Setup Question

[EKY.MTN.HUNTER]

(Assuming you aren't able to pre-scout the area)

When hunting a particular property do you normally start your monring hunt from the highest geography on the property?

[philipfleek]

(Assuming you aren't able to pre-scout the area)

When hunting a particular property do you normally start your monring hunt from the highest geography on the property?
No... I would start at the low end. they fly off the roost to the low ground.

[huntindawoods]

What are you talking about, all woods or fields surrounded by woods. this is me not everyone is the same but if you have fields to hunt surrounded by woods in the early season i like a field set up with decoys and try to call that ol' gobbler to you. If all woods and familar with the woods I would just set up and hope for the best. If your to far from a bird attempt to get the bird to you at fly down if no luck try to circl around on him and try to get your luck to change. This is my thoughts but I'm not all that experieced just been turkey hunting now this is the 5th season, I still make many mistakes, but I have learned from a lot of the mistakes in the past. Good luck this season

[beards-n-bone]

Start at the WEST end of the property on the highest point in the morning. Turkeys like to travel with the sun to their back as they make a big circle thru the day. This should put you in their path somewhat. Its alot easier to call a turkey in the direction he wants to travel in the first place.

[WaterDog88]

I hunt hilly terrain so if it was me in the morning I like to take the high ground in that country. It has been my experiance that the bird will pitch down to the short side if all is well, but it also has the option for a long glide if it spots danger. If I had not scouted I would at least like to get a shock gobble and position myself above the bird as close as I could. I totally agree that birds favor moving with the sun to thier backs through the day...

[Iceman35]

I say the high ground. I've had way more birds be willing to come up hill to calling than down hill. Of course there have been exceptions, but generally this seems to be the case. I try to set up about 20 yards from the "rim" because I've had a lot of birds get that far and peek over to look for the hen or just sit right there and strut. Its been my experience that they will roost over the creek if there is one at the bottom of the hill, or partway down the hill. You have to be carefull though as some times on a more gentle hill I've been set up and been eye level to a bird.

[turkeyman2000]

I ALWAYS start at the highest point I can get to on the property that I'm hunting, especially if I've never pre-scouted it. That way I can hear most any gobbler on the place. I will go to the top of the hill well before daylight, sit down, wait, and listen. When that first gobbler sounds off, I'm up and ready to move.

[thunderchicken09]

Well you have like 2 months to scout so i would just go and scout it out.

[WKYHNTR]

If it was me I would try to pre-scout the whole area. I would go listen to them gobble from the roost and see which direction they fly down to and if you can tell which direction the toms are moving while gobbling. Do this several times before season, listen to the hens and how vocal they are this will help you on knowing how to call to them. On our farm I try to get on the same level with the bird I'm huntin. We have ridges on our land that have 3-4 flat levels on them and usually a turkey will fly straight across from his roost onto one of these levels and its usually to my advantage to pinpoint his location before I setup. I also agree that its always better to be above a turkey then below him. I know there are some instances where this isn't true but this generally works for me. Goodluck I hope you get one. Get in the woods early, try some soft yelps, and you will stir something up!

[whiteoakcreek]

If it has any creeks you may want to start out close by. It seems to me they like roost above water.

[Kybirdman]

If it was me I would try to pre-scout the whole area. I would go listen to them gobble from the roost and see which direction they fly down to and if you can tell which direction the toms are moving while gobbling. Do this several times before season, listen to the hens and how vocal they are this will help you on knowing how to call to them. On our farm I try to get on the same level with the bird I'm huntin. We have ridges on our land that have 3-4 flat levels on them and usually a turkey will fly straight across from his roost onto one of these levels and its usually to my advantage to pinpoint his location before I setup. I also agree that its always better to be above a turkey then below him. I know there are some instances where this isn't true but this generally works for me. Goodluck I hope you get one. Get in the woods early, try some soft yelps, and you will stir something up!

Pre-scouting is very important if you don't know the property. Having multiple days to hunt is a big advantage. Taking the time to sit on your high ground and listen to toms gobble from various spots gives you the direction you need to go when your undecided. Trying to work henned up toms may drive the hens away from you. Just take your time, don't ruin any additional days you may have to hunt. Use your locator calls if he's gobbling to them.

[Gobbler Getter]

Geography has nothing to do with it. You find a spot where you can hear the most of your hunting ground then listen for him to gobble then get as close as possible and setup. It is very inportant to remember the gobbler is on a elevated perch and will see and hear you moving in on him. Use good woodsmanship and be as quiet as possible.

[slickhead slayer]

Geography has alot to do with it, depending on what kind of terrain you hunt. We hunt very hilly terrain, ridges. And the birds are always up on top at roost, always.

[notimlmit]

I always start out on high ground -- there is a bluff where the birds roost then fly down only to come to the higher ground to strutt which is an open pasture field and most of my birds have come from