Spring Turkey Hunting Tips – Old Toms that hang up
When spring turkey hunting most skilled turkey hunters have experienced a tom that “hangs up” which simply means he stops out of range at 40-60 yards or more, is still sounding off and won’t come close enough for a shot . He may be hung up for a number of reasons. He could be behind some obstacle like a fence or creek, he might be in his favorite strutting area or he has some hens with him. He might also just be difficult and if you over call to him , he will just stay there and wait for the “hen” to come to him.
Here are a couple turkey calling tips for you. There are several things to consider when this happens. First, try using very delicate “clucks” and “purrs” to entice him that last 15 yards. Another alternative plan is to lightly scratch the leaves with your hand , imitating the sounds of a turkey scratching the ground . If that doesn’t work, stop calling altogether and wait him out. Turkeys have their own sense of time and it’s nothing for a gobbler to stand and strut for an hour or so in the same spot before finally giving into interest and coming the rest of the way in.
If the bird is still far enough away or hidden enough to allow you some partial movement, try switching calls. And, finally, the most uncertain option is to change your calling location either by moving back 40 yards or so and calling again there so the ol Tom thinks the hen is going away, or simply circling the gobbler and trying to call him in from a diverse route.
Go to http:www.turkeyhunting247.com for more info on fall Turkey hunting tactics, and large selection of turkey hunting videos.