Spring Turkey Outlook

Yesterday was April Fools day, which can only mean one thing at the Texas LG^2 Ranch-that spring turkey season is right around the corner. One would have to be a "fool" to not want to get in on this action.

Guide Sam G and partner Chris D went out to the ranch for a little pre-season scouting in mid March to see if any gobblers were hanging around the 500-acre ranch. Deer hunters went all season this year without seeing a single turkey on the property, but things have heated up since then.

On Monday evening, the two hunters called in two large Toms using an electronic call while sitting in the black tower stand. The birds worked hard and circled the entire area trying to find the "hen" that was making such a commotion. However, they did not gobble once. The two turkeys then flew up to roost about 75 yards directly behind the Black Tower stand. Two more gobblers then flew up into the roost to join the first two, forming a group of three longbeards and a Jake.

Tuesday morning found the two guides at it again, scouting out hunting areas and checking feeders for tracks. There were four separate groups of turkeys responding to the electronic call, but none wanted to come in. The largest of the groups was roosting on the west fence line near the bottom wheat field. This may be the same group that is rumored to have over 20 Toms, Jakes, and hens. Turkey tracks were found in all feeders that were throwing at the time, with the black tower stand being completely covered in turkey tracks.

Gobblers were most responsive during the morning, but seem to be roosting with hens. Midday and afternoon hunting will produce birds wanting to come into turkey calls and decoys, but they tend to "sneak" up and not gobble too much before coming into the setup. If hunting in the morning, make sure you know where the birds are roosting in advance and try to get set within 100 yards of their roost.

The season opens this Saturday, April 4th. Good luck and safe huntin'.