Fish-Hawk.Net

I started scouting some potential turkey spots today. Found 2 flocks, in both, males were strutting. I'm still new to turkey hunting, but isn't it a little early for toms to be strutting? How will this warm weather effect the hunt come opening week? Will the rut be passed by the end of April? Any thoughts?

Yannick

That's a great question...

It is early this year, but only by a few weeks. Toms were strutting in March last year, and they were gobbling behind our house last year with snow on the ground. Gobbling this morning, but no snow...

Definitely the birds will still be breeding on the opener, but if the warm weather persists, some hens could already be on the nest in the afternoons... much like 2nd week of May last year.

Depends on what happens between now and opening day as to the overall effect. IMO once the girls are on the nest in the PM, the hunt gets even better. A bit of foliage is always good too.

Yannick ,
You are right but everything is early this year!
Saw birds breeding this morning...about 3 weeks early. Not good for late season hunting as most of the hens will be brooding and males hormones will fizzle very early.Right now I can't see the hunt being any good after first week of May.
H&S

I have seen turkeys strutting this early before. I would say that if hens are getting bred early and nesting up, that it will be much easier to find a lonesome tom. One property I hunt has always had the problem of too many hens keeping the toms buisy. Perhaps this will be to our advantage this season.

Jordan

I've seen toms strutting and posturing like that in January, dont think its anything to worry about.

well that's reassuring. Anyone else getting a little antsy to get out?

Yes watching them out my window in a field across the street, about 25 of them, I cant wait lol

I saw 30+ in an area close to me as the strut is very visible and hope it will last during the opener

Good luck to all!

Pauly

BOOM!

By my records and observations, Strutting began March 28th last year, and March 27 the year before... both with snow on the ground.. this year first noted yesterday March 29th.. I do not think there is much difference.. the weather in April will decide what the first few weeks of the season will bring..
I travel Kingston to Ottawa daily.. have seen normal to slightly better #'s and groups of birds... the rain yesterday really brought them out!

looks like another good to great season ahead!

Helppp can't figure out how to post a pic thanks C5

With the return to seasonal weather things seem to have cooled down a little from what I've seen during my drives.

How many of you guys accually evr had a consent form filled out from a private land owner as I was asked to get one and was happy to comply as it clears the land owner of any liabilities as I have no problem with that as I wish the other farmers would see it that way?

Good luck

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Now your just F'in with us all C5!!!!