The wild turkey is common in almost all the USA and has widely diverse subspecies. The hunt usually takes place as a decoy hunt, in which the gobbler is lured during the fitting time with the help of dummies and mimicking courtship calls. Turkeys see very well. Therefore, very good camouflage clothing and also covering of the face are necessary.
The turkey is a symbol of Thanksgiving. This is a harvest-related holiday celebrated in Canada in October and the United States in November. The American Indians taught the early settlers how to cultivate local crops and hunt, including turkeys. Several subspecies of the latter are widespread throughout the continent. They are found in all United States except Alaska, in several Canada and Mexico provinces.
However, when hunting for a turkey, many professional hunters are always looking for deer as well. Amazingly, many turkey hunting grounds have also become deer hunting places.
Although, on the other hand, nothing is surprising here. If a suitable deer habitat has been created, then there is a good chance that there will be a large population of turkeys rippling somewhere. For example, large trees for their overnight stay, etc. Thus, once the hunter can find the perfect place to hunt for a turkey, the deer hunt can be ripe!
The spring hunt is the perfect start for this. Regardless of whether a person is hunting on state land or in the private territory, spring is a great start to gather a supply of turkey and venison. If you want to find out how to scout for deer during spring turkey hunts, these little secrets will help you.
Why Look For Deer
Even though the deer population is still in the developmental stage and has not reached its maximum, many hunting centers boast specimens with excellent trophy qualities. Deer have their particular characteristics, which foreign hunters highly appreciate.
Old, powerful red deer with their dark, branched horns make an indelible impression on hunters. The deer is considered the most respected trophy among hunters, and the trophy in the form of large branched antlers is an indicator of accuracy and professionalism.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Rubs
So, where to start hunting deer? First of all, pay attention to the rubs. This is one of the most evident signs of a deer arrival because it is effortless to spot and understand a herd of deer nearby. It would help if you looked at the following signs:
- Scuffs on trees, pillars.
- Places scratched by deer antlers.
- Broken branches of low trees.
All these signs will become bright beacons that you can start hunting these forest animals!
However, it would be best if you stay attentive. Stay focused when hunting in the forest where turkey hunting is common. Do not be lazy to stop several times and take a closer look at the strange signs of the presence of living creatures more attentively:
- Determine the size of the scuffed surface of the tree bark.
- Pay attention to the diameter of the tree.
- Understand what this place is and how it attracted the animal.
It is also essential to pay attention to which side of the trees each rub is. This makes a big difference. In general, the line of abrasion can be directed towards the place where the reindeer sleep. This can be interpreted so that the male uses the path on which the hunter noticed damage to the trees to return home.
Continue on your way. You need to follow these lines of scuffs, paying attention so that they are not interrupted. In this way, it is more likely to find a place to stay for deer. Most often, these are tall natural grasses and thickets.
The turkey hunt can be paused at this point. But it will be worth it if the reward is a whole deer carcass! With a dedicated digital mapping application, you can attach the location of the litter and the line of scuffs from the horns. This will help you to return to this place later.
Follow the Water
Everyone knows that turkeys love water. They are frequent guests of water objects: rivers, lakes. Small streams can tie whole ridge systems together and are often dumped into larger bodies of water. When the hunter enters the pond, he will find turkeys.
When looking for tracks near streams and rivers, it is worth paying attention to areas where the waterway comes into contact with a landscape with a large hill, ridge, or open space. Thus, you can see an extensive track, indented by paths passing through the pinch.
River crossings are an equally important place to find not only turkeys but also deer:
- When a hunter finds shallow water that looks like animal tracks cut it, he can be sure that there was also a herd of deer here. It is important to remember this location on the smartphone.
- Such transitions are often used by females, deer, and young males.
You can still wander up and down the river, and then you can see the crossing. It may not be noticeable, but it will have bright marks.
Hunters are looking for a deer not only visually but also focusing on its voice. Being in a harem, the male indicates his presence with a rude roar, making it clear to the rest who is the boss here. Fights with invaders often take place.
The hunters rush to these sounds, wanting to get a medal or even a record copy. However, not all, since such a trophy is quite expensive. But to the delight of hunters of average income, not all deer are owners of harems. You will have to look for these in the forage fields.
Don’t Let Scrapes Fool You
Hunters have the opportunity to hunt turkeys every year, and the spring season, which lasts 40 days, exceeds the autumn season, which lasts only 12 days. Wild turkey hunting is prevalent. For example, about 18% of American hunters regularly hunt these birds. Wild turkeys have fantastic eyesight and hearing — they are very cautious birds, and it can be challenging to take this trophy.
Turkey hunting is fun. However, it can be made even more valuable by adding a touch of deer hunting. Look out for scuffs, explore the waters — you will indeed find a herd of deer. A turkey hunt in the spring should not be limited to hunting and shooting birds. After all, you can have a great time and get a valuable trophy in the form of a carcass if you start following the paths of the deer.