For Big Toms…Hunt The Kitchen?

When talking to hunters, a number of questions usually revolve around tactics for getting closer to or finding more toms.  One key element that deer hunters know is to hunt good food sources.  Now, when you shoot that big tom and open his crop, you will notice it is likely empty.  The toms are usually feeding very little during the breeding season, using most of their energy to focus on breeding hens, competing with other birds, strutting, etc.  BUT…the hens still feed about their normal day, bringing those toms behind them.  Grain fields, alfalfa fields housing insects, oak groves, etc. are good places to intercept hens that are dragging  old toms behind them.  Find those areas where hens are feeding heavily and you will find the tom.  Also, when sitting in the woods, listen for the scratching sound of hens/toms digging for acorns/insects under the leaf litter.  Often you can hear the feet of  approaching birds before you see them.  Use your woods skills and I guarantee you will find and harvest more birds.   Hunt Safe!

Get Em’ Out There

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