Early Season Turkey Tactics | Gun Talk Hunt

Published on March 13, 2021
Duration: 34:03

This episode of Gun Talk Hunt features John Geiger discussing early season turkey hunting tactics, focusing on public land strategies. He emphasizes the importance of roosting birds the night before using owl calls and then setting up to call them off the roost. The discussion also covers essential gear, including specific shotgun recommendations like the Mossberg 500 and Stevens 310 in 410 gauge, and the effectiveness of modern turkey loads such as Federal Third Degree and TSS. Geiger highlights the need for shotgun patterning to ensure confidence at various ranges.

Quick Summary

For early season turkey hunting, locate birds the night before by using an owl call to find their roost. Recommended gear includes a Mossberg 500 or .410 Stevens 310 with modern loads like Federal Third Degree or TSS. Crucially, pattern your shotgun to ensure confidence in your effective range.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Early Season Turkey Hunting
  2. 00:40Guest Introduction: John Geiger of Guidefitter
  3. 01:50What is Guidefitter?
  4. 06:36Guidefitter's 'Trips' Section
  5. 09:33John Geiger's Background and Hunting Journey
  6. 15:55Transition to Turkey Hunting in Georgia
  7. 18:14Early Season Turkey Tactics Discussion
  8. 20:04Georgia Turkey Season Start and Youth Season
  9. 20:41Importance of Blinds for Youth Hunters
  10. 21:26Eastern vs. Rio Grande Turkeys
  11. 22:11Roosting and Calling Strategies
  12. 23:20Setting Up for Success in Turkey Hunting
  13. 24:13Hunting in Rolling Hills and Hardwood Draws
  14. 25:25The Decision of How Close to Get
  15. 27:09Turkey Hunting Shotgun Recommendations
  16. 27:36John Geiger's .410 Stevens 310 Setup
  17. 28:5120 Gauge and Modern Turkey Loads
  18. 30:09Effectiveness of Federal Third Degree Loads
  19. 31:21Importance of Shotgun Patterning
  20. 32:26Comparing Turkey Hunting to Deer Hunting Scenarios
  21. 33:17Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to locate turkeys for an early season hunt?

The most effective method is to roost turkeys the night before by using an owl call and listening for a gobble. This allows you to pinpoint their location on a roost tree, typically a large pine on a ridge, for the following morning's hunt.

What shotgun and ammunition are recommended for early season turkey hunting?

For early season turkey hunting, a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge or a .410 Stevens 310 are recommended. Modern loads like Federal Third Degree or TSS ammunition are highly effective, offering good patterns and range.

How important is patterning your shotgun for turkey hunting?

Patterning your shotgun is crucial. It ensures you understand how your specific load and choke combination performs, giving you confidence in your effective range, whether the turkey is at 5 yards or 50 yards.

What role does a blind play in early season turkey hunting?

A blind is highly beneficial, especially for youth hunters, as it conceals movement and allows for greater comfort. It helps hide any fidgeting or necessary adjustments, which can spook turkeys.

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