Turkey Hunting: Seven Setup Blunders

It's no big secret that a successful turkey hunt is usually based on three strategies: locating a gobbling bird, setting up at the best spot to lure the turkey into range and calling to the gobbler with sweet, irresistible hen talk.

Which of the strategies is the most difficult? I don't think that's a tough answer. Most veteran hunters know that locating a bird is often just a matter of knowing the area and being at the right place. Those hunters would also agree that you don't have to make perfect calls to fool a longbeard.

Setting up, though, can decide the outcome of your hunt. Here are seven deadly mistakes to avoid this spring!

No. 1: Looking For The Big Tree

For more years than I can remember, we've heard that you should always look for a tree that's wider than your shoulders. This old adage has become the rule of thumb when setting up, and for good reason. A large tree represents the safest environment, because other hunters can't sneak up behind you and spot your movement. Moreover, it adds great concealment against the sharp eyes of an approaching gobbler.

Unfortunately, you can't carry a big tree with you, and they're not everywhere. In fact, big trees are often a scarce commodity in the turkey woods.

The perfect setup is always there somewhere. However, because trying to find a big tree is downright tough when you need it most, I usually dismiss that idea and concentrate on other factors and setups that don't cost time.

No. 2: Too Much Time

If you had time to look for the perfect setup, you'd probably always find it. Perhaps it's just over the hill. However, time is not on your side. When a turkey is gobbling and you've closed the gap, it's time to set up.

Don't get me wrong. I understand that patience is crucial when hunting. However, when setting up, I don't consider patience. I do consider rushing it, though. Once I'm down and motionless, the odds shift slightly in my favor provided I've reached a good point to set up.

When hunting Merriam's, I don't know if you can set up too far from the goal line. They will sometimes fly over canyons or walk the extra mile to get to you. Eastern gobblers, though, simply refuse to walk far to reach a hen. There are exceptions, but I wouldn't head for the woods expecting to encounter one of those.

If you set up too far away, you are probably wasting your time. I make it a point to get as close as possible, without spooking the bird.

No. 3: Too Far Away

Some run-and-gun hunters are accustomed to setting up considerable distances from the goal line, assuming the goal line is the point where a gobbler is in range.

No. 4: Getting Too Close

Of course, I must make this clear: As you move in on a gobbler, there's a fine line about how close you should get before setting up.

Experienced hunters seem to have a knack for judging distance when they hear a bird gobbling. Certainly, wind, terrain, heavy foliage, and other factors play a role. If we go back to conventional wisdom, most hunters suggest you get within 100- to 150 yards of a gobbler before setting up and calling.

Keep in mind, the less distance a gobbler has to travel to get to you, the less chance there is for something to go wrong. However, there could be other factors at stake.

No. 5: Too Open

Entire stories have been based on hunting and calling to a gobbler in open woods. After all, gobblers love to see long distances when looking for a hen. Unfortunately, when you're the hen and a bird can see where you're set up, forget about him coming to you.

You might not be able to avoid open woods, but you can often compensate. I often set up in the thickest cover available. Many times, I've flopped down in the middle of honeysuckle or high weeds.

No. 6: Above The Gobbler

Let's go back to the rules of thumb. Hunters have long preached that it's always best to set up above a gobbler. The idea is that a longbeard is more likely to travel uphill than downhill to a hen. I agree and have always preferred this setup.

But how often can I get above a gobbler to make certain I follow that rule of thumb? Not often. Usually in hilly country, I cannot get above a tom without being spotted.

Have I ever set up below a gobbler and called him downhill into range? Absolutely. The point is: Try and get above a gobbler only if the opportunity is there. I won't hesitate to call to a gobbler that is above me, providing I don't call prematurely.

No. 7: Calling Too Soon

After you hear a gobble, it's often tempting to call immediately to see if the turkey will respond. However, calling before setting up is risky business. Who knows if a gobbler might move toward you after hearing your first call?

I never call to a gobbler until I've set up. When I'm down and hidden, I'm ready for whatever follows.

The fact is it takes only one blunder when setting up to spoil a hunt!