First Time MN Turkey Hunter

[MN_Condor]

I have never turkey hunted before, but I want to get out for the spring season. Does anyone have tips for turkey hunting in central Minnesota? Specifically the Renville, McLeod and Sibley county area? I'm not so much asking for the secret hot spots, just what kind of spots to look for, or what kind of signs to look for out there.

 

[GoatBoat218]

I am not too familiar with your area but I hunt in the Bemidji red lake area. I like looking in areas that were recently clear cut because you can see further and the turkeys like the open areas during the day and that is about the only open ground on the public land up here. If your hunting private you'll have a lot more luck hunting along ag fields near where they roost. I have found that unpressured turkeys can be easily patterned, say they always roost in the same area then they'll take a route north to south across a field then into the woods, later they will come out again and go through a funnel between two firlds about 2-4 in the afternoon, that will all change once you spook them or call to much. Somewhat helpful?

 

[MN_Condor]

Yeah, that is helpful. I'll have to see if I can find any clear cut spots on public land around here. I haven't had any luck finding a roost spot yet, but I'll just have to keep scouting. Thanks!

 

[GoatBoat218]

Yeah, that is helpful. I'll have to see if I can find any clear cut spots on public land around here. I haven't had any luck finding a roost spot yet, but I'll just have to keep scouting. Thanks!

Yeah, that is helpful. I'll have to see if I can find any clear cut spots on public land around here. I haven't had any luck finding a roost spot yet, but I'll just have to keep scouting. Thanks!

It's best to do that early in the morning and in the evening, but you probably know that. It also might be helpful to walk some atv trails to look for tracks.

 

[MN_Condor]

I just picked up a crow locator call, so I'm going to get out there around sunrise and sunset this weekend and see if I can get a gobble out of one.

 

[GoatBoat218]

Good idea, good luck!

 

[SoDaky]

If you are hunting State WMAs or really any public look for the food plot areas.They'll likely be in those or nearby short grass areas after fly down.
If memory serves you have a few river bottoms there,the turkeys will be there as well.Maybe roosting there.

 

[mmcdonough]

Thought I’d chime in since I’m in the same boat. What’s everyone else seeing for activity in Northern Minnesota? I’m in the leech lake area. Had a close encounter yesterday but he hung up about 60 yards off. He’s been the only bird I’ve been able to call in so far. No action this morning. Wondering if this cold slows down their activity?

 

[GoatBoat218]

Thought I’d chime in since I’m in the same boat. What’s everyone else seeing for activity in Northern Minnesota? I’m in the leech lake area. Had a close encounter yesterday but he hung up about 60 yards off. He’s been the only bird I’ve been able to call in so far. No action this morning. Wondering if this cold slows down their activity?

It's been pretty weird for me lately. I've only heard a few distant gobbles this last week. Another buddy about a 45 min away has taken out three people and killed three nice Toms each in the first hour in the same blind. In my area that is is usually great this time of year seems dead. Just now this morning my buddy that hunts the same property as me had a few fired up Toms right at sunrise and killed one. So it seems really spoty and hit and miss. I'm in the Bemidji red lake area for reference.

 

[mmcdonough]

It's been pretty weird for me lately. I've only heard a few distant gobbles this last week. Another buddy about a 45 min away has taken out three people and killed three nice Toms each in the first hour in the same blind. In my area that is is usually great this time of year seems dead. Just now this morning my buddy that hunts the same property as me had a few fired up Toms right at sunrise and killed one. So it seems really spoty and hit and miss. I'm in the Bemidji red lake area for reference.

Glad I’m not the only one seeing things be inconsistent. I’m sure some areas just hold more birds too. The spot I’m in was holding at least 6 jakes and 5 long beards last fall when we were chasing whitetail and now I’ve only heard the one so far. Maybe there’s just not many hens to compete for? They’re either spread out really far or just aren’t very active right now. Hopefully it warms up a lot this week. Gonna be in the blind all weekend.

 

[SoDaky]

A friend in Longville has been having good success for himself and friends.Keep after M guys.