This year I will only get the last weekend in May to chase turkeys and was wondering and tips or strategies I have never hunted that late and was wondering how to go about it. I will be in the mountains in northern Pa and I don't mind getting one weekend because my little girl is going to be born in early April
Well, that's a great reason to miss most of the season, congratulations!! I'm getting married May 2!! so there goes the first week of mine...I've had those years where I've only had a few days to hunt that would take me to the late season. I've killed a ton of turkys after 5/25. It's tough for me to tell you exactly what to do as there are a lot of variables to take into account. But I would suggest calling softly and using a lot of clucks and purrs. One technique that I use a lot if, especially since I bowhunting gem now is that I set up in a somewhat open area. I set out my decoys and I'll hit a series of lost hen yalps with a box call. If I haven't heard a gobble, I'll call relitivly loud. Then listen. I'll wait about a half hour before I call again. If there's a turkey in the area, he WILL hear you and at some point he more than likely show up. He may not gobble til he's right ontop of you so be prepared.
Oh, if I hear a gobble. It may be 10-15 mins after your last call, quiet it down and go to soft purrs and clucks. I've probably killed 30 turkeys with this method with both bow and gun. Good luck.
We may all only be able to late turkey season hunt this year if the weather continues! Congratulations on the upcoming arrival- we had our first at the end of June. She is a blessing each and every day. I learned this past season that I now hunt and fish more "gentleman" type hours.
Late season turkey have been educated by other hunters, I spend more time seting tight than chasing And call less frquently as well as softer. Patince pays.
Use bug Spray. Turkeys cant smell but they can see you swatting mosquitoes.
Hunt all day if you can in PA. Call every 30 mins or so with a single hen or two. If it's later in the day he will most likely show up silent and scanning every little thing he sees. Best to use a blind, but if not stay still.