NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/654753
48 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2016 enough to bring the group with her along with a gobbler you're after. You might also be able to use this technique by gobbling at the group of birds, which may force the tom to temporarily leave the flock to challenge a nearby rival. The most important aspect to remember when hunting farms is location. Food is everywhere, so putting yourself near a food source isn't good enough. Place yourself near the roost or in the direction that birds go when they leave the roost, and you'll find turkeys. Locations to Hunt: Farm-hunting locations exist in most areas of the state, especially the east and central. Knock on doors and you'll eventually find a farmer who will allow you to hunt. Hills and Canyons The best part about hunting hills and canyons is the amount of space you have the opportunity to cover. These locations are perfect for buddy hunts and for those hunters who love to move. Glass for birds from high vantage points, yet never walk the ridge lines, as turkeys will spot human silhouettes and head the other direction. Keep just below the ridge line and yelp every 30 yards or so. If yelping doesn't get a response, try a locator call and hope for a gobble back. However, keep in mind that canyons often echo and carry sounds more efficiently than other landscapes. Toning down your call may be in order. Glassing for bird locations will allow you to see the direction birds are headed so you can get in front of them for an ambush as long as you stay unseen from their watchful eyes. If spotted, turkeys will be over several hills and disappear before you know it. If you get in front of birds and set up a decoy to call a tom in, be prepared to move if he hangs up because he's with other hens, comes to a fence line or has to go downhill. If possible, try to lure him in to going uphill. PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAAG Roger Christianson (left) visits with his guide, landowner Randy Schommer of Chadron, during a Pine Ridge turkey hunt. PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER