Episode 720: The One About Spring Turkeys

What this episode covers

When it comes to wild turkeys, few outdoorsmen know more about the birds than Dr. Mike Chamberlain. “The Wild Turkey Doc” makes his return to the show this week with spring turkey seasons opening up all over the Lower 48. We discuss a myriad of turkey related topics with Dr. Chamberlain. Highlights include: * Do state wildlife agencies really set the start of spring seasons to begin after the peak of breeding season? And if so, why? * Is one turkey species really dumber than another, or is it all based on pressure? * How close is too close to set up on a roost? * Why do turkeys change their roost tree, is there a method to the madness? * Roosting close to constant human interaction…is that a real strategy to avoid getting shot? * What kills birds on the roost? * A tom is hammering away every time you call, why won’t he come into shotgun range? * The lifecycle of a male turkey * What do you look for when you first access a new turkey property? * The art of calling, how much is too much? * Decoys * Thoughts on reaping * Nesting success rate required to keep a stable population