Late Afternoon Toms

[Ghost]

When I first started hunting turkeys in Iowa in 1980 the season closed at noon. Since the changed regulation I have had some really great late afternoon hunts.

Most people think all the action occurs in the early morning hours. I have had real good luck with "after work hunts" in the past. I love the bow season which allows a longer time frame to get out there when ever you can.

Has anyone else had a Tom "on fire hot" in the late afternoon? I would like to hear some of your experiences. Thanks Ghost

 

[NWBuck]

Last spring I missed 4 toms between 3 PM and 7 PM on the first day of season. Each arrow was extremely close, and all 4 came in strutting and gobbling. I finally connected with just a few days left in the season. 2 toms and a jake raced towards the decoys setup 9 yards in front of my DB. It was 5:45 PM. The first tom thought he was the winner, but at 17 yards, he lost

I agree with you 100%...especially for bowhunting the birds, I'd prefer an afternoon to a morning any time.

NWBuck

 

[Ghost]

You always hear guys complaining that..."The birds were just all henned up and wouldn't work"!

In late afternoons the Toms can and will be quite vocal in an effort to gather up as many hens that they can to go to roost with. This can be a great time to (as Limb would say) put one in the "hurt locker"!

 

[TrkDeerHntr]

How much do you guys call in the afternoon?

Call like every 30min or 15 min

I am new to turkey hunting and want to try my hardest to get a bird or 2


Thanks
Joe

 

[Allamakee Grand Slam]

Personally I really like late afternoon. I've taken several birds after 6:00 pm. My heaviest came out in a alfalfa field at 7:30 pm with a bunch of hens. The challenge for me on that bird was I had to shoot him left handed. I've taken 4 gobblers shootin "lefty" and would urge everyone to practice with your other side, much easier to move the gun than your body.

Gobblers it seems to me can be found alone late in the day and can be quite vocal then. Can be a real advantage to know their roost area, may not even have to call.

AGS

 

[longspurs]

I've had some late afternoon hunts that were very exciting, to say the least. Last year I spotted a nice gobbler strutting in a field about an hour before fly-up time. I circled around in front of him and began calling. Within minutes he was strutting only 20 yards away - but with three hens. It was impossible to get drawn back on him because I was just off the field in some pasture ground behind the only tree for quite a ways. Though I didn't harvest the bird it was exciting to see him so fired up and gobbling at my calls as the sun was setting. I've harvested a few gun birds over the years at twilight time and it's pretty awesome. Even if you don't get them, you know they'll be close by the next morning!
-Longspurs-