I plan on bow hunting me some turkeys next spring so I've been watching some turkey hunting videos. I now know why we hunt them, because turkeys are extremely stupid! I saw a hunter take out one gobbler and then one of the other gobblers attacked the one that was just killed. The other hunter took him out. The other birds were just standing around!
I wish the Toms in my area were dumb this year.... My first time out Turkey hunting I thought the same thing after my buddy and I got a beginners luck double. Five years later and haven't shot a bird since.
Go hunt these "stupid" birds a few times with your bow and then report back to us. Things always look easier on video than they do in real life. Never underestimate your opponent. Turkeys are a lot smarter than you think.
What would you do if your nemesis beat you up everyday of your life but then one day was laying motionless on the ground. You might get some gabs in as well. The best hunting videos always make it look easy. Watch most elk hunting videos, sometimes the elk almost run the hunters over. That doesn't mean they are dumb. It means the hunter is doing something right. I agree with what Justin said. Turkeys are smart and they have to best eyes in the woods.
HAHAHA, Yea they are defiantely dumb. BUT!..... they can be a lot smarter than you give them credit for. This year I went with the bow for the first time since I have taken plenty with a gun. Needless to say, I went home unsuccessfull this year. However, I learned a lot and their are certain things I can do next year to up my odds. Turkeys have the BEST eyesight. I've had turkeys peg me blinking before where I swore I never moved and I was in good cover. They always seem stupid when you harvest one lol because they fell for ya. Getting one can be very difficult, mentally and physically exhausting at times but I've also had years where I literally did a few yelps and they came running in and my season was over in a matter of 5 mins.
Exactly. Videos make it look easy. I hunted hard this spring, probably harder than I do for deer and did not fill my PA spring tag.
I think the same could be said for deer at times. I think all animals do dumb things from time to time, but they when you try and hunt them, they get really smart, really fast. I shot a lead doe a few years back. Arrow in the ground, she takes off like a rocket. The next doe in line walks up, smells the bloody arrow in the ground and stood there while I nocked another and I hit her as well. Next doe in line took off, then circles back! I drew back on her and she spooked before I got a clean shot. Yet I have seen deer where the slightest movement and they got you or I have seen a doe that I missed in early season, come thru, looking into the trees for danger. Never know what you'll get..
Have you ever tried it? Even with a shotgun on good land it's never a sure thing. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
See what happens when you watch hunting shows? You only see the successful hunts when things go just right.
I think we have been had by someone who doesn't hunt or enjoys trolling and getting people fired up. Anyone who has hunted before knows better.
I am no troll! No, I've never hunted before. I was just stating what I observed from the videos. I am going to start hunting next spring and learning what I can. I have NO intention of getting people fired up. I just want to learn!
Turkeys are definitely not stupid... I have had to use so many different tactics it isn't even funny.
Don't watch too many videos before you hunt your first time...or if you've been hunting 20 years. HINT: you will be very discouraged in the field
Of course an animal with a brain the size of a pea is stupid...doesn't mean they don't have keen senses though
If you really wish to learn, ditch the videos and find a mentor near you. Spend time in the outdoors and observe your quarry. Practice stealth and camouflage. Be prepared to be humbled by a "stupid" bird. It is all worth the effort and very satisfying. You should be a competent shot in a month of practice(every day). Just don't over do it and get too tired from too many shots at a session. It would be great if you could find someone to help you with the basics of form and follow through. That way you don't start bad habits. Good luck.
Here's a tip since you have never hunted...hunting shows always make it look easier than it is. Doesn't matter what animal you are hunting, you only see the good stuff in videos. Not sitting there for weeks and never drawing your bow, or the cold, the rain, the bugs in the early season. They go through that, but it's not good video to show it all . There are plenty of good videos and shows out there, but just realize it will not be that easy once you start hunting.
