Factors to Consider for the Best Times to Hunt Turkey
The "best" time to hunt turkey is during spring or fall hunting season! However, to pick your ideal day and location specifically, it's crucial to consider multiple factors that can impact the success of your hunt.
Location
Wild turkeys tend to nest in largely forested areas. However, due to extensive deforestation over the last several decades, they've also learned to adapt and thrive in environments with smaller wooded areas.
Some of the best states to hunt wild turkey include New York, Wisconsin, Alabama, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
The Solunar Calendar
If you've hunted before, you've probably noticed that animals behave differently depending on the time of day. However, these patterns are not "new" variables to consider.
Hunters have been using something called the "solunar table" for decades to help identify the best times to hunt. In the early 1930s, John Alden Knight developed a theory that the position and fullness of the moon impact animal movement. Even before he published his theory, fishermen and hunters utilized moon phases to plan their hunts or fishing times.
Some hunters believe the solunar table can help predict when turkey activity can be higher vs. times of low activity. However, compared to other species (like deer), turkey behavior may not be significantly influenced by moon phases.
It probably can't hurt to check moon phases as you formulate your plan for your next hunt. For example, a full moon typically provides more light in the early hours when turkeys are still roosting, potentially giving away your position and scaring off your targeted birds. So, choosing a day that won't be impacted by too much moonlight could help you sneak up on roosting gobblers much easier.
The Time of Year
Wild turkey activity changes according to the time of year. However, turkey hunting is not typically a year-round sport.
The best time of year to hunt turkey will depend largely on the regulations in your state. In most cases, turkey hunting takes place during the spring and again in mid-to-late fall.
The Time of Day
In the evenings, turkeys make their nest (or "roost) in trees and on the ground in wooded areas. So, one of the best times of day to hunt turkey is first thing in the morning as they stir and leave their roosts.
Get out to your blind early and listen for turkey yelps, gobbles, and cackles as they stir and start in the search for breakfast.
The Temperature
Temperature can play a role in the noise level of wild turkeys, either making it easier to hear them or harder to locate when they're quiet.
Because turkeys are most active during mild weather, you're more likely to hear them in temperatures between 60-69 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's too hot or too cold, turkey activity slows down.
So, plan your hunts on days without extreme temperatures (cold or hot) for the best chance of harvesting a bird.
Barometric Pressure
Check the barometric pressure as you plan your hunt.
The average barometric pressure can affect gobbling activity. Lower pressure (typically during a rain) often means less gobbling. However, higher pressure is often associated with higher vocal activity from turkeys.
While finding a "perfect" barometrically-pressured day for an ideal hunt can be difficult, turkeys are most active at pressures between 29.9 and 30.2 inches.
Weather Conditions
Check the weather and plan accordingly. It probably seems obvious, but it's worth noting here that turkeys become more active on calm, clear days in the morning and early afternoon hours. However, turkey activity generally decreases during bad weather, including wind and rain.
Much like rainy days, turkeys tend to be quieter during days of moderate to strong wind conditions. Strong winds can also hinder a hunter's ability to hear wild turkeys even if they are on the move.
During extremely wet and rainy days, turkeys are neither vocal nor very active – but don't let bad weather stop you from hunting! With the HuntWise app, you can get accurate weather forecasts to help you plan your gear and strategies to find birds even when the weather isn't ideal.
