I live in western PA and our Spring Gobbler season is April 28th thru May 31st. I'm getting anxious for the season to roll around and I was wondering how early I should start scouting for birds? Right now they seem to be bunching all up into big groups. I'd guess where they are staying now in the cold and snow will be different by the time the season rolls around. How early before the season do you guys/gals go out to seriously scout? And, do you call when you go out to scout or just go out and listen in the mornings? I've never tried roosting or calling birds in the evenings before I hunt either. :campfire:
I honestly never stop scouting, I dont beleive any of the information you gather will not be used at some point, get out do some stumpn and try to figure them out. Leave the call at home these birds are call shy enough, just listen look and learn. Enjoy yourself thats what really matters.
I agree on not bringing the call, you're just hurting your chances of getting a bird to come in during season. The Massachusetts season is pretty close to your dates too.
I'll say this, two weeks before season, I had a huge flock bunched up, with some nice gobblers in it. Seaon hit only 2 weeks later and not only did I never hear a gobble in that spot all season, I only saw one set of tracks. The most scouting this early will do is really tell you what the popualtion is doing IMO