Where is the best turkey hunting in New Mexico?
Some of the more popular areas to find longbeards are the Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico; the Gila National Forest out West, and the Zuni Mountains in Unit 10. Success rates in these regions are usually well-above the statewide average, and they offer excellent public-land opportunities.
What time of day is best for spring turkey hunting?
Time of Day: Since Turkeys make their nest in trees and on the ground in wooded areas, one of the best times of day to hunt is first thing in the morning. Get out to your blind early and listen for the yelps, cackles, and gobbles of turkeys as they start in search for breakfast.
When should you start scouting for spring turkey?
Scouting for turkeys should start in January. Observations during January-February will help to narrow down areas that hold mature flocks. Observations from these months can be applied to scouting in March-April, where detailed patterns of mature gobblers can be put to use.
What state can you harvest the most turkeys?
Georgia: Best State for Longest Turkey Hunting Season Georgia also has over 3.6 million acres of public land open for hunting, and the Eastern turkey population is a full 335,000.
Where are the most turkeys in New Mexico?
Merriam’s. Merriam’s wild turkeys are the most common sub-species in New Mexico. They are primarily found in the mountainous regions of the western United States, particularly in ponderosa pine habitats. They have also increased their range into foothills and some plains river valleys throughout the state.
Where do turkeys go in the spring?
- Tall Pine Trees. While they might roost in deciduous trees, turkeys prefer conifers.
- Open Mature Oak Stands.
- Ag Fields With Clover, Alfalfa, Wheat, and Corn.
- Water Holes.
- Saddles in Ridges.
- Livestock Pastures.
- Logging Roads & Recently Plowed Fields.
- Swamps With Dry Islands.
Is it easier to call turkeys uphill or downhill?
Anything to the old saw that you can call turkeys more easily uphill than down? A. Turkeys walk downhill as well as uphill, and I’ve called them up and down many times. Some of those old sayings are just funny ideas, and deer hunting is full of them as well.
How often should you call turkeys?
every 15 minutes
But don’t call too often – less is more. Calling every 15 minutes or so and starting off quieter and then getting more aggressive/louder as the day goes on are good rules of thumb. If you hear a hen, try to mimic her exact vocalizations.
What to look for when scouting for turkeys?
Look for actual turkey tracks, droppings and wing marks in the sand, which indicate a gobbler is in your area strutting for his hens. You’ll want to pay close attention to the areas where you find strut marks, since these strut zones are deadly places to locate and kill more turkeys.
Where do turkeys roost in the spring?
Turkeys often choose trees about two-thirds of the way up a slope. They don’t like to be skylined above the crest. In the South, turkeys will perch over water for additional safety. In the open prairie, where trees are at a premium, wooded riverways and the trees around old homesteads make prime roosting sites.
What time do turkeys come off the roost?
In my view, the best times of the day are right off the roost, then again from about 8:30 to 9:30 when more hens start to leave the gobbler to go lay an egg, and again from about 11 until noon. It’s somewhat obvious why gobblers respond off the roost; it’s a new day and they’re not necessarily with hens yet.
Where are Rio Grande turkeys located?
The Rio Grande wild turkeys are concentrated in western desert regions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and other western states. Mexico also harbors a healthy population.
How do you find spring gobblers?
Go Back. If the woods have fallen silent, head back to the last place you heard a turkey gobble and set up to call. Often times this is a great way to locate a turkey as they are also circling back to the last place they heard hens since they are alone in the late morning and afternoon.
Will turkeys return if spooked?
If left alone, they might return. Make darn sure to avoid bumping a previously spooked turkey again. Be extremely cautious in your approach to a roosted bird and about your movements while setting up. Often, a careless turn of the head or hasty walk out of the woods is all it takes to bump a bird again.
Is it worth hunting turkeys in the rain?
Turkey Hunting in the Rain. Not all wet days affect turkey behavior the same way. Some rainy conditions actually make turkeys gobble more, whereas others shut them up. Thunder shocks toms into sounding off; steady drizzle and overcast skies seem to prolong gobbling activity well into the day.