jaThere’s something special about waking up before the sun, coffee in hand, boots on the ground, listening to the woods slowly wake up. If you’ve ever heard that first gobble echo through the trees at dawn, you know what I mean. Spring turkey hunting isn’t just a sport—it’s a tradition, a challenge, and for a lot of us, a way to reconnect with the land and the roots of who we are.
At River Brothers Outfitters, we’ve spent countless mornings under those pink and orange skies, fine-tuning our calls, sitting motionless in the brush, and learning—season after season—what it takes to bag a spring gobbler. Whether you’re new to the hunt or have years under your belt, this is the kind of pursuit that always teaches you something new.
Here’s what we’ve learned over the years—real-world tips, honest tricks, and hard-earned knowledge that we hope helps you write your own spring hunting story.
Know Your Bird: Understanding Spring Turkey Behavior
Spring is when gobblers are fired up, looking for hens and not shy about letting the world know it. That energy is exactly what makes this season such a thrill.
● Roosting Habits: You’ve got to know where your birds are sleeping. Turkeys head to the trees at night, and if you’re there to watch them fly down at first light, you’re already
halfway to success.
● Morning Strut: Right after fly-down is when gobblers are loudest, trying to gather hens. If you're in the right spot, calling right then can bring them in on a string.
● Midday Mystery: They might go quiet after breakfast, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. Stick with it—sometimes a soft yelp midday is all it takes.
● Evening Predictability: Like us, turkeys like routine. Catch them heading back to roost in the evening and you might just get a final shot before dark.
Gear Up with Purpose
We all know the old saying: "It’s not about the gear—it’s how you use it." But having the right tools can sure make a difference when you're out there doing battle with a wise old tom.
● Shotgun & Ammo: A solid 12 or 20-gauge with turkey loads will get the job done. Just
know your pattern and your range.
● Turkey Calls: Mouth calls, box calls, slate calls—it’s good to have a few in your vest.
Each one shines in different situations.
● Camo Counts: They’ll see the flick of a finger if you're not careful. Cover up from head to
toe—yes, even your face and hands.
● Decoys: Sometimes just one hen decoy is enough to tick off a jealous gobbler. Other
times, adding a jake can heat things up.
● Blinds or Brush: We’ve done both. A blind is great for comfort and concealment, but
there’s something pure about building your hide from natural cover.
Scouting is the Secret
Honestly, the work you put in before opening day often matters more than anything else. Walk the land, glass the fields, set those trail cams, and listen. You’re not just learning turkey patterns—you’re building a plan.
Call with Confidence (and a Little Patience)
Calling in a bird isn’t about showing off—it’s about speaking their language. A gobbler might respond right away or make you wait an hour before sneaking in silently. Just like in life, sometimes less is more.
● Locator Calls: Great for finding birds before dawn.
● Hen Talk: Yelps, clucks, and purrs work wonders when timed right.
● Know When to Be Quiet: If a bird’s hung up, sometimes going quiet will make him close the distance to find you.
Timing is Everything
We’ve had luck at all hours, but here’s a basic breakdown:
● Dawn: Best time. Be ready the moment those wings hit the ground.
● Late Morning: Once the hens sneak off to their nests, lonely toms will come looking.
● Evening: If you know where they roost, sneak in quietly and wait.
Shoot Smart and Hunt Ethically
Turkeys deserve respect, and so does the land. Aim for the head and neck, keep your shots under 40 yards, and never shoot unless you’re sure.
A Final Word from Our Crew
Turkey hunting is part challenge, part obsession, and 100% heart. For us, it’s not just about filling tags—it’s about forging our own Legendary Traditions in the outdoors. It’s about the quiet mornings, the adrenaline, the stories, and the pride in doing things right.
So whether you’re chasing your first bird or your fiftieth, we hope this guide helps you along the way. Be safe, be patient, and enjoy every second of it.
We’ll see you out there.
P.S. Want to share your turkey hunting story or need gear for your next hunt? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the tradition alive - one hunt at a time.
