Let's talk (spring) turkey

By Dave Stebbins
Turley Publications Columnist

Although spring turkey season does not begin until the last week of April, as with deer season, scouting is about the number one factor for success. Get out there now and study their habits as often as time allows. If you’re familiar with the roosting areas of gobblers, where they strut and their favorite places to feed, calling them in might actually be easy. Try no to put yourself out of their “zone” - it is always easier to call a turkey to a spot he already plans on visiting. As spring approaches turkeys start to move around, so don’t expect an area where you have often seen wintering flocks to be there on opening day. Now is a good time to start scouting active areas, and then, during a couple of weeks before the season starts, visit those areas again to see where the birds have moved. If you could think like a hen, perhaps you would not look for gobblers when you’re out scouting, but instead find an area with a good number of hens, and the gobblers will probably be within striking distance. The hens and gobblers can also be found, of course, where there is good nesting habitat. Walk ridge tops, drive or hike along back roads in areas you know have turkey populations. You may want to stop now and then and give an occasional hen call, gobble or even an owl hoot. Remember to be still for a while and listen, you’ll probably locate or hear some gobblers not far off. Look for signs of turkey such as scratched up leaves, tracks in areas that have snow or in the soft ground, droppings and feathers. If you come across some gobblers, probably close by you will find their roosting areas. Like with deer, a good time to encounter activity is early morning and again close to dusk. At this time, hens are listening in for gobblers and gobblers want to be herd by the ladies. There are plenty of great areas for spring turkey hunting in Massachusetts. And, plenty of turkeys. It is hard to believe that in 1851 not one turkey could be seen nor heard in Massachusetts. Today, in 2009, almost 4,000 turkeys were harvested in the state, combining the spring and fall seasons. Our state forests and of course the WMAs (wildlife management areas) provide great opportunity for all. There are about 40 WMAs in central Massachusetts alone, but not all may support turkey hunting. For detailed information regarding the laws and regulations on turkey hunting, visit the Mass Wildlife Web site at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/index.htm Well, I do believe the days of ice and snow are numbered. I have already seen small pockets of open water where just a week or two ago it was solid. Sure, ice fishing will go on for a while longer, but it is fast slipping away providing well-oxygenated water for our rivers and streams and mountain creeks. Soon the trout will be....... Hold it! Back the truck up! One activity, one season and one species at a time! Fishing season will be here soon enough, but for now...Good scouting and good luck. It’s turkey scouting season!

Dave Stebbins lives in Wales. He can be reached at: stebbins777@gmail.com.