Fall vs. Spring Turkey Hunting

Blog
10 Oct, 2024
Posted By: Adele P

Chasing turkeys around is a great way to spend some time in the woods, but depending on the season, the approach and strategy can vary significantly. The two primary seasons—fall and spring—offer different experiences due to the behavior and habits of turkeys, regulations, and hunting techniques. Here’s a breakdown of how fall turkey hunting differs from spring turkey hunting, and what hunters should keep in mind for each season.

1. Behavior and Habits of Turkeys

The primary difference between fall and spring turkey hunting lies in the birds’ behavior and social structure.

Fall: Flocks and Foraging

In the fall, turkeys are primarily focused on feeding and preparing for the winter. They are found in larger, mixed flocks that include hens, jakes, and jennies (juvenile males and females), as well as mature toms (adult males). Turkeys form family groups in the fall, often led by an older hen, and they spend much of their time foraging for food like acorns, seeds, and insects.

Because of this, fall hunters focus on locating flocks rather than targeting individual birds. Busting a flock—scattering them in different directions—and then calling to reassemble them is a common fall hunting tactic. Fall turkeys are less vocal than they are in the spring, so hunters may rely more on sighting tracks, droppings, and feeding patterns rather than listening for calls.

Spring: Breeding and Strutting

In contrast, spring turkey hunting revolves around the breeding season. Male turkeys (toms and jakes) are actively seeking mates, strutting and gobbling to attract hens. The tom’s behavior in spring makes him more vulnerable to calling, as hunters can mimic the sounds of a hen to lure the tom within range.

Because spring is the mating season, hunters usually focus on targeting toms, which are more vocal and predictable as they respond to calls. The birds are often solo or in smaller bachelor groups, unlike the large, mixed flocks of fall.

2. Calling Techniques

The type and frequency of calls used in fall hunting differ from those in the spring.

Fall: Hen and Putt Calls

Since the fall season lacks the breeding drive that prompts the loud gobbles of spring, hunters use a different set of calls. Common fall calls include the assembly yelp (used by hens to regroup their flock after being scattered) and the kee kee run (a whistle-like call made by young turkeys). Hunters also use clucks and putts, sounds that convey feeding or casual communication among the flock.

The strategy in fall is often to scatter a flock, then use these regrouping calls to bring them back together, giving the hunter an opportunity to ambush them.

Spring: Gobbler and Hen Calls

Spring hunting is more dynamic and often involves louder, more frequent calling. Hunters primarily use hen calls, such as yelps, clucks, and purrs, to mimic a female turkey ready to mate. In response, toms will gobble back as they search for the source of the call. Gobbler calls, which imitate a male turkey, can also be used to challenge nearby toms, triggering their territorial instincts.

Spring hunters rely on the tom’s desire to breed to coax them into range, while fall hunters use more subtle, flock-oriented communication.

3. Hunting Techniques

Different hunting methods are required for each season, largely due to the behavior and habits of turkeys.

Fall: Ambush and Bust

Fall hunting often involves scouting turkeys' feeding areas and setting up ambush points. Hunters look for signs like scratched-up leaves, droppings, or tracks to locate a flock. One popular fall technique is to bust the flock: this involves intentionally scaring the group into scattering. Once scattered, turkeys will attempt to regroup by calling to each other, allowing hunters to call them back in for a shot.

Because turkeys are feeding more and moving around less than in the spring, fall hunters also rely on stealth and patience, often waiting in ambush near feeding areas or along travel routes between roosting and foraging grounds.

Spring: Calling and Stalking

Spring turkey hunting is much more focused on calling. Hunters typically start before dawn, listening for gobbles to locate toms. Once they have a location, they will set up in a concealed spot and use calls to lure the tom into range.

Another difference is the use of decoys in the spring. Hen and jake decoys can be used to simulate the presence of a rival male or a receptive female, increasing the likelihood of a tom strutting into shooting range. Stalking can also be effective in the spring, especially if a tom is hung up and won't come closer to a call.

4. Regulations and Bag Limits

Turkey hunting regulations can vary significantly between fall and spring, so it’s essential to be familiar with local rules before heading out.

Fall: Mixed Bag

In many states, fall hunting allows hunters to take either sex of turkey (both hens and toms), which increases opportunities for a successful harvest. However, in some areas, regulations may limit hunters to taking only a certain number of birds, or prohibit the hunting of hens altogether. Bag limits are often more generous in the fall, but this can vary by region.

Spring: Male-Only Hunts

Spring hunting is typically restricted to male birds (toms or jakes), as this is the breeding season and protecting hens ensures future population sustainability. Most spring seasons have stricter bag limits, often allowing hunters to take only one or two toms per season.

5. Weather and Timing

The time of year and weather conditions also play a role in how fall and spring hunts differ.

Fall: Mild to Cold

Fall turkey season generally spans from late September through November, depending on the region. As temperatures cool and foliage changes, turkeys spend more time feeding. Hunters must contend with shorter days and, in some areas, early snowfalls.

Spring: Mild to Warm

Spring turkey season typically takes place from March through May, depending on location. With longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, turkeys are more active at dawn and dusk. Weather can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons, and hunters may deal with rainy or muddy conditions during spring hunts.

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