Message Board: WOODHAVEN Custom Calls / Hunting / Turkey

first call of the day ~ what's your favorite

2Beards — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:42:26 GMT

Hello fellas. First time I have ever done a message board. Looking for lots of good responses. Now let's talk turkey!

Scenario: Day break of the season opener and the brids are waken up.

What is your first,favorite or "go to" turkey sound you make. I am talking about the first call of the morning you let out to see what's listening in the trees above(clucks, tree calls, yelps,etc).

I understand tones, cadence along with different days and different techniques etc, but lets hear what you have to say from your neck of the woods.

Lots of large gobblers here in southern Indiana and I am ready to throw something new at them.

Hunting Blinds

2Beards — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:16:04 GMT

Hunting Blind users, I need some advice.

I have a new hunting partner this year...my 8 yrs old daughter. She is a great bench rest shooter and currently learning to shoot off hand. However, one thing i do notice is little ones sure do move a bunch. We are now a proud owner of a blind. I did my research and bought one that fits our needs. Just curious if anyone on here uses them a bunch and had tips (i.e. set up, decoy placement, etc.) that would help.

Soon to be raining feathers here in Indiana,

Adam

Time to scout!

jyoung — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:01:39 GMT

Headed to a new piece of property in Mississippi this weekend to begin scouting (no calls allowed) and put out a few cuddebacks. 5 weeks! Counting down!

Anybody else started scouting?

needing advice

BamaTurkeySlammer — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:47:08 GMT

There have been sometimes that i had a bird coming to me and all of a sudden he hangs up and goes away from me. what should i have done in order to get him responding and heading back my way?

Springtime Tactics

jdpurv87 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:36:38 GMT

Where I hunt, I run into a lot of problems with "henned up" birds. What's the best way to call to a "henned up" gobbler?

Limit

OO7(aka Roy S) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:44:53 GMT

You can now harvest three gobblers per year here in VA. Not quite as good as the five that you can take in Alabama, but we are getting their. I don't know why I care, Im lucky to pull the trigger on one!

What about the rest of you Gents?

Decoy Questions

ScottT. — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:01:45 GMT

Going threw a catalogue the other day gazing at all the new decoys. I began looking over all the different brands and styles I became curious with questions that I felt like I could learn from so I decided to post them and see what other people’s opinions were.

Ok styles Feeding or Attentive:

1. Which one do you like the best and what are your preferences on using them?

Also I’m seeing that Flocks are becoming more popular.

2. How many of you? And how exactly do you utilize a decoy spread of 3 or more?

Personally I have never used a feeding hen because I feel it gives off the impression of a hen that is not to terribly interested in finding her own stud muffin and more concerned with catching that next big grasshopper that flees from her feet. Along with I think a feeder limits the calls you would use in a wide open scenario. (Such as a hung up field bird in site at 100+ yards it’s not going to look natural for a hen to be real vocal in a head down feeding position.) I just feel an Attentive Decoy is much more versatile.

Flock wise: I haven’t ever used more than 4 that actually worked out like I planned but once and in that situation a breeding pair accounted for 2 of them. I don’t generally take more than 1 to the woods simply because I just don’t like lugging all those decoys in/out. However I’ll always have more in the truck especially my breeding pair, an hardly ever do I hesitate to set them up if I know a particular bird is losing his hens...That can make for some awesome action!

Choke Suggestions??

CutnStrut — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:40:50 GMT

Hey Fellas,

I just got a Benelli MII and wondered if anyone had any suggestions on a good choke-shot combo for me. I hate to spend a small fortune going through 5 or 6 boxes and/or shells....thought somebody might be able to help. Ive been thinking about an Indian Creek or Jellyhead. Thanks for the input!!!

good luck n God Bless

Shotgun Optics

calbirds — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:43:48 GMT

As i close in on 65 yrs. aiming in early morning lite is getting to be a real pain. How about some suggestions on red dot sights that have Weaver mounts. I've narrowed it down to Bushnell Halo, Burris Fastfire ll, or Nikon/Monarch VSD. Any ideas on these or your favorite sight is appreciated.

20ga load options

2Beards — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:30:12 GMT

I just bought a Mossberg super batam 20ga for my daughter. This is the first 20ga I'll be pattering for turkeys. I (a hand loading rifle guy) am going maybe to the extremes with shotguns. I have a ported tube that mics .582 and I want to ask a few questions.

What would be wrong with using a #6 high density waterfowl load as compared to extended range Winchester or flight controlled Federals.

The velocity with the #6 h.d waterfowl load has caught my eye. I personally think with a 20ga you want to take advantage of the amount of shot in the #6 and with the h.d. loads they should hit like regular 4s. Anyone have load test or data to share?

Thanks for all the help in previous post too.

Osceola turkey Hunt trade

turkeyman21 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:58:49 GMT

I have some excellent Osceola turkey hunting. I would like to make a trade for a Quality Deer hunt or Elk hunt. I have references and can also be your guide, if needed. if you don't have a trade but are looking for a guided hunt let me know. Thanks

stay put or when to move : the spit second decision

2Beards — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:22:48 GMT

Guys, we have all faced this scenario many times. Arriving to the truck after the hunt thinking " I should have taken off and flanked em" or "I knew I should have done something besides just sit there".

Scenario: it early morning and when the birds flew down it didn't go as planned and they went another direction. It is hard to say (and do) the I'll just wait here routine.

I want to know what hints or the knowledge you have gained over the years that help you make that split second decision to move from your set up.

What time of day are you killing most of your birds?

boparks — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:32:05 GMT

I'm curious both about how you do with birds on the roost and what time of day you're killing most of your birds.

Out west I do pretty well with birds off the roost but in Georgia thay pee in my corn flakes alot.

I'd estimate I've killed 20% of birds here off the roost and 70% are killed later in the morning after 9:00- 9:30. with 10% in the afternoon.

Now if I called like some of the Woodhaven guys here I'm sure I'd do much better but simply put, I don't.

Just wondered about everyone else?

New Mexico Merriams

Dr. Cliff Higgins — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:03:38 GMT

My CO hunt lasted 30 minutes the first morning, and I was done. I had driven 17 hours, and was out there to hunt for 3 days, so I drove down to New Mexico, and busted two more Merriams in one morning before headin home. (Yes, you can kill 2 in one day in NM, and they don't even care if it is 2 jakes!) One of these is a jake. I shot him because he looked like a Goulds his fan and rum feathers were so white, and I'm mounting the fan. The long beard was 20 lbs., 9 inch beard, and 1 inch spurs).

first call of the day ~ what's your favorite

2Beards — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:41:50 GMT

Hello fellas. First time I have ever done a message board. Looking for lots of good responses. Now let's talk turkey!

Scenario: Day break of the season opener and the brids are waken up.

What is your first,favorite or "go to" turkey sound you make. I am talking about the first call of the morning you let out to see what's listening in the trees above(clucks, tree calls, yelps,etc).

I understand tones, cadence along with different days and different techniques etc, but lets hear what you have to say from your neck of the woods.

Lots of large gobblers here in southern Indiana and I am ready to throw something new at them.

Turkey Season on the Horizon....

Scott Ellis — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:26:57 GMT

I know it is still cold outside(even down here in sunny florida!) but, we are inching closer and closer to opening day! I am pumped! Anyone else?????

S.E.

Mossy Oak Limbhanger Turkey Vest

TimD. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:08:18 GMT

I currently have 2 vests--one that is on its last leg and another one that is too hot for down here in Florida mid-late season.

Anyone have any field reports from using this vest? Likes/Dislikes?

Seat cushion looks big enough to take a nap on. I dont like vests with a bzillion pockets.

favorite method for Spring gobblers

Scott Ellis — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:45:46 GMT

What is your favorite approach to spring gobbler hunting? Running and gunning, blind calling, early morning, afternoon etc.

S.E.

Any tips for booking a Texas trip?

Yelp softly — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:34:07 GMT

A friend and I are looking to make a trip to Texas this Spring to chase Rios. Neither of us have ever been.

Have any of you used an outfitter that you would recommend? I am looking for unguided or semi-guided. I don't require luxurious amenities, but I ain't looking for something "cheap" either. I wouldn't mind finding a ranch that has turkeys and hogs, just in case we tag out on birds.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ol' Tom Techincal Turkey Gear

TimD. — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:03:28 GMT

Anyone use the shirt or pants this past spring? Likes/Dislikes?

Does the sizing chart run small or big?

Osceola Turkeys

billbuster870 — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:23:56 GMT

Hey guys,

I know this is a bit early but I wanted to get the ball rolling to start the slam. In N.Y. We obviously kill easterns and wanted to make Osceolas The next on the list. Tho I know nothing about Wildlife management areas down there in Florida..I was thinking the first time me and my two hunting partners go we'll seek a outfitter. I'm really looking for a place that will point you in a direction (on there land) for turks. Since I enjoy Calling in my own birds, a guide is not really needed in that sense. Also making it affordable is a plus Any suggestions are much welcomed.

Juction Tx Rio

cajun — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:05:11 GMT

This is the best of 4 gobblers I killed in Texas last week. He was not the heavisest but has 1 1/4 " spurs a 10" beard and weighed around 18 pounds.

WOODHAVEN CALL

cghigdon — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:13:26 GMT

LOOKING FOR MY FIRST FRICTION CALL BY WOODHAVEN .ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Wrong date stamp on camera

Dr. Cliff Higgins — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:10:01 GMT

The date on the photos you are about to view has the wrong year. These birds were all killed this spring. April 17, and 18 of 2009. I love huntin' out West! Cliff Higgins

More CO photos from Cliff

Dr. Cliff Higgins — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:58:15 GMT

That was April 17 of 2009. Here are a few pics of the scenery out West.

Colorado Merriams

Dr. Cliff Higgins — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:55:02 GMT

The date stamp was wrong on my camera. This bird was shot near Trinidad, CO on April 17 (In the snow). He put a whoppin on a Hazel Creek jake decoy before I let him have it.

Not bad spurs for a Merriams. 1 inch. He weighed 19 lbs. and had a 8 1/2 inch beard.

Question from Skyler

Scott Ellis — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:19:49 GMT

i have this one bird and he has always hug up the last 3 years and i cant killm ive bumoed him off roost but i never can get in shooying range any one have any suggestions?

skyler

HOOKED another one on turkey hunting!

Dawn2Dusk — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:27:12 GMT

Took a good friend of mine Saturday on his first turkey hunt. Boy he got spoiled right off the bat to what was a very magical morning.

21lbs, 9 3/4" beard, 1 1/8" spurs...

where are all the gobblers

BARTMAN — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:04:22 GMT

I cant seem to find many gobblers here in northern Alabama, what about everyone else? Found one gobbler and a couple jakes. Just seems like not as many birds as the past two years as they were gobblin on every ridge in the past

Go to locater after flydown?

Jason 76 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:48:02 GMT

I have always done well with reeded owl while turkeys are still on roost,but have never got a shock gobble the rest of day with anything other than turkey call what locaters do you use?

Cuttin' and Runnin' ?

Jason 76 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:41:07 GMT

Last week I was walking and calling and had called on top of a hill along a logging road after I moved on I heard gobble where I had called from on the hill. When you make a hen call how long do you stay in that spot before you move to another spot to try and locate one?

3 MORE DAYS!!!

Dr. Cliff Higgins — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:01:13 GMT

Hump day is winding down! I'm headed to church. Our season opens for the "Big Boys" this Sat. My daughter and I tried 'em out during the youth hunt last Sat., but had no luck. Heard two toms way off the property we were hunting. They gobbled 10 times then shut up. I'm sure they had herums.

Why do these dad-gummed days go by so slow right before the season. I'm like a little kid waitin' on Christmas!!!

My "Field" turkey gun...

Dawn2Dusk — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:14:27 GMT

Those that have hunted field turkeys know they have a tendency to want to stay out at 40+ yards without coming a step closer.

I've got a couple fields I can hunt and I got a couple guns that I can deal with those birds nicely with.

Here's my latest...

Browning BPS 10 Ga., 26" Barrel, Bore Polished, Forcing Cone Lengthened & Polished, .690 Pure Gold Choke, Nitro H210 (4x5x7 Hevi Shot) 2 1/2oz Shells...

First Target is at 20 yards;

Second Target is at 45 yards (Results 304 hits on paper, 96 inside circle [Paper is 8 1/2" x 11", circle is 4 1/2" diameter])

Working on another GREAT season

Dawn2Dusk — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:37:30 GMT

God has blessed me with yet another great turkey season start here in Georgia...

Opening morning success

Afternoon success

What are your birds doing???

Scott Ellis — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:11:05 GMT

As you can see from that pic with the gobblers, hens, jenny's and jake's they are still flocked up here in Florida, but I have seen a few single gobblers with hens. Our season starts 7march in the south zone and 21mar in all others...since I have nothing lined up for the south zone we should be in good shape for the 21st....

s.e.

Its time to suit up!!

Scott Ellis — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:21:00 GMT

Well guys, it's 3:30am and time to get going. I'm taking my wife the next two days with cameraman in tow, hoping to get her first gobbler on video....Good luck to everyone this season! Keep us posted...

s.e.

Where is everyone????

Scott Ellis — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:59:35 GMT

With eveyone's seasons just around the bend I figured this place would be busy, it has been in recent years....Hellooooo out there!!!!

scott

Loud and Proud at Daylight!!!!

Daddy56 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:41:34 GMT

Hey fellas,

I know I said it would be a few days before I posted agian but I just wanted to help you guys become more enthused and excited if your not already there with me. I heard at least 10 birds this morning starting with two going to town on the roost. If it had been opening day I am not sure what direction I would have gone. I was hearing birds even while getting in the truck. Get ready boys!!! Season is here and it looks promising. Let me know what kind of bird activity you are seeing! I wonder if the birds are hot like this in other places???

Cuttin' em down!!!

Daddy56 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:35:39 GMT

I am a new member to this site. I appreciate you guys taking the time to look at my posts. I had stated in one of my other posts that I began using the Red Wasp last year. WOW is all I can say. I have been an avid outdoorsman my whole life and my calling skills are what I would consider above average. I have learned from some of the best in the world how to call and kill some big boys. I have used my skills and techniques to harvest many birds but since I have been reduced to hunting lots of public areas my techniques have had to change slightly. The red wasp has given me more of an adge with cutting. I found more times than not being too hot with your calling can mess you up. As we all know when you turkey hunt there are so many things that a hunter can do wrong and not even know it. I have developed a cackle cut which I heard a hen doing year before last. I practiced and used this in thie field withg great success. I had two stubborn birds opening week last year that i was on for about four hours. I decided to "cackle cut" while walking away from them after becoming frustrated and having to re-think my strategy. Both birds were harvested within ten minutes of cutting. It was already 11:00am when this happened. Those boys had been hung up for three and a half hours and just like flipping a switch, came right to me. I had not been aggressive with my calling at all that day. Again, later in the season I had a hung up bird and tried the same technique. Again, the cackle cut paid off!!!

Public Land

JohnNicks256 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:38:43 GMT

I am wanting some input on public land hunting. There is a good management area near me and it will be my first time ever hunting public land. I am a little timid of sticking my foot into this but want to experience it. I know alot of people do it so share some advice/experiences so i may have a better understanding of what i am getting myself into. THANKS!