Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in the United States, with hunters seeking the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of bringing home a prized bird. However, hunting turkeys can be challenging, and success requires knowledge of the bird’s behavior, habitat, and migration patterns. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to hunt turkeys in different regions of the United States.
Southeast Region:
The Southeast region of the United States is home to the Eastern Wild Turkey. It is one of the most sought-after game birds. The Eastern Wild Turkey is found in forests, swamps, and agricultural areas, making it a versatile bird to hunt. The best time to hunt Eastern Wild Turkeys is in the spring during mating season. The birds are more active and vocal during the spring. One of the best ways to hunt Eastern Wild Turkeys is to use a turkey call. You can attract the turkey by imitating the bird’s sounds. Hunters should also be aware of the turkey’s keen senses. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing. Thus, hunters should use camouflaged clothing and minimal movement when hunting.
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Midwest Region:
The Midwest region of the United States is home to the Eastern Wild Turkey as well as the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. The Rio Grande Wild Turkey is found in open country and is known for its fast running speed. Hunting the Rio Grande Wild Turkey requires different tactics than the Eastern Wild Turkey. Successful hunters use decoys and ground blinds to mimic the bird’s natural habitat. The best time to hunt Rio Grande Wild Turkeys is in the fall during their feeding season, as the birds are more predictable during this time.
West Region:
The West region of the United States is home to the Merriam’s Wild Turkey, which is found in mountainous and forested areas. The Merriam’s Wild Turkey is known for its colorful feathers and is a popular game bird for hunters. Hunting Merriam’s Wild Turkeys requires a different approach than hunting Eastern or Rio Grande Wild Turkeys, with hunters using spot-and-stalk methods to locate the birds. The best time to hunt Merriam’s Wild Turkeys is in the spring during mating season, just as with the Eastern Wild Turkey.
Southwest Region:
The Southwest region of the United States is home to the Gould’s Wild Turkey, which is found in desert and mountainous areas. The Gould’s Wild Turkey is a prized game bird for hunters due to its unique habitat and elusive nature. Hunting Gould’s Wild Turkeys requires a combination of stalking and calling, as the birds are less vocal than other species. Again, the best time to hunt Gould’s Wild Turkeys is during the spring mating season.
Hunting turkeys in the United States requires knowledge of the bird’s behavior, habitat, and migration patterns. Each region of the United States has its own unique species of Wild Turkey, and each requires different tactics for hunting success. Hunters should always follow safety guidelines and obtain the proper licenses and permits before hunting. With the right preparation and techniques, hunting turkeys can be a rewarding and exciting experience for any outdoor enthusiast.
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