3 Ways to Tag an Opening Day Gobbler

Let's face it. These are busy times for most everyone, including us turkey hunters. Try these strategies to maximize your time and effort. They might even help you put your tag on an opening-day gobbler.

Fly-Down Time

Fly-down time involves an early rising, the drive to your spot, the setup within calling distance of a roost, the tree-calling phase, and finally, the fly-down. Time it right, in a nearby location, and we're talking maybe an hour or two hunt, max. Scout right during the pre-season, and you can try this tactic opening day.

The more you hunt that roost, the better your chance at figuring where turkeys prefer to land. Each time you hunt a spot, your chances increase. You don't have to hunt it all day; only in that window of opportunity.

You do need to be stealthy about it. You don't want to pressure turkeys as you observe them and try to gain that edge. Unpressured birds often have a comfort zone where they prefer to land after flying down. It's your job to find it. You waterfowlers know what I'm talking about. It's like finding the so-called X to set your spread in the pre-dawn hours. It's the place those birds want to be.

Tip No. 1: Waterfowlers also use many decoys to create realistic spreads. Why not place all of your turkey decoys in a true-to-life set in the area your opener birds are likely to land? Subtle, hands-free diaphragm calling can add to the appeal as you try to tag a turkey in a short window of time after fly-down. Create a flock of fakes.

Work Commute Hunts

Depending on your work situation, you may be able to leave for the office a bit early and tag a turkey on the way in. Maybe try it on the opener?

Tell me you haven't seen strutting gobblers on your way to work in the past. Tell me you haven't thought about getting on those birds. The reason you haven't is likely because you were on your way to work. One of these spring days you might just have to work a half-day, or arrive later than usual.

Get on the commute birds. Make it happen.

Tip No. 2: You'll have to explain the situation to your boss. If you're lucky, he or she's a hunter and will understand. If not, educate them about our spring tradition. Offer to work later in the off-season. Find a way to hunt those work commute gobblers. Maybe it's cool with your employer if you flash hunt during your mid-morning coffee break.

Fly-Up Hunts

Didn't kill your opening-day bird at fly-down time? Go back that afternoon.

Maybe the birds got together and drifted off after daybreak. They'll come back; you should too. Get in there opening day afternoon, and sit as early as necessary to be hidden and waiting when they move from fields to the roost.

Every second counts. There's no room for error.

Tip No. 3: The stage is set for an afternoon hunt where legal. Get in there, and stay until the bell sounds. And do this as long as you carry a tag. While all of your buddies are rising early, and growing more tired by the day, you might be able to figure out an unpressured situation that involves a seat and/or comfortable cushion. Maybe you can just arrive, sit, call and watch the drama unfold in front of you before you pull the trigger. Good stuff, right?

And as always, double-check your lawbook to see if afternoon turkey hunting is permitted in the state where you're hunting (home or on the road; regulations change).

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