Wisconsin offers some of the best turkey hunting opportunities in the United States, with a rich population of wild turkeys and diverse hunting landscapes. If you're an avid turkey hunter in the Badger State, knowing the right calling techniques and decoy setups can significantly enhance your chances of a successful hunt. In this article, brought to you by "Find A Hunt," we'll delve into essential turkey hunting strategies specific to Wisconsin.
Calling Techniques:
Master the Yelp: The plain yelp is one of the most common turkey calls and is an excellent choice for beginners. It imitates a turkey's natural communication and can be used throughout the hunting season. Practice variations in pitch and rhythm to sound like different turkeys and add realism to your calls.
Cutting and Clucking: Cutting is a series of fast and irregular yelps that mimic the excitement and agitation of a turkey. Clucking, on the other hand, consists of short, sharp notes. These calls can be effective when a gobbler is close and in a receptive mood.
Purrs and Whines: Purrs are soft, contented sounds that can reassure a wary turkey. Whines imitate the sounds made by young turkeys, attracting the curiosity of gobblers. These calls can be especially useful during late-season hunts when birds have become more cautious.
Locator Calls: Use crow or owl calls to locate turkeys in the early morning. Once you've pinpointed their location, you can set up accordingly. Remember to be discreet, as turkeys can be easily spooked.
Decoys: Pair your calling techniques with lifelike turkey decoys to make your setup more convincing. Position decoys strategically, placing a hen decoy near your calling setup and a jake or strutting tom decoy at a distance. This arrangement can provoke competition and draw in curious toms.
Decoy Setups:
Realism is Key: Choose decoys that are highly realistic in appearance. High-quality decoys with intricate details and accurate coloring can fool even the most cautious gobblers.
Placement Matters: Set up your decoys in a way that simulates a natural turkey scene. Place the hen decoy near your hiding spot, preferably facing away from you, to draw the tom closer. Position the jake or strutting tom decoy at a distance to encourage the gobbler to come closer for a confrontation.
Be Mindful of Wind Direction: Always consider the wind direction when setting up your decoys. Turkeys have a keen sense of smell, and you should position yourself so that your scent is carried away from where you expect the turkeys to approach.
Use Motion Decoys: Consider using motorized or wind-driven decoys to add lifelike movement to your setup. This can catch the attention of distant toms and make your decoys appear more convincing.
Stay Patient: Once you've set up your decoys and started calling, be patient. Sometimes, it may take a while for a gobbler to respond and approach your setup. Avoid excessive calling, as this can make you sound unnatural and unappealing.
Wisconsin's turkey hunting offers a thrilling and rewarding experience, but success depends on mastering the art of calling and setting up your decoys effectively. By honing your calling techniques and employing strategic decoy setups, you can increase your chances of a successful hunt in the Badger State. Remember to stay patient, practice consistently, and always prioritize safety in the field. Happy hunting, brought to you by "Find A Hunt."
