Fall Turkey Hunting

Don't forget about fall turkey hunting opportunities. November 5, 2008 Reporter: Patrick McMurtry Videographer: Brad Rice

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The next time your sitting around the table planning your next hunt, you might want to put up your deer rifle and pull out your shotgun. This is fall turkey hunting time.

Gene Blackshire/Turkey Hunter says:

"Turkey hunting in the fall of the year is something that a lot of hunters just don't do and they're missing a good opportunity, especially down in this area where you can do it on a day to day basis, versus going to the mountains like we used ot have to do because we have a lot of turkey down in this area."

Gene says there are good turkey populations in all 55 counties in the state and that means there are plenty of hens and gobblers out there fattening up for the winter. The way you hunt them, though, is a whole different ball game.

Gene Blackshire/Turkey Hunter says:

"The big difference I see between the two is in spring turkey season, you get the boggler to hunt the hunter-the hunter is imitating the hen. In fall turkey season, you have to be more of a hunter, you have to be able to recognize sign, the mast in the different areas and actually do a whole lot more walking than in the fall."

Patrick McMurtry/Eyewitness News:

"Spring turkey hunting is a lot of fun, but in the fall, you have to get up and walk around and when you find a mess of turkeys, that's when the fun starts."

And Gene says, find the mast, you'll find the bird.

Gene Blackshire/Turkey Hunter says:

"Cherry doesn't hit every year, beech doesn't hit every year, but when it does those are the places to find your turkeys."

Turkey calls are music to the ears of gobblers looking for a mate in the spring. All of us turkey hunters learn this call early when we're just starting out. In the spring, things are different.

Gene Blackshire/Turkey Hunter says:

"In the spring of the year, you can use a yelp, cluck, purrs, cackle-I'll do a little yelping.

In the fall of the year, especially if you break up a flock, I like to use an old hen assmebly yelp or a kiki. 'nats of him calling"

If you can do that like Gene, your chances are pretty good at seeing a bird, then you're on your own. For West Virginia Wildlife, I'm Patrick McMurtry, Eyewitness News.

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