Its beginning to look a lot lit Turkey season
Spring is poking its head out, and for a lot of us that means one thing — turkey season is almost here. There’s something special about chasing spring gobblers. After a long winter, (of course being in AZ I don’t even think we had winter this year LOL), the woods start waking up again. The mornings are crisp, birds are sounding off on the roost, and every hunt feels like a chess match with one of the most alert animals in North America.
Turkey hunting is a game of patience, preparation, and understanding the bird’s behavior. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting into the game, a few key tactics can make all the difference when that tom starts gobbling across the ridge.
Early Season Turkey Hunting Tactics
1. Scout Before Opening Day
The biggest mistake hunters make is waiting until opening morning to figure out where birds are. Pre-season scouting is critical.
Look for:
- Tracks in dusty roads or trails
- Fresh scratching in leaves
- Droppings near roost trees
- Feathers along field edges
Early mornings and evenings are the best time to listen for roost gobbles. Once you locate where birds are roosting, you can build a game plan before the season even starts.
2. Get Close Before You Call
Turkeys can cover ground quickly, but they can also hang up if they don’t see the hen they expect.
Your best bet is to:
- Slip in before daylight
- Set up within 100–150 yards of the roost
- Let the bird make the first move
Soft tree yelps early in the morning often work better than aggressive calling. Many hunters overcall. Sometimes the best call is silence.
3. Play Hard to Get
If a gobbler is responding but not coming closer, try cutting off the conversation. When you stop calling, curiosity often gets the better of them.
A gobbler that thinks a hen is leaving may suddenly close the distance.
4. Midday Can Be Prime Time
Most hunters head home after the morning action slows down, but midday can be deadly.
Hens often leave gobblers late morning to go nest, leaving toms cruising and looking for company.
Stay patient. Sometimes that quiet woods suddenly erupts with a gobble at noon.
From the Field to the Table
One of the greatest parts of hunting is bringing wild game home and sharing it with family and friends. Wild turkey is incredibly versatile — and one of my favorite ways to cook it is in crispy chipotle turkey tacos with ranch slaw.
It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect after a successful hunt.
Crispy Chipotle Wild Turkey Tacos
Ingredients
- 6 large tortillas or 12 small tortillas
- 1 lb ground turkey (wild turkey works perfectly)
- ¾ cup shredded cheese
- Sauce from one small can of chipotle peppers ( like these )
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the slaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage (purple & green) and carrots
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp mayo
- Juice of half a lemon
- ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley works great)
Toppings
- Lime wedges
- Finely chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño sauce (optional for extra kick)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix the ground turkey, shredded cheese, chipotle sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Lay tortillas on a baking sheet and press the turkey mixture evenly across each tortilla.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, and optionally broil the last 2 minutes to get the tacos crispy.
While the tacos bake:
- Combine Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Mix in the ranch seasoning, then add the coleslaw mix and toss until coated.
Assemble the Tacos
Once the turkey is cooked and crispy:
- Top each taco with a large serving of ranch slaw
- Add fresh cilantro
- Squeeze fresh lime over the top
- Add jalapeño sauce if you want a little extra heat
The result is a crispy, spicy, fresh taco that highlights the flavor of wild turkey perfectly.
The Real Reward
Turkey hunting isn’t just about filling a tag. It’s about spring mornings, the sound of gobbles echoing through the woods, and the tradition of bringing wild food to the table.
When you finally carry that bird out of the woods and turn it into a meal shared with family and friends, that’s when the hunt truly comes full circle.
Good luck this season, hunt safe, and remember — the best hunts end around a dinner table.
