Eastern Wild Turkey

Appearance & Identification

Dark, iridescent plumage; males have a "beard" and red/blue head skin.

Preferred Habitat

Mature hardwoods with open understories for sight, interspersed with clearings or "bugging flats" for poult rearing.

Seasonal Behavior

Social birds that roost in tall timber at night. Highly vocal in spring (gobbling) to attract hens; extremely keen eyesight capable of detecting the slightest movement from hundreds of yards away.

Recommended Tactics

Stealthy positioning near roost sites before dawn. Utilize hen vocalizations (yelps, purrs, and cuts) to lure toms into range. Total camouflage, including face and hands, is mandatory.