Overhunting and habitat loss at the turn of the 20th century pretty much eliminated turkeys from many Midwest woodlands. Reintroduced in the 1960s, turkeys have established themselves well.

Gobblers (male turkeys) have harems of up to 20 females. They can fly upwards of 60 mph. Turkeys have excellent hearing, and their eyesight is three times better than ours. If their sense of smell was as good, it’s almost certain that you would never take one with a bow or a shotgun.

Talking turkey

Using a turkey call is an effective way to lure in turkeys and a handy language to master when hunting. They have a limited but expressive “vocabulary” consisting of different calls: a yelp; a ‘kee-kee’ run, a relaxing-sounding purr and a soft, clucking call when they are seeking each other out at close range.

A real challenge

If you enjoy challenges, then try taking a turkey with a bow this spring. Use your ears to locate them, your eyes to tell you where they are going and your legs to get yourself between where they are and where they want to be. Wait for them to get there, draw when they’re not looking, and pick a spot. It’s tough hunting, but the challenge is worth it.