Turkey Tools in HuntWise for a Successful Turkey Hunt

Putting in the work can make all the difference when it comes to filling a turkey tag. In the turkey woods, strategy is key. Luckily, the right tools make things a lot easier. HuntWise makes a strong case as the toolset all turkey hunters should have in their pocket. 

So, what can the app do to improve your hunt? Here is a look at the top tools in HuntWise to help prepare for and improve your spring turkey season.

Tool #1: Finding Turkey Hunting Land

You can't hunt if you can't find land with turkeys! 

With up-to-date property lines, HuntWise Land Ownership mapping layers allow you to uncover public and private land hunt areas. Whether you're scouting out a new field or searching for private land access, HuntWise displays landowner information (including phone numbers) and invisible property lines. 

HuntWise mapping layers make it easy to identify public land and access points to plot the perfect route. Get an instant edge over other hunters and uncover unpressured land plots using the BLM Lands Layer, USFWS Layer, and more. Look for the smaller plots of public land that other hunters might overlook by assuming there aren't any turkeys there. 

Public land turkey hunting presents a different set of challenges, but with new challenges come new opportunities! 

Find and Contact Private Land Owners

Along with public land boundaries, HuntWise can help you find private land plots. 

With private landowner boundaries and information available for all 50 states, you can directly contact landowners within the app. If you find a money spot in the field or can't seem to lure a gobbler over property lines onto public land, use the information in the HuntWise app to get permission to hunt that particular piece of private land. 

Here are some tips for improving your chances of success when contacting landowners for permission to hunt private land: 

• Be respectful 
• Write letters 
• Provide references 
• Make a good impression 

During turkey season, landowners are more likely to allow access, but your approach when contacting a landowner is critical. Use HuntWise to avoid losing a tom you have your eye on as they cross onto private property!

Tool #2: E-Scouting

For many turkey hunters, the thrill of scouting gobblers is second only to the exhilaration of hunting them. However, scouting is key to any successful turkey hunt. 

E-scouting, in particular, gives hunters an edge. Considering the available technology hunters use for e-scouting, HuntWise is more than a map. 

With over 350 map layers, 3D maps, offline maps, and more, users gain insights and perspectives on the land they hunt. Use the Satellite Layer, Topographic Layer, and more to identify choke points, funnels, benches, and other features that influence turkey movement. 

Then, after you've found the general land you intend to hunt, use the HuntWise Web Map or work directly in the app and scout out potential locations of roosts or calling setups.  

Know Before You Go With the HuntWise App

HuntWise can help you optimize your time chasing birds by giving you the lay of the land before your boots hit the ground. 

In the spring, turkeys are often creatures of habit and will strut in open and sunny agricultural fields or clearcuts. Aerial imagery in HuntWise will give you an accurate bird's-eye view of these fields and openings with nearby woodlots for roosting. 

Along with our app, check out these four steps to scouting turkey for a successful hunt!

Tool #3: Incorporate Markers

Markers are one of the most useful tools in the HuntWise app for all hunters, not just turkey hunters. 

Whether e-scouting or directly in the field, drop markers on areas of interest. Markers automatically sync between your divides and work offline to ensure you always have your notes at all times. 

Additionally, markers are especially useful when hunting with your buddies since you can share your markers with them. In the HuntWise app, you can also add photos and notes to markers for increased detail. 

Map markers are color-coded by category to provide at-a-glance insights. Drop markers for tracks, droppings, and strut marks, which can reveal travel, loafing, or feeding areas. Droppings and feathers, especially primary wing feathers, near trees, might reveal roosts. 

As you find signs of turkey activity, mark areas for potential setup spots or ambush sites.  

Mark Wind Direction

Additionally, the wind plays a significant part in where birds come in. Being able to go over your hunt locations and check the forecast for the next hunt is useful. 

Drop a marker and use HuntWise ScentDrift™ to see how your scent will blow and dissipate hour by hour.

Tool #4: See Turkey Hunting Areas While Offline

More often than not, our hunts take us beyond the reach of cell service. So, before heading to the turkey woods, download your HuntWise maps and markers. 

They'll be available offline if you can't get cell service where you hunt. Saving maps before hitting the blind will equip you for the unexpected and allow you to access your map even if the birds are not following the script.

Tool #5: Topographical Maps and Turkey Roosting Locations

Whether you're deep in the field or prepping at home, HuntWise helps uncover all the possibilities from scouting. 

Finding tracks, feathers, and droppings in the turkey woods is just the beginning. Topographic maps can help you uncover where turkeys might be heading and the route they'll likely take. 

Turkeys love to roost in higher-elevation areas. When using a topographic map layer in the app, you'll see the gradients of draws and valleys and which swamps or cliffs you should avoid in the woods. Beat the turkeys at their own game by understanding areas of high elevation. Finding travel routes between bedding areas (roost trees) and food sources can be gold. 

Get in, get set up, and get on birds.

Tool #6: Hunt Turkeys with the Weather

Weather is unpredictable. Not every spring day is clear, calm, and warm. From rain to sleet and fog, the weather affects turkey patterns. 

Knowing how turkeys react in poor conditions can help fill a slot on your gobble tag. When it's raining, birds find cover to get out of it – but as soon as the sun peaks out, they will group up, dry their feathers, and move food sources. 

Use the HuntCast™ feature to stay one step ahead of the weather and gobblers with live weather reports, weather forecasts, sunrise and sunset times, and species-specific turkey predictions. 

Check out the video below to learn more about hunting turkeys in different types of weather. 

Don't Be the Only Friend Who Doesn't Get a Turkey This Season

These six tools in the HuntWise app are only the tip of the turkey feather! Make sure you get a turkey this season with these features and many more, including gear discounts, the HuntWise community, and expert insights. With HuntWise, you gain a competitive edge over other turkey hunters every season. 

Download HuntWise and try it free for your next turkey hunt! 

Content updated January 29, 2024.