Getting into Turkey Hunting

[colsen1]

I am a new hunter looking for some advice. I am a fairly avid shooter and have recently decided I wanted to get into hunting. I went with a guide duck hunting this past winter (with miserable results) but that's about all of the hunting experience I have. The problem is none of my family hunts nor do any of my friends really hunt except a few that have been deer hunting but aren't regulars at it. I have been reading up on turkey hunting and I have decided that it is something that I would like to try my hand at. I know that I have missed out on this spring season but I am hoping to gain some information and be prepared to try for the 2013 spring season.

My major questions are where are the best places to look for information? I have been doing a lot of reading online but I was wondering where I might want to concentrate my searching? Is calling the biggest thing to look into right now or should I concentrate on hunting technique?

I am going to hire a guide next year for my first time or two out on the woods so that I can get a first hand experience of what is going on and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? I live in Annapolis and I don't mind going to western MD or to the Eastern Shore for the hunt as I know both of those locations seem to have a decent number of birds harvested. I know not every trip will be successful but I am hoping to at least hear some turkeys on my trip as I don't think I will learn much if there is nothing in the area. A shooting opportunity would be great but again that is not my ultimately goal on my first trip out.

I have two camo patterned shotguns one pump and one autoloader and I am going to get some turkey head patterns and pattern some #5 out at 20, 30, and 40 yards next time out to try and come up with a choke/load combination that works for each gun. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced ammo to at least start with? Guns are a Remington 870 and an 11-87 both can shoot 3.5" shells.

Sorry for the long winded post and thanks for any advice any of you have and I look forward to learning a few new things and hopefully be able to find some birds for next spring.

[speck hunter]

Try Remington premier shot shells or heavy brand, both pattern well thru my 870. I would subscribe to turkey hunter magazine and maybe join the local chapter of wild turkey federation to make contacts to network. It's all about trail and error but networking has been the best for me. Good luck it's a disease

[MWOLFE]

Been huntin turkeys for over 40 years. I don't kill them anymore (killed enough, but still love to call "em in). I shoot a Rem 870 and use 2 3/4" magnum shells loaded with #6 shot... 22" barrel with an xtra full choke. First off you need to learn how to call. I would suggest attending turkey hunting seminars. You can get a lot of good information at these gatherings and maybe even find a mentor. A box call is probably the easiest to master. I gave up turkey killing a few years back and now have a new addiction...chasing C & R stripers on the Susq Flats, March - May. I have also fished for over 40 years but the Flats are new to me. I also agree with speck hunter on joining your local NWTF chapter. Besides being an x turkey hunting addict I am also a call maker, here in PA. IMO, spring gobbler hunting is the ultimate up close and personal hunting experience (it's all about conversation). Best of luck to you Colsen 1.