Over the last week or so one or more of the regional lakes has shed its winter coat of ice every day. Since it’s usually Mothers Day before spring trolling gets underway in good shape, ice out angling is getting an unusually early start this year. Yet while fishermen are scrambling to ready equipment, boats and trailers, a surprisingly large cadre of Aroostook hunters are gearing up for spring turkey season.
Contributed photo/National Wild Turkey Federation
A special youth day for young gobbler gunners took place Saturday, May 2, and thanks to new regulations, all hunters can head afield Monday, May 4. In the past turkey hunting enthusiasts had to endure a permit drawing and also alternating two week seasons; both restrictions to disperse hunting pressure. Wild turkey have prospered and spread far and wide from central Maine to the south and all along the coast, so the population can withstand a month long season for all sportsmen. One rule that has not changed is that all shooting ends at noon each day.
Thanks to several capture, transport, and transplant missions by Maine’s Wildlife biologists, even Northern Maine boasts a burgeoning population of gobblers. Despite the harsh winter climate and deep snow, the transplanted turkey’s have figured a way to survive and flocks of up to a dozen hens, jakes and Toms can be seen in fields from Danforth to Ashland.
As of yet, however, none of the northern zones are open to hunting so regional fanatics must travel south to match wits with the wily birds.
The simplest option is to hire a guide since much of the land downstate is posted. There are plenty of experienced turkey guides who not only boast experience but have arrangements to hunt private land so you won’t be overrun with other hunters.
Top rate guides will have scouted several fields and know where the birds are roosting each night and feeding every morning. These guides will have blinds set up, provide several decoys, be excellent callers and even have a back-up plan in case the early birds outsmart you, or heaven forbid-you miss a shot!
The Waterville, Augusta and Camden/Rockport areas are overrun with wild turkey and there are many good local guides at reasonable prices too. I hunted near Jefferson for a couple of years with guide Doug Teal of Northridge Outfitters and got a bird within two days each spring. Trying to outsmart a big Tom is truly exciting and one of the few spring gunning options available to sportsmen, and a couple of outings with a top rate guide will help sportsmen prepare for their own do-it-yourself outings in upcoming years.
When on your own the big stumbling blocks are locating land with plenty of gobblers and getting permission to hunt. If you have relatives or friends, or even business connections downstate, that’s a quick way to get a foot in door. If they happen to hunt turkey and can pre-scout for a joint hunt, you’ve got it made. Even without connections there are plenty of farmers who will give permission and even offer advice on sightings to those cordial outdoorsmen who ask courteously.
Clothing and equipment are pretty basic for the ‘learn as you go’ turkey hunter. Full camo clothing is a must and don’t forget the face mask and gloves. A length of lightweight camo cloth to spread on tree-line brush or set up on two foot stakes as a mini-blind will help.
An electronic call makes any sportsman a good caller, but if that’s too expensive, purchase a handheld box call and practice clucks and purrs. At least one hen and one jake rubberized, folding decoy will be needed and two hens and a jake would be better.
A padded camo cushion to ease the long setting time on hand, rocky ground is a must. Many gobbler gunners carry along a telescoping shooting stick which is used to steady and support their shotgun barrel in case the bird takes a long time sauntering into range. Another standard piece of gear is a multi-pocketed camo vest so all the calls, shells, chokes, binoculars and other necessary paraphernalia is within easy reach.
Of course a dependable shotgun is a must, most shooters opt for a 12 gauge, but youngsters and small framed women use 20 gauge guns effectively. A few gunners prefer the extra range and larger loads of a 10 gauge. Shells are just as important to success as the scattergun, size 4, 5, or 6 lead pellets are prime choices, but some sportsmen opt for bismuth or Hevi-Shot loads. For a tight, long-range pattern, good to at least 45 yards, use a full choke, or if available select an extra-full or special turkey choke. I use a brand of turkey choke called The Undertaker, and it is deadly out to 50 or 60 yards.
Just like pre-season scouting, patterning your selected shotgun and loads on turkey head and neck targets at various ranges is a must.
There will likely only be one good opportunity so dependable gear and practice help make it count. Many Crown of Maine outdoorsmen travel south to hunt deer each fall so why not try turkey? They are a smart challenging quarry, delicious tablefare, and a unique spring hunting opportunity. As many have learned, it’s easy to get hooked on the sport, and it’s happening right now throughout the month of May, so give it a try.
