The Official 2021 Turkey Thread

[HighCountryBC]

Just over a month away from some of the funnest hunting of the year. What's everyone's plans? I'll be hunting my usual Region 4 area but also plan on getting back to one of my old haunts in 8. The warmer temps has the snow melting fast and should have me out scouting in a few short weeks.

Let's see some past successes and if anyone has some pictures of their decoy set up, share it here so we can help out some new turkey hunters.

2020 double up
https://i.imgur.com/DTz2KMa.jpg

[HighCountryBC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNdoh0YhnQA

[boxhitch]

Does anyone put out feed for early season camera action?
Would feed plus a decoy work to build some localized activity?

[HighCountryBC]

Does anyone put out feed for early season camera action?
Would feed plus a decoy work to build some localized activity?

Lots of locals in the Kootenays feed them on private property. Tricky part about doing it on crown land is that turkeys like open/semi-open areas so there's a good chance other hunters will be on those birds as well. As of 2020 it is now unlawful to feed ungulates or turkeys in R4 except under permit.

[Krico]

Nice double Highcountry. Funny I was just re watching my video footage from last year - fly downs, fly ups, mating, fighting, gobbling...also got footage of 6 big toms marching into our opening day setup...before they promptly walked out of our lives at 60 metres without a shot opportunity lol.

[HighCountryBC]

Nice double Highcountry. Funny I was just re watching my video footage from last year - fly downs, fly ups, mating, fighting, gobbling...also got footage of 6 big toms marching into our opening day setup...before they promptly walked out of our lives at 60 metres without a shot opportunity lol.

Awesome stuff, Krico! Get some of that footage up here and stoke the fire. I'm always excited for turkey season but this year even more so than normal. Couple weeks from now I'll be doing an overnighter in 4/8 to line up some birds for opening day.

[Krico]

I have been taking my son along for ~10 years, basically since I started. Usually my buddy and his son are with us in camp. It’s not easy hunting turkeys with young kids but the memories more than make up for the extra birds we “could’ve” gotten. Here’s a few from through the years.

https://i.postimg.cc/ryjbSWqp/940-B03-F7-AF6-A-427-F-8-A95-86424-B6735-FA.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/YqSP89Sz/C558-BFAD-EC36-46-B1-8-E30-0-ECBD8375857.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mh0VgTCP)


https://i.postimg.cc/hGRpFPKw/4-BBB09-EB-3152-4-CC0-B976-F66-B0-C5-F41-C5.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G4zkGR8J)


https://i.postimg.cc/hjP8gX6C/48-B31-A26-761-B-42-AA-ACC6-42-CC16-D2-AB8-A.jpg (https://postimg.cc/TyF5J3Rm)



https://i.postimg.cc/2yyxd1xq/378-F8-DB3-7058-4-DCE-9-F08-7-D90-C9-CE75-EE.jpg (https://postimg.cc/D4VsnyHF)

[Krico]

A few more...

https://i.postimg.cc/5NGs3STf/AA89-AA61-65-CB-4410-975-C-702-E73698039.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Vdq9snzh)

https://i.postimg.cc/nzZRmV57/DB976-A88-CFF7-4-F8-F-BAC0-70-CA6-CBA0-D2-D.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/Y9n6Spwt/29-CF5544-2-D9-E-4-CA5-AD41-D30-CE59466-AC.jpg (https://postimg.cc/0MSMW1Q4)

https://i.postimg.cc/0QcfJY7R/4672-E380-76-DC-4646-B008-B9-EA95216054.jpg (https://postimg.cc/vgx9J6P3)

https://i.postimg.cc/8CLXsfyN/A7-B52-BDE-C5-E2-40-B0-893-D-06-E1-A81-A8-CB7.jpg (https://postimg.cc/yJYybx4b)

[Would Rather Be Fishing]

Oh man a sight we Region 2 or western Region 8 dwellers can only dream of. So jealous

[HarryToolips]

Wow great pics everyone....

[HighCountryBC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD25woulCe0&feature=youtu.be

[Krico]

Who else loves turkey calls?
https://i.postimg.cc/XJSVzmZg/E6461649-D697-416-E-A354-1-B2-B1-C388216.jpg (https://postimg.cc/f3Cn3Hf3)

[boxhitch]

https://i.postimg.cc/2yyxd1xq/378-F8-DB3-7058-4-DCE-9-F08-7-D90-C9-CE75-EE.jpgWhat gun is that? Nice grip shape for sitting position?

[Krico]

What gun is that? Nice grip shape for sitting position?

It’s a Mossberg 510 mini 20 gauge, undertaker choke with a Bushnell reflex red dot. Unlike other “junior” guns built on full size actions with a shorter stock - it’s actually built from the ground up. The forend is closer to the receiver, the length of pull is shorter, and the synthetic stock comes with spacers to add as young shooters grow. It can kill turkeys out to 35 or 40 yards with 3” shells. I imagine with TSS you could stretch that to 50.
Light, small, maneuverable. Awesome shotgun for kids. I love shooting it too, when he lets me! Much nicer than my ignorant 535 with 3.5” and xxfull choke.

[walker1985]

It’s a Mossberg 510 mini 20 gauge, undertaker choke with a Bushnell reflex red dot. Unlike other “junior” guns built on full size actions with a shorter stock - it’s actually built from the ground up. The forend is closer to the receiver, the length of pull is shorter, and the synthetic stock comes with spacers to add as young shooters grow. It can kill turkeys out to 35 or 40 yards with 3” shells. I imagine with TSS you could stretch that to 50.
Light, small, maneuverable. Awesome shotgun for kids. I love shooting it too, when he lets me! Much nicer than my ignorant 535 with 3.5” and xxfull choke.

I've been looking for a shotgun for my kids as well and I was interested in that same model but I saw some reviews with one not cycling properly. Have you encountered any issues with it jamming?

[Krico]

I've been looking for a shotgun for my kids as well and I was interested in that same model but I saw some reviews with one not cycling properly. Have you encountered any issues with it jamming?

Negative. My friend’s son grew up shooting one also (he got his first) and no issues.

[Redthies]

6 big toms marching into our opening day setup...before they promptly walked out of our lives at 60 metres without a shot opportunity lol.

If we go out more than one person at a time, there is usually a scoped rimfire along (where/when legal). It helps not going home empty handed.

https://i.postimg.cc/nzPLcYjR/504-A79-D8-9-A95-47-F9-9-FDF-9-EBC438956-DC.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1nDSvFKw)

[Krico]

https://i.postimg.cc/nzPLcYjR/504-A79-D8-9-A95-47-F9-9-FDF-9-EBC438956-DC.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1nDSvFKw)[/

is your dog worried about being recognized on the internet by his non hunting friends? And are you worried someone might recognize the gobbler?

Haha WTF.

[HighCountryBC]

Thanks to those who have shared! Just over a month away now. I'll have some clips to share from scouting and trail cams over the next few weeks. This warm weather is sure going to help with the melt and green up.

Here's a couple couple screenshots from last years video clips.

https://i.imgur.com/yNxPBgx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CTtBKka.jpg

[Krico]

Here’s one that got away a few years ago.
https://i.postimg.cc/Lsq59BT0/30-D0-FFBC-C1-B1-4-D0-D-A8-B9-8-C3-FEB53-C039.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zLr8ph4n)

[Redthies]

https://i.postimg.cc/nzPLcYjR/504-A79-D8-9-A95-47-F9-9-FDF-9-EBC438956-DC.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1nDSvFKw)[/

is your dog worried about being recognized on the internet by his non hunting friends? And are you worried someone might recognize the gobbler?

Haha WTF.

I was poking fun at all the people who black out faces, license plates etc. Unless you’re doing something illegal, I don’t see any need to do that.

Although the dog did feel a bit embarrassed about being caught sniffing at the popes nose...

[bluesman]

Agree, great photos but hiding faces ??? Why?

[Redthies]

So am I going blind, or do the new regs no longer specify rimfire or shotgun seasons for turkeys? I’m pretty sure it used to be shotgun only in spring/fall in certain areas, but I’ve checked both regions 4 and 8 regs and the chart on page 16 of the regs and I don’t see it anywhere. I’m thinking they took away the rimfire/shot specific rule when they upped the bag limit?

[HighCountryBC]

So am I going blind, or do the new regs no longer specify rimfire or shotgun seasons for turkeys? I’m pretty sure it used to be shotgun only in spring/fall in certain areas, but I’ve checked both regions 4 and 8 regs and the chart on page 16 of the regs and I don’t see it anywhere. I’m thinking they took away the rimfire/shot specific rule when they upped the bag limit?

You have always been allowed to use rimfire or shotgun for turkey in both 4 and 8.





Heading over to the Koots late next week to get some cameras up and pre-season scouting. Will update then!

[Elkchaser]

Page 16 in regs spells out clearly what you can use for upland game birds.

[Redthies]

You have always been allowed to use rimfire or shotgun for turkey in both 4 and 8.


Nope! Just found it... in the ‘18-‘20 regs fall season in region 4 was shot or bow only. No rimfire.

[Redthies]

Page 16 in regs spells out clearly what you can use for upland game birds.

Ahh, yeah. The savvy reader will note the part where I said “I’ve checked the chart on page 16 of the regs”...

[Krico]

Redthies you aren’t crazy. In region 4 there used to be a bow only season, then a bow or shot only season (both in fall). I’ve never hunted them in the fall so I’m not sure what year it changed. But this is from an old 2012-2014 regulations book I have still.
https://i.postimg.cc/zBKwtsNZ/5-FC1-C7-B8-75-C0-4-E21-A01-F-3-FA6-CB1-B9-D20.jpg (https://postimg.cc/S2QzjtjD)

[Redthies]

From the ‘18-‘20 regs.

https://i.postimg.cc/GhmNqMTb/6325608-C-382-C-4979-9-C12-C1726-FD1-DAE7.jpg (https://postimg.cc/K4CJYD5W)

[Redthies]

Redthies you aren’t crazy.

Can you call my wife and let her know? :lol:

[HighCountryBC]

Nope! Just found it... in the ‘18-‘20 regs fall season in region 4 was shot or bow only. No rimfire.

My apologies. Never paid any attention to the fall season.

[Scotty_Mo13]

Hey Folks.
I'll be heading into 4-23 in a couple weeks looking for turkeys. Just wondering what you folks use for maps? I use the iHunter app here in Alberta and it's great, but I see it's not very helpful west of the border. I'll be stumbling around the Fernie/Sparwood area, so I'm wondering if anyone has some advice to determine ownership out that way. County maps seem to be quite vague as well.

[Krico]

Hey Folks.
I'll be heading into 4-23 in a couple weeks looking for turkeys. Just wondering what you folks use for maps? I use the iHunter app here in Alberta and it's great, but I see it's not very helpful west of the border. I'll be stumbling around the Fernie/Sparwood area, so I'm wondering if anyone has some advice to determine ownership out that way. County maps seem to be quite vague as well.

I’m not aware of any app that lists property ownership here. You will have to go old school and knock on doors - although that might not be well received in current pandemic climate.
We have found that often private property isn’t worth the trouble.

[Krico]

Here’s a bit of video from last year.

https://youtu.be/PO0VOFxHg1I

[HighCountryBC]

Here’s a bit of video from last year.

https://youtu.be/PO0VOFxHg1I

Awesome stuff, Krico! Hope to have more to share in the near future as well. 2 weeks from the opener!

[rocksteady]

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2020-2022/hunting-trapping-synopsis-2020-2022-region4.pdf

Page 5.. No mention of shot only... So rimfires allowed..

[Bubbacanuck]

Has anyone actually had luck killing a turkey with a .22? The way they bob their head, I can't imagine that would be easy. Unless you are shooting them from their roost I guess.

[rocksteady]

22 kills them dead.. head or neck/chest junction

[upperleftcoaster]

heading out this spring for some scouting and finding some birds! looking forward to it! will keep y'all posted

[Redthies]

Hey Folks.
I'll be heading into 4-23 in a couple weeks looking for turkeys. Just wondering what you folks use for maps? I use the iHunter app here in Alberta and it's great, but I see it's not very helpful west of the border. I'll be stumbling around the Fernie/Sparwood area, so I'm wondering if anyone has some advice to determine ownership out that way. County maps seem to be quite vague as well.

I’m going to be honest. Interprovincial travel at this point is a bad idea. The Covidiots have just shut down a bunch more stuff in BC, and I for one am seriously over it. I had to drive to the Okanogan this past Sunday and back on Monday and every second car (no exaggeration) was Alberta or Ontario plates. I put off an Alberta antelope hunt last fall out of respect for the locals in the area we were headed.

iHunter works great here in B.C. I haven’t tried it as far east as Sparwood, but anywhere west of Cranbrook it’s awesome.

[Redthies]

Has anyone actually had luck killing a turkey with a .22? The way they bob their head, I can't imagine that would be easy. Unless you are shooting them from their roost I guess.

I took two last fall. One with the .22 from about 70 yards, and then one with the 12 gauge. I bought a good bolt .22 and put a good scope on it specifically for turkeys. I try to brace it on a tree or fence post, but the shot I took in the fall was offhand. The nice thing with the .22 is if you miss, the sound isn’t enough to spook the birds. A .17HMR would likely have them running.

[Redthies]

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2020-2022/hunting-trapping-synopsis-2020-2022-region4.pdf

Page 5.. No mention of shot only... So rimfires allowed..

See post #29. It was figured out then. In 2018-2019 regs, rimfire was not allowed in Region 4 fall season. Now it is.

[Krico]

I’m going to be honest. Interprovincial travel at this point is a bad idea. The Covidiots have just shut down a bunch more stuff in BC, and I for one am seriously over it.

Red plates cruising around hunting definitely risk negative feedback from locals, so be warned Scotty_Mo13.
Cases here are skyrocketing, new measures just implemented until at least April 19.
I just rescheduled my own trip as a result.
Idiots partying along with non locals trying to buy lift tickets just ended my ski season at BW early too.

[Redthies]

Idiots partying along with non locals trying to buy lift tickets just ended my ski season at BW early too.

Did they close today? I talked to my best friend who runs their special events/terrain parks dept yesterday, and he said they were staying open at least another week. I guess they changed their minds?

[Bubbacanuck]

I’m going to be honest. Interprovincial travel at this point is a bad idea. The Covidiots have just shut down a bunch more stuff in BC, and I for one am seriously over it. I had to drive to the Okanogan this past Sunday and back on Monday and every second car (no exaggeration) was Alberta or Ontario plates. I put off an Alberta antelope hunt last fall out of respect for the locals in the area we were headed.

iHunter works great here in B.C. I haven’t tried it as far east as Sparwood, but anywhere west of Cranbrook it’s awesome.

I plan to apply for the AB LEH antelope hunt this year, if I get it I will be headed to AB no matter what is going on...once in a lifetime in my opinion.

[Krico]

Did they close today? I talked to my best friend who runs their special events/terrain parks dept yesterday, and he said they were staying open at least another week. I guess they changed their minds?

No they pushed ahead from 11th to 6th. Open this weekend.

[Scotty_Mo13]

Red plates cruising around hunting definitely risk negative feedback from locals, so be warned Scotty_Mo13.

Happy to see in the face of all this we can't be civil to each other. I'm coming in by myself, restaurants and such are closed to indoor dining, and I'm staying in a single room hotel alone, spending my days in the bush... alone.

Covid is a virus, a virus I myself do not carry, of which I am certain. It doesn't manifest itself in people who cross an invisible provincial border. Thanks for the heads up, I'll stash a few trail cams around when I leave my truck.

[Krico]

Happy to see in the face of all this we can't be civil to each other. I'm coming in by myself, restaurants and such are closed to indoor dining, and I'm staying in a single room hotel alone, spending my days in the bush... alone.

Covid is a virus, a virus I myself do not carry, of which I am certain. It doesn't manifest itself in people who cross an invisible provincial border. Thanks for the heads up, I'll stash a few trail cams around when I leave my truck.

Not sure what about my comments are lacking civility. I just warned you that the locals where you’re headed might not be welcoming based on current situation. Health authority is asking for essential travel only. Me personally - I don’t give a shit about somebody out in the bush.

And your comment about being certain you don’t have it is ridiculous- countless asymptomatic folks out there with no idea they have it.

[Scotty_Mo13]

Not sure what about my comments are lacking civility. I just warned you that the locals where you’re headed might not be welcoming based on current situation. Health authority is asking for essential travel only. Me personally - I don’t give a shit about somebody out in the bush.

And your comment about being certain you don’t have it is ridiculous- countless asymptomatic folks out there with no idea they have it.

Sorry, I wasn't clear, I didn't mean you weren't being civil. I just mean people in general. I see BC plates all over Alberta, I don't care about it though. I was hunting snows with a guy from BC last week.


And no, it's not ridiculous to say I don't carry the virus, I get tested regularly for work. I understand asymptomatic people, but I'm just plain ol not a carrier as of yesterday, and will rapid test no less than 4 times before I head that way.


Anyway. I hear what your saying. And I'll heed your advice.

[300H&H]

That has to be the darkest face camo I have ever seen.
But I guess it must work, you got some nice birds.
Congratulations !

[300H&H]

Never have seemed to master the mouth calls.

[300H&H]

Just over a month away from some of the funnest hunting of the year. What's everyone's plans? I'll be hunting my usual Region 4 area but also plan on getting back to one of my old haunts in 8. The warmer temps has the snow melting fast and should have me out scouting in a few short weeks.

Let's see some past successes and if anyone has some pictures of their decoy set up, share it here so we can help out some new turkey hunters.

2020 double up
https://i.imgur.com/DTz2KMa.jpg

That has to be the darkest face camo I have ever seen.
But I guess it must work, you got some nice birds.
Congratulations !

[scott h]

Sorry, I wasn't clear, I didn't mean you weren't being civil. I just mean people in general. I see BC plates all over Alberta, I don't care about it though. I was hunting snows with a guy from BC last week.


And no, it's not ridiculous to say I don't carry the virus, I get tested regularly for work. I understand asymptomatic people, but I'm just plain ol not a carrier as of yesterday, and will rapid test no less than 4 times before I head that way.


Anyway. I hear what your saying. And I'll heed your advice.

You will be fine. LOTS of Alberta plates around area this long weekend and I haven't heard of any issues. Being careful the way you plan to be should play well for you. Be careful and be safe and above all "Good luck with that gobbler" !!!!

[180grainer]

Just over a month away from some of the funnest hunting of the year. What's everyone's plans? I'll be hunting my usual Region 4 area but also plan on getting back to one of my old haunts in 8. The warmer temps has the snow melting fast and should have me out scouting in a few short weeks.

Let's see some past successes and if anyone has some pictures of their decoy set up, share it here so we can help out some new turkey hunters.

2020 double up
https://i.imgur.com/DTz2KMa.jpg
Those look like nice birds. Did you weigh them? Just wondering what one weighs. I've never hunted them before and this year is the first.

[Redthies]

Mine have always come in around 7-10lbs ready to eat. They are definitely not butterballs. I’m sure there are bigger birds out there, but the flock I hit year after year is the only gene pool I’ve sampled.

[HighCountryBC]

Have weighed a couple in the past. Mature birds (3+ years) come in around 20lbs give or take.

[HighCountryBC]

Headed out yesterday for an overnight scouting trip and got back this afternoon. Dropped 3 cameras into some well established strut zones from the past. Our group is leaving on the morning of the 14th to get some birds located and roosted for the opener. Not long now!

https://i.imgur.com/ynqgXIC.jpg

[Redthies]

Have weighed a couple in the past. Mature birds (3+ years) come in around 20lbs give or take.

Is that as they walked? The weight I gave was ready for the roasting pan. Gutted, plucked, neck and head gone etc.

[HighCountryBC]

Is that as they walked? The weight I gave was ready for the roasting pan. Gutted, plucked, neck and head gone etc.

Yes I was talking live weight.

[Rackmastr]

Hey Folks.
I'll be heading into 4-23 in a couple weeks looking for turkeys. Just wondering what you folks use for maps? I use the iHunter app here in Alberta and it's great, but I see it's not very helpful west of the border. I'll be stumbling around the Fernie/Sparwood area, so I'm wondering if anyone has some advice to determine ownership out that way. County maps seem to be quite vague as well.

My advice is drive a bit more and you'll get into much better turkey hunting.

[Scotty_Mo13]

My advice is drive a bit more and you'll get into much better turkey hunting.
Yeah, I'll be down around Edwards Lakes and Grassmere. When I was in Montana last year they were everywhere, so I plan to head kinda as far south as I can.

[HighCountryBC]

Heading out the door right now. Good luck to everyone on the eve of the opener. Should have some great clips to share later this evening.

Stoked!

[Bubbacanuck]

Truck and trailer are packed and ready to go. Headed east tomorrow morning and have until the 19th to drop a Tom!! Good luck to all and look forward to the photos

[HighCountryBC]

Put some birds to bed tonight and acquired a few targets. Can't wait for the morning!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e7Bzlfi7nM

[Krico]

Looks like a good set of spurs on that longbeard HighcountryBC!

You guys are killing me. First opener I’ve missed in years...

Good luck in the morning!

[300H&H]

Looks EXACTLY like the bird I saw today.
BUT I could not see a beard. Angle was bad and brush was in the way. Bright red head.
It was VERY warm today.
A buddy and his friend connected on 2 toms.
Don't ask where he told me not to say.
I also saw 11 cow/calf elk...3 WT...a grouse...2 squirrels...and a chipmunk !!! Supper opening day. Oh 4 turkeys.
Watch out for TICKS...I had 4 on me !!! Yuck

[HighCountryBC]

Heck of a day. Couple great strutters/scrappers down. Missed hitting record on the camera on the first bird which was a bummer!

First Tom was 9 1/2” beard and 1” spurs.
Second was 9” beard and 3/4” spurs rubbed down hard.

Saving the big one for a very special hunter.

[Krico]

Looks like the same view from your trail cam - those are a couple great longbeards, congrats! I can’t wait to get out there!

[HighCountryBC]

Looks like the same view from your trail cam - those are a couple great longbeards, congrats! I can’t wait to get out there!

Yes, same view as the camera. Both birds were shot a fair distance away in both directions but brought back for pictures. It was a great day out there yesterday but very hot so we skipped the afternoon/evening hunt.

Back at it for a third one now. Good luck everyone!

[HighCountryBC]

Trying to add photos from the phone is tough. Bird #3 went down at 6am. Have some great footage to edit up when I get time in a few days. Weather has been awesome and the birds are cooperating!

https://i.imgur.com/G6aKbx9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5Rk83dd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jqziMlq.jpg

[Krico]

So awesome!


Trying to add photos from the phone is tough. Bird #3 went down at 6am. Have some great footage to edit up when I get time in a few days. Weather has been awesome and the birds are cooperating!

https://i.imgur.com/G6aKbx9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5Rk83dd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jqziMlq.jpg

[Redthies]

We are packing up on Sunday and heading for my hometown at the asscrack of dawn Monday. Going to spend a few days relaxing, and if a bird comes along, going to have to bring him home with me!

[TradMan]

Congrats to all those with opening week success. Just got back from 3days of hunting and didn’t strike up one Tom or hear any gobbling. This morning did manage to call in what may have been a hen to about 80yards but the complete opposite direction of the decoys and on our exposed side. Still on the learning curve with turkeys but I’m questioning if perhaps it was a Tom due to the almost black coloration and white tail feather tips but the response to the cutting with a slate call puzzles me. Do Tom’s also cluck back or is it pretty much a gimme that they will gobble in response? Thanks for any insight you can share.

[HighCountryBC]

A little motivation for those that have yet to get out there. Opening day was amazing. We had a couple great call ins with 2 of us harvesting birds by late morning. We decided to head in at lunch and refuel. With it being so hot and having the luxury of multiple more days, we passed on the afternoon/evening session. The next morning, knowing where the birds had been hanging out, we located several gobblers on the roost before first light. Decoys were set up was based on what the toms likely route would be so they could see them when they rounded the corner. Bit of sweet talking and we pulled these 2 in right off the roost before the rest of the flock flew down. By 6am bird #3 was down and a gorgeous Tom it was.

Hope you enjoy the footage.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dlCucuq1Ts

[HighCountryBC]

Congrats to all those with opening week success. Just got back from 3days of hunting and didn’t strike up one Tom or hear any gobbling. This morning did manage to call in what may have been a hen to about 80yards but the complete opposite direction of the decoys and on our exposed side. Still on the learning curve with turkeys but I’m questioning if perhaps it was a Tom due to the almost black coloration and white tail feather tips but the response to the cutting with a slate call puzzles me. Do Tom’s also cluck back or is it pretty much a gimme that they will gobble in response? Thanks for any insight you can share.

Toms are much darker than hens so it's very likely that's what you saw. And yes, they do cluck and purr just like hens. In the video I posted, one of the Toms is purring a fair bit. Hard to hear on the footage but it was quite clear and I've heard it multiple times.

[TradMan]

Thanks for the info, although not sure I wanted that confirmation on that fail lol. These birds are driving me nuts! Lol

[boilerroom]

A little motivation for those that have yet to get out there. Opening day was amazing. We had a couple great call ins with 2 of us harvesting birds by late morning. We decided to head in at lunch and refuel. With it being so hot and having the luxury of multiple more days, we passed on the afternoon/evening session. The next morning, knowing where the birds had been hanging out, we located several gobblers on the roost before first light. Decoys were set up was based on what the toms likely route would be so they could see them when they rounded the corner. Bit of sweet talking and we pulled these 2 in right off the roost before the rest of the flock flew down. By 6am bird #3 was down and a gorgeous Tom it was.

Hope you enjoy the footage.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dlCucuq1Ts

Super Cool HighCountry! Thanks for sharing - that is some amazing footage.

[MB_Boy]

Hopefully some of you can get them in this close. :wink: Fast forward to 2:15 of the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdy6SThKt-k

[300H&H]

Hopefully some of you can get them in this close. :wink: Fast forward to 2:15 of the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdy6SThKt-k

Oh that is the best video I have seen in years !!!

[300H&H]

A little motivation for those that have yet to get out there. Opening day was amazing. We had a couple great call ins with 2 of us harvesting birds by late morning. We decided to head in at lunch and refuel. With it being so hot and having the luxury of multiple more days, we passed on the afternoon/evening session. The next morning, knowing where the birds had been hanging out, we located several gobblers on the roost before first light. Decoys were set up was based on what the toms likely route would be so they could see them when they rounded the corner. Bit of sweet talking and we pulled these 2 in right off the roost before the rest of the flock flew down. By 6am bird #3 was down and a gorgeous Tom it was.

Hope you enjoy the footage.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dlCucuq1Ts

Outstanding guys, I'm happy for you.
Looks like you were on the right side of the valley.

[Bubbacanuck]

Headed to Trail area on April 15th with a new(ish) hunter buddy of mine who had never hunted turkey before and still has yet to pop his cherry for harvesting an animal. April 16th we hid the road hard and got into some less travelled areas, late in the day we got our first gobble from across a canyon. Using my crow call, I was able to locate him fairly decently and made a plan for the next morning. Woke up at 4am on the 17th, left camp by 4:20 and arrived at our location by 5am. Couldn't drive down the fsr due to too much snow in the shady area so we hiked down the 1km road. As we approached the bottom, the sound of gobbles lit up the area...we were on two good Tom's. Made the mistake of setting up under their roost tree at the bottom of a slope. Every call these gobblers were responding to, they were fired up. When the pitched out, the went uphill instead of downhill into my spread. I called for a bit and realized they were not moving much, so we packed up the decoys and moved our setup up the hill about 60 yards from the turkeys on a power line road. Started to call and they were responding but again not moving. I decided to slowly work my way towards them and caught a glimpse of a big Tom all puffed up strutting around but couldn't see the 2nd one. I had a shot at his blue head but instead passed to allow my buddy to move in next to me but by that time the Tom had moved behind a stump and was no longer providing a clear shot. I shifted over a foot or two to see if we could get a better line of sight and bingo, the 2nd Tom was looking right at me 20 yards away; again, I passed on the shot hoping my buddy would get a chance. The two Tom's disappeared after they spotted us and move up the hill in the woods. We backed out and went up the path that ran parallel to where the birds were headed. I moved in slowly to the treeline and about 10 yards away one of the Tom's gobbled and then nothing. We backed out again and looked down the path at our decoy spread, low & behold both Tom's were there inspecting my hen's!! Only if I had left my buddy in our bunker, he would have had a chip shot at these Tom's...oh well. Walked down towards them and about 40 yards out we both lined up on them and counted down 3-2-1 shoot! My safety was on and he missed, so both Tom's flew away down the hill. Sat and contemplated for awhile and decided we would shift the decoys into their strutting area and wait. Waited a while and nothing so I got up and circled down below and followed a trail a while. I came back to my buddy about an hour later and he said he heard the two gobblers pass up behind him gobbling away. If I had left him at his original spot, I likely would have bumped them right to him. Oh well, opportunity lost and lessons learned...or so I thought. Next morning woke up at 3am and headed down to the same spot, no gobbles and no sign. Decided to do some elk & deer recon in the timber above and came across a TON of sign and game trails. Marked the spot and kept walking, turn around and their is a tree stand all setup. I was thinking bow season in Sept but not sure if it is ethically wrong to hunt a spot with a tree stand setup. I figure they don't own the spot, who ever gets there first should have the right to hunt the spot. Any advice on that? We then headed up hill and hiked about 3km's up an fsr in 2-3 ft of snow; don't know what we were thinking but all we got was wet & tired. Headed back to camp after that and passed the hell out after doing our regular tick check, as we pulled around 50 ticks off us over the 5 days. Woke up around 6pm and went for a drive to a new area and came around a corner to a big Tom strutting around. He buggered off so we went up and inspected the spot. Drag marks, tracks, poop, feathers everywhere...this was his spot! We backed out and made a game plan for the morning. We woke up at 4am and left camp by 4:20 and got to our spot by 4:45am. Setup the decoys in his strut zone and got hunkered in, not knowing exactly where he had roosted for the night. 5:15 and gobbles rumble from the tree across the powerlines, right next to us. My buddy was facing him from his setup which may have given us away. I let out some hen calls but this was likely a mistake as it was pretty early and the Tom was likely wondering how hen's could already be down...I should have stayed silent. He pitched from his tree and flew way down the valley. Damn, he must not have liked something. We sat for a while and waited but nothing, decided to get our gear and pack up camp to head home. Get down to the truck and hear a gobble up the hill from where we just came. He circled around us and came in from behind, sneaky bugger. We went back up the hill with a .22 this time and poked around the corner with him right there 20 yards away looking right at me. He darted into the woods never to be seen again. This trip was a lot of fun and I enjoy the annual birthday hunt (April 14th birthday); learned a ton and hopefully won't make so many mistakes next time. I hope everyone else has better luck!! Cheers

[walker1985]

Headed to Trail area on April 15th with a new(ish) hunter buddy of mine who had never hunted turkey before and still has yet to pop his cherry for harvesting an animal. April 16th we hid the road hard and got into some less travelled areas, late in the day we got our first gobble from across a canyon. Using my crow call, I was able to locate him fairly decently and made a plan for the next morning. Woke up at 4am on the 17th, left camp by 4:20 and arrived at our location by 5am. Couldn't drive down the fsr due to too much snow in the shady area so we hiked down the 1km road. As we approached the bottom, the sound of gobbles lit up the area...we were on two good Tom's. Made the mistake of setting up under their roost tree at the bottom of a slope. Every call these gobblers were responding to, they were fired up. When the pitched out, the went uphill instead of downhill into my spread. I called for a bit and realized they were not moving much, so we packed up the decoys and moved our setup up the hill about 60 yards from the turkeys on a power line road. Started to call and they were responding but again not moving. I decided to slowly work my way towards them and caught a glimpse of a big Tom all puffed up strutting around but couldn't see the 2nd one. I had a shot at his blue head but instead passed to allow my buddy to move in next to me but by that time the Tom had moved behind a stump and was no longer providing a clear shot. I shifted over a foot or two to see if we could get a better line of sight and bingo, the 2nd Tom was looking right at me 20 yards away; again, I passed on the shot hoping my buddy would get a chance. The two Tom's disappeared after they spotted us and move up the hill in the woods. We backed out and went up the path that ran parallel to where the birds were headed. I moved in slowly to the treeline and about 10 yards away one of the Tom's gobbled and then nothing. We backed out again and looked down the path at our decoy spread, low & behold both Tom's were there inspecting my hen's!! Only if I had left my buddy in our bunker, he would have had a chip shot at these Tom's...oh well. Walked down towards them and about 40 yards out we both lined up on them and counted down 3-2-1 shoot! My safety was on and he missed, so both Tom's flew away down the hill. Sat and contemplated for awhile and decided we would shift the decoys into their strutting area and wait. Waited a while and nothing so I got up and circled down below and followed a trail a while. I came back to my buddy about an hour later and he said he heard the two gobblers pass up behind him gobbling away. If I had left him at his original spot, I likely would have bumped them right to him. Oh well, opportunity lost and lessons learned...or so I thought. Next morning woke up at 3am and headed down to the same spot, no gobbles and no sign. Decided to do some elk & deer recon in the timber above and came across a TON of sign and game trails. Marked the spot and kept walking, turn around and their is a tree stand all setup. I was thinking bow season in Sept but not sure if it is ethically wrong to hunt a spot with a tree stand setup. I figure they don't own the spot, who ever gets there first should have the right to hunt the spot. Any advice on that? We then headed up hill and hiked about 3km's up an fsr in 2-3 ft of snow; don't know what we were thinking but all we got was wet & tired. Headed back to camp after that and passed the hell out after doing our regular tick check, as we pulled around 50 ticks off us over the 5 days. Woke up around 6pm and went for a drive to a new area and came around a corner to a big Tom strutting around. He buggered off so we went up and inspected the spot. Drag marks, tracks, poop, feathers everywhere...this was his spot! We backed out and made a game plan for the morning. We woke up at 4am and left camp by 4:20 and got to our spot by 4:45am. Setup the decoys in his strut zone and got hunkered in, not knowing exactly where he had roosted for the night. 5:15 and gobbles rumble from the tree across the powerlines, right next to us. My buddy was facing him from his setup which may have given us away. I let out some hen calls but this was likely a mistake as it was pretty early and the Tom was likely wondering how hen's could already be down...I should have stayed silent. He pitched from his tree and flew way down the valley. Damn, he must not have liked something. We sat for a while and waited but nothing, decided to get our gear and pack up camp to head home. Get down to the truck and hear a gobble up the hill from where we just came. He circled around us and came in from behind, sneaky bugger. We went back up the hill with a .22 this time and poked around the corner with him right there 20 yards away looking right at me. He darted into the woods never to be seen again. This trip was a lot of fun and I enjoy the annual birthday hunt (April 14th birthday); learned a ton and hopefully won't make so many mistakes next time. I hope everyone else has better luck!! Cheers

Omg this sounds exactly like the hunt I just got back from today. I was just west of trail and my buddy and I weren't able to bag a turkey. Man is it ever exciting to hear those turkeys gobble back at ya. It's like going on a ride at Disney Land when you're a kid. Can be very frustrating and sometimes I don't know why they respond to the clucks and other times they just go silent and bugger off but even though we didn't get a turkey it was a very good hunting adventure and great learning experience. I look forward to the fall.

[HighCountryBC]

Great stuff guys! Lots of season left and some of the best hunting is yet to be had. Good luck everyone.

Heading out tomorrow with a couple other hunters for a few more days of turkey action!

[Krico]

Well we have had no shortage of action our first 2 days. First morning we got my buddy’s 85 year old uncle into the blind close to some birds we’d roosted the night before. They didn’t fly down until 9:30, by far the latest I’ve ever seen. The birds finally came to our setup and a gobbler was struck with an arrow by our senior member.
This morning I had 8 birds launch directly at me from the roost when something from the other direction spooked them, 3 of them landed within 3 metres of me but hit the ground running and I wasn’t able to get an opportunity with my crossbow. The afternoon had us spot several birds in a spot we were able to put a short stalk on and get into position on. My buddy let an arrow fly and gobbler #2 hit the dirt. We’ve had lots of other opportunities but just couldn’t close the deal.
Hoping for more action tomorrow!

[Redthies]

My trip was less eventful. Heard not a single gobble. We did flush a single bird while walking a power line, but that’s all we saw. No big deal. I took three out of that flock last year, so I’ll let them grow up big and strong and see them in the fall!

Good luck to the rest of you!

[Krico]

Well day three was just as action packed as the first two. First we got busted at about 5 yards from behind, we never even saw the gobblers come in and all we heard was putting. Then we struck up a real hot bird a few hours later that came in hard, but when his head came into view he instantly spooked, turned and burned like the roadrunner hahaha. Oh well. A couple hours later a longbeard with hens in tow was spotted - we put the stalk on him and our hunt was done within minutes.

Good luck to everyone else out there!

[HighCountryBC]

Great stuff, Krico. Sounds like a couple great days and can't wait for the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Was back out with a couple family members the last few days. We put bird #4 on the ground last night and had a great morning today with a pair of call ins that should have resulted in a dead bird. Off to the EK tomorrow for a week and we will be getting my nephew out to try for his first bird.

Cheers everyone!

[Brew]

I took my 7 year old daughter with me for her first weekend trip. Only spotted three birds total but managed to get my first turkey with her. The birds were not answering calls and we heard no gobbles at all.
the hunt turned into a running and gunning style hunt with me finally shooting my bird out of a tree. It was quite exciting and a hunt my daughter and I won’t forget.
laying in the wall tent right now procrastinating taking the tent down in the rain. I hate dealing with wet gear

[Hoffer]

Some awesome stories on here all portraying the inevitable struggles that come with hunting these fun birds! I'm heading on a four day hunt starting on my birthday this Wednesday...some turkey schnitzel would make for an awesome bday dinner in the bush

[Brew]

I just got home and ground up my turkey with bacon, garlic, green apples and black pepper. Tastes amazing and I hate store bought turkey. My only complaint is I wish my bird was bigger. There ain’t going to be any leftovers.

[REMINGTON JIM]

I just got home and ground up my turkey with bacon, garlic, green apples and black pepper. Tastes amazing and I hate store bought turkey. My only complaint is I wish my bird was bigger. There ain’t going to be any leftovers.

Congrats on your First Bird Barry - Sounds like it was a Hoot ! Bird didn't look that small in the pics - BUT there is a LOT of feathers for sure ! RJ

[Brew]

It was probably 9lbs. Gave some to my hunting partner and fed the rest to the family tonight. It was a big hit.

[Weatherby Fan]

Right on Barry, geez that recipe sounds awesome, congrats on a beautiful bird

[Krico]

Here’s my longbeard. We took him to a spot with a view for pics lol.
https://i.postimg.cc/brjtfxP6/B7-F2-FB9-B-3117-478-C-A60-A-31593-D33298-E.jpg (https://postimg.cc/9RJMGqrT)

[Brew]

That’s a nice one. Great picture

[Getbent]

Great reads...thanks for the share everyone.
Hopefully next year I can start in on these birds...sounds like a lot of fun.

Good luck to everyone

[HighCountryBC]

Great stuff everybody and thanks for the shares. Still a couple weeks left in the season for those looking to get out.

I’m in Cranbrook until early next week. Will be getting out with my nephew when he’s out of school this weekend. Hopefully I’ll have more to share.

[Scotty_Mo13]

Oh boy. I had a real adventure last week. Got on some birds the second day out, and figure I found their usual trail from the woods to the pasture land they were hanging out on during the day. Was setting up for the evening to see if I can lock down their roosting spot to make a play in the AM, and my truck threw up a "AT Check" code. Check the ATF, all good, nothing seems out of the norm. Decide to head back to town just to be safe, as I figured I had the birds nailed down anyway. When I got out on the highway, truck won't shift past 3rd...

Limped back to town and decided to see what I can do about it in the AM, which turned out to be nothing on a Sunday in Fernie...

Chatted with AMA on towing to Calgary, and you currently can't ride with the tow operator due to Covid. Had to have a friend come down and pick me up. Tow operator shows up in a pickup smaller than mine to tow me, and realizes he can't tow the full distance with the truck he has and needs to try and get his diesel up and running that hasn't run in 3 months...

Long story short, and $1700 later for a transmission wiring harness, plus towing overages, the turks take round one!

[Bubbacanuck]

Oh boy. I had a real adventure last week. Got on some birds the second day out, and figure I found their usual trail from the woods to the pasture land they were hanging out on during the day. Was setting up for the evening to see if I can lock down their roosting spot to make a play in the AM, and my truck threw up a "AT Check" code. Check the ATF, all good, nothing seems out of the norm. Decide to head back to town just to be safe, as I figured I had the birds nailed down anyway. When I got out on the highway, truck won't shift past 3rd...

Limped back to town and decided to see what I can do about it in the AM, which turned out to be nothing on a Sunday in Fernie...

Chatted with AMA on towing to Calgary, and you currently can't ride with the tow operator due to Covid. Had to have a friend come down and pick me up. Tow operator shows up in a pickup smaller than mine to tow me, and realizes he can't tow the full distance with the truck he has and needs to try and get his diesel up and running that hasn't run in 3 months...

Long story short, and $1700 later for a transmission wiring harness, plus towing overages, the turks take round one!

That is rough! Hopefully next year you have better luck... :)

[Krico]

Ouch I have been there. Lost drive and had to navigate out of the mountains to cell range in reverse once on a goat hunt near Terrace. There was active logging which made it extra fun. Catastrophic transmission failure, full replacement on warranty - but ruined my hunt and cost me a week’s worth of vacation.

[OceanMon]

Can one get into turkey hunting just by hunting public lands? Or is it mostly a private land thing?

[Forks]

Yes, depending on where you are, you definitely can find turkeys on crown land.
the further east you go, the better it seems. Got into some birds on crown land near Christina lake.
Saw some out by Slocan a couple weeks ago on some crown as well, but they were in hoards on private land through there as well

[300H&H]

7 Months and 5 days to opening morning....just in case anyone was wondering. ;-)

[BCoutdoordad]

Look up HuntbuddyBC
I just downloaded the app last week
it costs about $10 and worth every penny