Quick Answer
To read turkey behavior while calling, observe their body language and vocalizations, particularly when you pause or change your cadence. A gobbler's response can be a great indicator of his interest, but beware of a "cut" or sudden stop, which may signal aggression. A bird that struts away may be a sign of dominance.
Reading the Body Language
When calling turkeys, pay close attention to their body language. A bird that’s interested will usually strut towards the sound, while a dominant bird may puff out his chest and gobbler loudly. A bird that’s aggressive will often “cut” or quickly move away, often with a loud gobble. Observe the direction of the bird’s eyes, head, and body. If the bird’s eyes are fixed on you and his head is held high, he’s likely interested. If his head is tucked or he’s strutting away, he may be dominant or aggressive.
Understanding Vocalizations
Turkey vocalizations can be a great indicator of their behavior. Listen for the type of gobble, as well as the pitch and volume. A high-pitched gobble is often a sign of excitement or interest, while a low-pitched gobble may indicate aggression. A bird that’s gobbling loudly and frequently may be a dominant bird, while a bird that’s responding softly may be submissive. When you pause or change your cadence, pay close attention to the bird’s response. If the bird stops gobbling or moves away, you may need to change your strategy.
Varying Your Cadence
Varying your cadence is an essential technique for reading turkey behavior. Start with a standard cadence of 3-4 seconds of calling followed by a 4-5 second pause. If the bird responds, try changing the cadence to 2-3 seconds of calling followed by a 3-4 second pause. If the bird responds again, try slowing down the calling and increasing the pause time. By varying your cadence, you can determine what the bird is responding to and adjust your strategy accordingly.
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