Turkey’s have not always been native to Oregon, but ever since 1961, over 10,000 turkey’s have successfully been imported all over the state. Hunting Turkey’s can actually be dangerous. Fortunately, there have not been many accidents in the state of Oregon.
Turkey Hunting
Here are some safety tips to minimize the risk of danger:
- Wear orange when you are walking to and from your hunting site.
- If you use a decoy, cover it to avoid confusion for other hunters.
- Never wear red, white, blue, and black. These are turkey colors and other hunters may mistake you for one.
- If you are hunting with friends, make sure everyone knows their positions.
- Don’t assume you are alone in the woods.
- If you see another turkey hunter, don’t wave at him. Instead, shout to get his attention.
- Never shoot at movement or if you hear something. It can be other hunters.
- Be careful using a gobbler call. Other hunters may mistake you for a turkey. .Don’t chase wild turkeys.
Tips
The easiest way to hunt turkeys is to attract a tom to your hunting position. You can do this by mimicking the sounds of a hen. Before the season begins, look over the area that you will be hunting for turkey tracks and droppings. You can determine the sex of a turkey by the shape of the droppings. If the droppings are in a “J” shape, it belongs to a gobbler. Hens leave round shaped droppings.
Once the season opens, arrive at your hunting spot before the sun comes up. Sun-up is when the toms begin to stir on the roost. You should remain a distance of 100 yards yards away from roosting turkeys.
Do not approach wild turkeys. Approaching turkeys will cause them to run off. It is best to stay put in camouflage in an area semi-close to a roost. You also want to make sure that your location has good visibility. If you can’t see at least 50 yards in every direction, you need to find a better spot.
Turkeys tend to have very good vision and eyesight. Make sure that you are not only head to toe in camouflage, and you are also against a wide tree. This breaks your outline and keeps you hidden. When you make your calls, remain motionless. You should make sure that your initial calls are quiet and spread out. A loud and aggressive call may scare the gobbler off.
There are many tips that can be offered to help you with your hunt, but ultimately, it takes first hand experience to get a good feel. Make sure you take the precautions and tips listed and have fun hunting in Oregon this season!