Turkeys in the rain

[Mako22]

I am debating making it out this saturday - but am on the fence with the forecasted rain.

I a gobbler novice, and not sure whether they will 'do their thing' with overcast/ possible showers.

I will only be making it out once this year for turkey - am I better off putting it off until next saturday, and hoping for more sun?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Steel Fly]

Rain and wind drive turkeys to open areas such as fields where they can use eyes to lookout for danger - can't immediately fly with wet feathers. They'll stay under cover during sustained rains. If you've only got one day to go out...I'd suggest trying to determine the peak gobbling periods - first peak and then second as toms try to find hens that have not nested successfully. Note, the first 10 days of the season is when a lot of turkeys are taken. Google for VA Turkey - that's really good site devoted to turkey hunting in VA and other areas. Good luck.

[Mako22]

Thanks for the input - so I take it you think they will still be active in light/occassional rain?

[Steel Fly]

Really a question of whether they're henned up or not. If they're henned up you'll have a challenge either way. They will be looking for hens for the next few weeks. If it rains they'll wait out the rain and then go into the fields...turkeys don't seem to like hanging out in woods while water is dripping down from the canopy - inhibits their hearing - after rains or in windy conditions, they'll head to the fields to dry, strut and use their vision. Heck those toms are horny and looking for hens.

If you know there are gobblers in a particular spot and they haven't been pressured, I'd go. I checked the forecast and it doesn't seem like a lot of rain on the eastern shore...where are you headed? When you're done let me know the spot
[wink]

[TIDECRUIZER]

There's only one reason a bird wont gobble...












He dont want to.

Im thinking about giving it a shot myself. Cant kill em from the bed.

[Mako22]

TC - Nice answer . . . smartazzz! I'll second the can't kill 'em from the bed though. The debate is between trolling for rock at sunrise, and trying for turkeys. Not a bad dilemma, though!

Steel - Thanks for the input I'm going to give it a shot and see how it goes. At this point, they are calling for thunderstorms - And I've seen very few thunderstorms in the early am, so hopefully we'll be ok.

[TIDECRUIZER]

Yea I know. I had one of the guys that make Perfection Turkey calls (from Winchester) tell me that once. It looks like tomorrow might be okay in the morning( fingers crossed). Im gonna try, if the wife doesnt have a ******fit. Havent had too many chances to go this year and the right finger is getting a little itchy.

Good luck if you make it out.
Chopper