Bad Weather Birds

…if I were to choose my ideal weather for spring turkey hunting – it might not look or feel much like the weather we get this weekend…I like calm, dry & sunny – sounds like we might be getting windy, wet & chilly (if not white)…but don’t fret, the turkeys aren’t going to migrate south & many of them will still be in the mood for love – though you may have to adapt your strategies…

Big & Bad Boat Paddle

…turkeys will gobble anytime they feel like it but wind, rain and sudden cool-downs can, and often do, cause the birds to decrease their vocalizations – especially while on roost…once on the ground, however, some toms will begin talking to attract willing hens – but gobbling on the ground doesn’t carry as well and wind & rain can cover what sounds are being made…the good news is that the turkeys still have to make a living, and at this time of year that means finding food & mating…it is during these less-than-ideal weather conditions that your scouting will pay big dividends, as well as simply being patient…

…strong winds are my least favorite condition to deal with – sounds just disappear…your challenge is not only in hearing the birds, but also in getting the birds to hear you…this is when you pull out your loud calls…I have some loud “slate” calls that are made with an aluminum surface that will carry – but nothing compares to my big box calls…my go-to call in the wind is a boat-paddle style, box call that really makes some loud & almost squeaky yelps…as for set up – I try to find a spot that is protected from the wind, but still has some travel routes to it so the birds can make their way to me…keep in mind that some turkeys will prefer to find open

areas when the wind is blowing, as the movement in the thick stuff makes them uncomfortable…

…rain can actually help – let me clarify…once everything is wet in the woods, & thick places, turkeys often head to open areas such as pastures and crop fields

Look to the Open Fields

where they actually can stay drier - sometimes even if it still raining…once the rain stops, and the sun comes out all the lonely toms will begin to sound-off and can be very vulnerable to the call – it’s as if they were keeping all their gobbles bottled up and are now cuttin’em loose…I have enjoyed several successful hunts in the calm just after the storm & I really like a quiet morning after a rainy day as I can get in to my hunting location very quietly…using a good ground blind can make hunting in the rain much more comfortable, too…just be sure to avoid hunting in truly dangerous storms and never in lightening!…

…remember that turkeys have adapted to life in Nebraska which means to our unpredictable weather, too…and they

are going to do their best to not let it get in the way of their breeding – would you?…

hershy