03-06-2003, 04:23 AM
Hey MH - the best way to get you a Tom is to put him to bed then at daylight get close enough to get his attention with some yelps and get ready cause he may fly right to ya off the roost. I have also shocked them into gobbling with a crow or owl call while they are on the roost - if there is 2 or 3 toms on the same roost they get fired up gobbling and its usually a race to the hen when they finally hear a hen 
As far as being smart like some people say. I think they are about the dumbest thing out there but their eyesite is unbelievable so spot and stalk hunting is about impossible Its easier to find where they are going and ambush them if they will not respond to a call. Camo from nose to toes and being still is a must. A jake and hen decoy work great together - if nothing else they keep his eyes and brain occupied.
Older gobblers that are not occupied with a hen usually have a certain spot they go every day and wait for a hen. Find a gobbler and locate his spot and you have a good chance of getting him if you are patient.
Some genaral rules I also follow are - don't try to call one uphill, across water,ditches or fences. I once had a tom come off the roost and fly right over my head and land just outside of range - across a fence. He stayed there for and hour and would not cross the fence. I got him the next day though when I set up on the fence.
I'll be on Monroe chasin one and my kids can not wait - I have had to wait 4 years for my tag after hunting them every year for the last 15 before that.
Good Luck!
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As far as being smart like some people say. I think they are about the dumbest thing out there but their eyesite is unbelievable so spot and stalk hunting is about impossible Its easier to find where they are going and ambush them if they will not respond to a call. Camo from nose to toes and being still is a must. A jake and hen decoy work great together - if nothing else they keep his eyes and brain occupied.
Older gobblers that are not occupied with a hen usually have a certain spot they go every day and wait for a hen. Find a gobbler and locate his spot and you have a good chance of getting him if you are patient.
Some genaral rules I also follow are - don't try to call one uphill, across water,ditches or fences. I once had a tom come off the roost and fly right over my head and land just outside of range - across a fence. He stayed there for and hour and would not cross the fence. I got him the next day though when I set up on the fence.
I'll be on Monroe chasin one and my kids can not wait - I have had to wait 4 years for my tag after hunting them every year for the last 15 before that.
Good Luck!
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