Timing your calls: what works best for roosted birds?

Pre-Dawn Roost Call Series

To effectively time your calls for roosted turkeys, consider the following pre-dawn call series: start with 3-5 loud, aggressive yelps or cuts, followed by 30 seconds to 1 minute of complete silence. This pause allows the turkeys to process the information and become curious. After the pause, repeat the yelp or cut series, this time with a slightly softer and more tentative tone, to simulate a gobbler responding to the hens. Repeat this series 2-3 times before dawn.

Sunrise Roost Call Timing

When it comes to the exact timing of your calls, aim to start immediately after sun-up, when the turkeys are still roosted but beginning to stir. This is usually around 30 seconds to 1 minute after the sun has risen above the horizon. The goal is to catch the turkeys in a state of heightened alertness, before they become active and start moving around. By calling during this brief window, you’ll increase the chances of getting a response from a gobbler.

Distance and Volume Considerations

The distance between you and the roosted turkeys, as well as the volume of your calls, are also crucial factors to consider when timing your calls. If you’re too close, the turkeys may become alarmed and fly away. If you’re too far away, they may not hear your calls at all. Aim for a distance of 1/4 to 1/2 mile, and adjust your volume accordingly. If you’re too loud, you may spook the turkeys, but if you’re too soft, they may not hear you. Practice your call series and timing to get a sense of what works best in different situations.