Scouting question

CAW

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Rookie looking for some input...

I have been deer hunting for almost 30 years, but last year was my first year turkey hunting. I was very lucky where I was able to limit out pretty easily on just a few fairly quick hunts. I'd get to the farm, hit the box call, hear em gobble and then set up above them. I'd call a couple times and wait for them to come. A few minutes later, BOOM and my hunt was over. It literally happened that way 4 times.

So anyways, realizing that I was VERY lucky and it most likely won't happen like that again, here is my question - How do you scout for turkeys? I get pictures on my trail cameras, I see where they have been scratching and I see their droppings, but I don't really know how to scout or what to look for outside of that.

What do you look for? How do you recognize a spot that would make you want to go back and hunt? Or, do you simply just run and gun calling as you go?
 
Go at dawn to a good listening spot and find out where they like to roost, a week or two before season. That's about all you need to know other than the terrain features and potential hang ups that could keep a bird from coming in. I might be forgetting something but thats the basics i know... Try to keep out of there so you don't bump em around, and close in on their roosting area on opening morning.
 
I never put boots on the ground looking for sign for turkey. the week before you plan to hunt, go a couple of mornings and listen a long ways away where you know yal wont get busted leave the calls at the house. I run and gun but especially before the juvi hunt I will go and listen and try to get the kids in the best place I think we can be. but honestly that's about all I do before turkey season scouting wise. i have farms i never go and listen and just listen the morning of the hunt and set up like that.
 
I don't scout, ever. I might listen if I am able to do so from a very safe distance, but I will do not go into the woods until the season starts.
 
I am going to go against the grain on this one. Personally, I don't think it would bother the turkeys if you walk through you hunting area. They don't have a long term memory and on top of that, if you don't bother them (shoot or run at them) they will only get out of your way.

I usually go scout each year a couple of days before the season to find exactly where the fresh sign is. Doesn't seem to bother them or my success.

Just my opinion.......I have only huntey turkeys for 42 years so I could be wrong. :)
 

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