkeys are the best teachers of all.
Steve
Posted by: Steve Hickoff | July 30, 2008 at 03:09 PM