Turkeys Can't Smell?

[Bucks & Beards]

I've often heard hunters make the comment "turkeys can't smell" and I know what they mean. Turkey hunters don't have to worry about their human scent like deer hunters do. But last Fall I was bowhunting deer and using some fox urine cover scent. The wind was blowing from my left to right. A gobbler crossed 15 yards in front of me heading from left to right and when he got downwind he definitely spooked. I thought it was a fluke when about 15 minutes later 8 of his buddies came by and had the exact same reaction. They CAN smell fox urine!

 

[catman529]

I guess they can smell it just like we can smell a buck nearby. Makes sense. I am guessing their noses are as good as ours at best, but not sure.

 

[String Music]

You sure they didn't see you?

 

[RUGER]

If they can smell anything I would bet they could smell fox urine, that crap STINKS.

 

[REN]

turkeys CAN smell just not to the extent of other animals. it has to be a very strong smell and pretty close for them to pick up.

they can smell corn or other food sources that are near them for sure.

 

[Bucks & Beards]

You sure they didn't see you?

Positive. They passed right in front of me ~10-15 yards and didn't get alarmed until they were downwind and about 40-50 yds to my right.