The tag-end of turkey season can be an exceptional opportunity. Surprisingly, this is still a productive time to tag a mature longbeard that’s beaten all the odds. But, be prepared, because the warmth, insects and spooky gobblers can test your skills to the limit!

These obstacles can reduce hunter confidence. Those who have spent most of their hunting during the first weeks of turkey season, but haven’t taken a gobbler, often focus upon the last days to shoot their turkey. Obviously, early-season turkeys are very active with their breeding cycle and expose themselves more often during initial habits, even though they must try to avoid the onslaught of human hunting pressure. If numerous hens are still breeding, the competition can be fierce, and toms often respond to just about any mimicking hen vocals.

Eventually, though, hunters are faced with their last chance, during the last week of the season. Hunting these elusive gobblers is exciting, challenging and very rewarding. But don’t overlook the fact that many harassed toms, or lucky gobblers, are still searching for hens.

At this point during spring turkey season, tough, ol’ gobblers have heard and seen everything hunters have given them. Even though hunting pressure has diminished, leftover gobblers can become almost invincible. Therefore, tagging a mature gobbler can be a real challenge. But harvesting a mature bird is achievable.

After most hens have moved to their nests to guard and hatch their eggs, aggressive gobblers still desire the company of hens for breeding. Now, you can capitalize on their reproductive instincts.

What are the rules? Are they different than during the first three weeks of season?

Toms revert to feeding more often after intense breeding. And they seek high-protein foods such as insects. That’s one reason turkeys are fond of open fields, aside from the fact they can spot danger from any direction.

Finding gobblers can be a chore if they aren’t assembled. Flocks eventually gain togetherness after breeding commences. The available hens that have been bred disappear after they begin nesting. Toms also become loaners, but they still look for hens. This is the perfect time to solicit the sighting of landowners who often spot lone gobblers using their properties. Equally, road-scouting from your vehicle can help you locate loafing gobblers and save lots of walking.

If you normally shy away from public lands, try them at this time. These accessible habitats won’t have as much hunting pressure now. Leftover gobblers can be vulnerable because there is minimal hunting pressure. Also, less hen presence and their interfering responses that can take gobblers away from your calling will be in your favor.

Whenever we hunt late-season gobblers, we will likely encounter toms that have seen and heard it all. That’s why patience and stealth are assets.

Find a roosted gobbler and get on him early. Now’s the time to “softly” call to him and tease him before and after he leaves his morning roost. Basically, most hens have already been bred and any “breeder” gobblers still alive are hen starved. Toms will aggressively cruise open landscapes during any time of the day, frequently still gobbling as they search for hens.

But they can also be two-faced now. They are often silent as they roam and inspect their habitats. Now, you must be a “slow” hunter because patience is a “plus” that will help you outmaneuver a last-minute gobbler.

Unfortunately, weather is often uncomfortably warm. Insects can be cruel. Surprisingly, this is still a productive time to tag a mature longbeard that’s beaten all the odds. And there are usually less hunters afield. But be prepared, because the warmth, insects and spooky gobblers can test your skills to the limit!

Toms change habits as breeding becomes less intense, often mingling together again. Therefore, it’s not unusual to encounter single gobblers. It’s also not uncommon to call-in two or three toms traveling as a mini flock.

These obstacles can take their toll and reduce hunter confidence. If a large number of hens are still breeding, the competition can be fierce and toms often respond to just about any mimicking hen vocals.

If you prefer a comfortable, quick-kill turkey hunt, shy away from last-week gobblers. For example: The morning that I located a gobbler, it was muggy and intensely sunny. The early sun was quickly heating up the landscape. When I first heard the tom gobbling, the temperature was already 69 degrees. I sat behind a tangle of downed tree limbs almost 80 yards from the gobbler.

I don’t usually vocalize with intensity to roosted toms when they are in the presence of mate-ready hens during early-season mating activities. But I was certain this gobbler was without hens and would do just about anything to be with a hen. I thought he would be an easy mark. But this 3-year-old gobbler taught me lots about the patience and tenacity of a late-season gobbler after it took 2 1/2 hours to persuade him into shooting range. My tactic was simply to use occasional subtle hen clucks. And I cautiously moved around him whenever he was out of sight. Eventually, I was able to coax him for a 15-yard shot.

Foliage density is much thicker during late season. You probably won’t hear as much gobbling, either. And plan to dress in lightweight camo clothing. It will likely be hot, dry and windy. Ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies are abundant, too. Carry an effective bug spray and use a full-face head net to help counter insect assaults.

Be diverse. Begin at roost sites before dawn. Then, work the woodlands and scour the edges of field openings to search for isolated gobblers. Gobblers are travelers now, and you should be, too. Then, be wary and patient.

Whatever your gamble, late-season toms will make you respect every exceptional skill instilled within a surviving spring tom.

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