Setting up- Woods or Fields?

edtcase

edtcase

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In the early season like this weekend, is it better to set up in the open fields (edges) or, in the woods. I have the option to do both. I am so-so at calling and am not using decoys. Saw birds in the field at first light (they were run off by dogs), heard turkeys several times throughout the day which sounded like they were in the woods.

Also, how late will the birds go to the roost in the evening?

Thanks in advance for any help. Had a great day just seeing birds and being out there just trying to learn.
 
I usually steer away from fields and prefer to wage war in the woods. If the birds are using the field consistently then hunt them there, that is where they are likely to want to be. A good plan is to get between where ever they are roosted and the field. They will usually respond to a call, and slide by to see who the new kid is. Also, don't fret over your calling, in reality you don't have to call like a pro, just hunt smart and set up as tight as you dare and follow their lead. If they are real talkative then talk back, if they are quiet be more subtle.

They usually are on the limb 15 minutes or so before it gets hazy light.

Good luck and bring back a pic
 
Prefer woods, but depends entirely on the situation. When you have a responsive bird it's best to setup wherever he has to come into range before he can see where the "hen" is coming from. Generally a field bird is more likely to hang up because he can see a good ways and he's waiting for you to come out into the field. Woods, undergrowth, terrain can keep you concealed until the bird is close enough to shoot.


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Setterman":2ldzc9l0 said:
I usually steer away from fields and prefer to wage war in the woods. If the birds are using the field consistently then hunt them there, that is where they are likely to want to be. A good plan is to get between where ever they are roosted and the field. They will usually respond to a call, and slide by to see who the new kid is. Also, don't fret over your calling, in reality you don't have to call like a pro, just hunt smart and set up as tight as you dare and follow their lead. If they are real talkative then talk back, if they are quiet be more subtle.

They usually are on the limb 15 minutes or so before it gets hazy light.

Good luck and bring back a pic
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Thank you very much. Working on a pic. Thanks.
 
catman529 said:
Prefer woods, but depends entirely on the situation. When you have a responsive bird it's best to setup wherever he has to come into range before he can see where the "hen" is coming from. Generally a field bird is more likely to hang up because he can see a good ways and he's waiting for you to come out into the field. Woods, undergrowth, terrain can keep you concealed until the bird is close enough to shoot.


Thank you very much.
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Gravey":gcfammjx said:
I prefer woods but hunt a lot of fields. In the woods they have to look a lot more than in the wide open fields where they can see forever.
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Thank you! I will be in the woods in the morning! I really appreciate the input. :!:
 
I typically start out in the timber to catch one off the limb but here's one more thing to consider; they'll sometimes hit fields later in the morning to hangout and display for hens if they weren't able to fetch a girlfriend right off the roost. If you have multiple openings all the better. Use your binocs, take your time, ease along, and try like heck not to booger'em. Set up off the opening so he has to come find you and be patient.

Good luck to you.
 
Boll Weevil":2rpye9p4 said:
I typically start out in the timber to catch one off the limb but here's one more thing to consider; they'll sometimes hit fields later in the morning to hangout and display for hens if they weren't able to fetch a girlfriend right off the roost. If you have multiple openings all the better. Use your binocs, take your time, ease along, and try like heck not to booger'em. Set up off the opening so he has to come find you and be patient.

Good luck to you.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much! On this lease I have large open fields with "coves" of woods that I can hunt. All along very steep ridges. Thank you again.
 
I hunt both. I've killed as many field birds as timber birds. For instance if I know the birds are roosted along the edge of a field and generally fly down into them I'll start out there. Elsewise I begin timber hunting and gravitate around fields later into the morning.
 

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