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Maintaing the flock; Need help
Topic Started: Apr 15 2007, 06:30 PM (198 Views)
Posted Image fishnhunt
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The North shore of L. Erie

New to the forum, and I am looking for advice on how to maintain a turkey population and hunt them at the same time???

I have limited time, about an hour and a half each morning. Because of this time constraint I have limited properties to hunt that are close enough to work. Both properties have toms, wondering how to keep the birds in the area and still be able to take a tom. Any help would be appreciated this is my third season hunting turkeys.
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Posted Image dobber
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Team Ontario Trophy Bucks

unfortunatly there isn't much you can do to keep the birds around, if they want to go they will. Sounds like you need to hunt close to the roosts though with a limited amount of time in the mornings. Check out where they roost the evening before and that will cut your guessing down.
Shooting the toms or jakes won;t effect the birds, they will be a little gun shy for a day or two but they will be back if they like the area.
In May you will be able to stick out a bit more time due to the early sun rise, this also might help you as the hens are tending nests mid to late May and aren't interested in the toms, but the toms are still looking for Mrs. rightnow. I had 7 toms (5 long beards and 2 jakes) come running into my set up last May 24, and was all done by 6:30.
condescending twat
Someone who looks down on other people and is beyond arrogant
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Posted Image fishnhunt
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The North shore of L. Erie

Thanks Dobber for the input. I hope I can harvest a bird or two, if I am lucky enough each year. Would also like to have the birds stick around to hunt in the years to come. Shot my first last year on my own despite questionable calling and 'turkey fever'. It was awesome, been hooked ever since then.
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Posted Image dobber
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Team Ontario Trophy Bucks

to keep the birds around all winter you will need to look at planting some trees that will grow feed for them. Sumac, cranberries, check for wild grapes in the area and fertilize them.
If 1 hen has 10 eggs, and you have 5 hens in your area, half the brood dies and they are split in half between hens (jennies) and toms (jakes) the next year you should have 12 or so bearded birds next spring. Lots of birds to invite me up for a hunt :D

I am giving it a try this year with a bow, so should be fun
good luck
condescending twat
Someone who looks down on other people and is beyond arrogant
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