When locator calling, use locator calls not necessarily familiar to the wild turkey.  Try a peacock screamer, coyote howler, or even a goose call.  You'd be surprised how many gobbles you'll hear in response!

Sometimes the best hunting on public land is after 10 a.m.  Many turkey hunters call it a day leaving an areas wide open for you to hunt.  This is typically around the time the hens go to nest leaving the toms lonely and all by themselves.

Be proficient in at least two different types of calls.  Great tactic for sounding like more than one hen is in the area and arousing that big tom's curiosity.

Pattern your shotgun using #4, #5, or #6 magnum turkey loads from two or three manufacturers.    The 3-inch loads are most popular but women and kids might want to try 2 3/4" loads.   Shoot from ranges of 20, 30, and 40 yards.  At least 75 percent of your shot should hit the vitals.  Practice several times on your shot placement using #8 gameloads before the season starts.  Don't miss the shot of a lifetime because you didn't practice!

Do you have permission to hunt on private property?  Remember your property owners!  How 'bout taking them some fresh salmon, a canned ham, their favorite coffee, or some chocolates for the wife?  Did you send them a greeting card during the holidays?  Your small effort will go a long ways to secure your privileges in the future and do wonders for the image of the hunting community!

Got a Tom that's hung up?  Try using another call to make him think there's another hen in the area.  Or try just shutting up.  It might just get him moving again.

In the early morning hours, try aggressively faning a wing call or your hat to sound like a hen on the "fly down" from the roost or brushing a wing call against a tree to sound like a hen preening her feathers.  You can also "scratch" on the ground to imitate a turkey feeding.

Check out our great selection of books and videos in the "Books for Purchase" and "Videos for Purchase" section of our website.  Great additions to your library!