12 Nebraskaland • April 2020
IN THE FIELD
EARLY SEASON
GOBBLERS
By Todd Mills
Keep these tips in mind for early season
gobblers.
Do Your Homework
Early season gobblers can be tough. Do you
know where they eat, sleep, strut and travel
each day? If you answered no to any of those
questions you need to scout harder. They've
just split up from winter groups so getting in
their way may be your best shot.
Trick the Hens
Early season toms are anxious to breed
and can stay with hens most of the day. That
makes them less susceptible to calling and
decoys. Focus on fooling the hens. If you can
get them interested, chances are a tom might
just follow. An older hen can be territorial, so
focus your efforts on ticking her off.
Decoy Set-Ups and Calling
Be careful that you don't overcall this
time of year. Since they're traveling in larger
numbers, sounding like the real thing can be
a challenge. Don't be afraid to go "big" with
your decoy setup. Sometimes it's the more the
merrier for April birds.
Be Patient
You've heard it before but never is having
patience more relevant than hunting early
season turkeys. Your window of toms being
alone this time of year is shorter. Stick and
stay if you have birds in the area. If you've
done your homework chances are you might
have a bird make a mistake. Younger toms get
anxious and will sometimes break off looking
for the "lucky break" with a hen.
Todd Mills is a former Avian-X and Mossy
Oak pro staffer who divides his outdoor time
between hunting waterfowl and turkeys.
PHOTO
BY
JEFF
KURRUS
