Turkey Hunting the Dreaded Lockdown Phase

Рет қаралды 15,631

3 жыл бұрын

So it's that time of year when I honestly get
swamped with messages, "What's wrong with the turkeys?"
Every year like clockwork all over the country
the dreaded toughest phase of the turkey season
starts around the latter part of April.
I call it the Phase 3 of season.
The time when the Gobblers are Henned
up worse than they were a few weeks ago
and the gobbling gets almost non exsistent.
That's not saying you won't find a Hot Gobbler
every once in a while even during this phase
but the Gobbling for the most part isn't
what it was a couple weeks prior.
Here's what I do when we enter into this
phase of season...
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Пікірлер: 78

@Fishman034 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Dale Have to tell you I am a turkey hunter of 37 years experience and have killed over 50 birds in two different sates. I have at least a half dozen books on turkey hunting, audio tapes, video tapes and CD's and have watched dozens and dozens of turkey hunting how to videos and you Mr. dale are absolutely hands down provide the most truthful, accurate and helpful turkey hunting content I have ever seen or watched. I also purchased a copper and brass slate calls from Spring Fever call company. So impressed was I with how well the copper call worked on turkeys I bought one for my life long hunting partner and friend. His very first outing using it was on a limited draw public land hunt. He had six big Toms out in a huge field on adjoining private land that despite his best calling on his old stand by synthetic glass slate would not even come an inch in his direction, He broke out the copper slate call and yes it was an hour plus of back and forth but a big ole Tom slowly worked his way tp my friends calling and ended up wearing his tag. As a suggestion it would be a very help bit of advice if in most of your videos you stress the absolutely utterly important fact that there is no other turkey hunting weapon more effective than patience. Thanks for producing superbly helpful content and best of luck this year.

@shawneiker9970 2 жыл бұрын

I loved the video at the end o started to smile got my courage up I been huntin em hard for 4 days hopefully tommor somethin happens

@jthanksitwaswhatineededkno2955 3 жыл бұрын

Filled both tags here in Callaway County Missouri.

@mikemiller134 3 жыл бұрын

Me and my son both limited out. There’s always one gobbleing somewhere just have to find them

@tonywyatt9976 3 жыл бұрын

That’s right a spot I’ve been hunting begin season they rattle the woods but as of last few days when they do gobble which is rare it’s real soft gobbles

@tomfletcher4612 3 жыл бұрын

Its been a long season getting out this weekend looking foward to lAte season been working with a mouth call fer bout 2 weeks now i got the cluck and wine down that combo you showed on a earlier video bout got me my first turkey... Only issue eas my limb hit my back pack so my arrow landed bout 1/16 of an inch behind him...

@guyaltizer5549 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful video. Gives me hope still. Not hearing much the last week. 3 weeks ago they were gobbling good. It’s like they disappeared.

@ghunter2250 3 жыл бұрын

Well Matt, after two years, it happened, at 59 years young I got my first turkey in Franklin County, VA. Moved to NC 30 years ago but never turkey hunted there as a younger man. Thanks for all the common sense tactics and simple sharing of your experiences, I'm hooked for life. Much appreciated.

@jacksonwhite2527 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations!

@oldwarmonger8750 3 жыл бұрын

Alabama is as quiet as winter

@Hisslave1 3 жыл бұрын

I had two gobble on the roost at least a hundred times apiece yesterday morning. One of them didn't fly back up last night. Gobbling has slowed down though, as it usually does late in the season.

@dogsoldier7779 3 жыл бұрын

You’re right on about it being a tough turkey season. It’s been a really difficult season from beginning until now. I was able to harvest one gobbler by basically hunting him as I would bow hunting a mature buck but the birds are not working in to any calling & every type of decoy seems to spook or lock up even two year old gobblers. My bird was killed where the hens seem to feed out along a flat top ridge. 3.5 hour sit to get him.

@shelbyesters5732 3 жыл бұрын

Been a rough year in Kentucky. I'm usually tagged out with my 2 birds the first week. Going into the 3rd and final week of season and haven't got the 1st one. They started season late this year and they've been locked up all year

@RowCall219 3 жыл бұрын

Got shut out yesterday

@codyglass809 3 жыл бұрын

Explains that. First year turkey huntung. Had them in my yard roosting and gobbling all the time until my week long season started. Big weather change and stopped hearing anything, but still see them everywhere else but by my blind. Put in about 70hrs this week and have the same jake and hen coming in and have seen a herd of turkeys twice after I left my blind from my house. lol

@matthewdement3721 3 жыл бұрын

Dale, I just want to say thank you for taking the time out of the day to post these videos and teach each one of us how to become a experienced hunter and because of watching your videos over and over taking mental notes, yesterday I tagged out in 2 states! North Carolina & Virginia with a total of 5 birds. I’m 25 years old and I learn each time I’m in the woods. It would be a honor to meet you and shake your hand personally because I am a self taught hunter when it comes to turkey hunting but because of you I managed to kill 5 toms this season. Thanks again my friend.

@joecook1765 3 жыл бұрын

Our season here in Lake city Florida ended Sunday. I was fortunate enough to get my 2 long beards though. I'm sad it's over, but thankful for another great season. God, i do love it.

@mikewest4236 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this, I was ready to give up turkey hunting ail together. I've been turkey hunting for the past 5 years and still have not killed a bird. It gets real easy to call it quits when you are hunting alone with no one to encourage you. I'm going to get back out there and try again.

@scottbrammer8275 3 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your videos! Keeps those of is who can't get out as much going. We'll stay after them. Thanks!

@wideopenwithwhit8251 3 жыл бұрын

Dale I am an avid turkey hunter and I hunt in Alabama. You aren’t the only one, everybody I know has had a tough season. People that usually kill a limit have hardly killed any. I have been fortunate enough to kill 2 birds, but I have school so my time is limited. I love your channel because you do not sugarcoat it; you give the reality side of it and that’s why real turkey hunters watch your channel. Good luck Dale, DONT GIVE UP!!

@TheMuhaAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

I was lucky to harvest my gobbler early . First time . Things just were easy this season . Good luck to everyone

@mikesweeney7190 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for picking my spirits up.Have been out four times...only heard one..Will keep grinding...

@daveturner2994 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I could put a pic on here of a turkey I killed this past week he had 3 beards a 11and half,a ten,and an 8 he's my biggest ever and I've killed a lot of gobblers here in Virginia. I'm tagged out already I also got 2 other nice toms back early.I love your videos man and good luck on your hunting.

@Hisslave1 3 жыл бұрын

Had a good year, limited in Florida and killed 3 in Bama, all big birds. Afternoon hunting, light calling and a hen decoy did the trick on three of them. Knowing the land and spending time in the woods is key.

@redelfoutdoors9668 3 жыл бұрын

Our Ohio birds gobble on roost then shut up when they hit the ground! Yep we’re in lock down

@jacobmarley8350 3 жыл бұрын

it’s hard out there sir ! gobbling like crazy coming in , nope ! lol

@adamstanley4168 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for advice

@Jwayne00 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear I’m not the only one out struggling. Since opening day we’ve had 4 silent toms sneak in on us without a single gobble, luckily I got to put one down and so did my brother. Thanks for the advice, you have a lot of knowledge of these birds!

@dogsoldier7779 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone struggling this spring needs to listen to this & use his tactics he’s recommending. That’s what is working right now. He’s 100% Correct.

@littletom892 3 жыл бұрын

Killed 2 in va and its been quiet all season really, lol. Few gobbles on limb pick up around 8:30-9. I got buddy's talking about them gobbling good just not heard it myself yet. But patience is the key to turkey hunting.

@camrot06ify 3 жыл бұрын

We have to start out in pa like that due to the late opener

@richardluzaderjr4415 3 жыл бұрын

I have more luck in the middle of our PA season and even the last week than any other time because of the start date. I still go out in the beginning but it's rough at best.

@Jakecaseyy 3 жыл бұрын

These those days you take some snacks sit in a blind and sit all day in a good spot 😂

@gamingoutdoors9556 3 жыл бұрын

A week a 4 days left here in indiana, and public timber hunting has been tough for a few years now. But normally get it done.

@TheNewHuntersGuide 3 жыл бұрын

Love the videos Matt! I think the lockdown phase is certainly real but it can very greatly by location. Even a few miles difference can make a difference with a different population makeup. The tactics will of course be the same.

@geraldkoch394 3 жыл бұрын

Yup your so right

@LYepa 3 жыл бұрын

May 10th the last day here in new mexico. Been tough. But not giving up. 👍

@hillbillysportsman5818 3 жыл бұрын

SW Va been tough for me too!

@knutbaardsen6437 3 жыл бұрын

First year hunt for me. Gets very frustrating. Thanks for putting this up. Thought it was me.

@bradgordon5912 3 жыл бұрын

I try the assembly and kee kee's to attract the hens in the travel corridors {who bring the toms}. when all else fails set up trail cameras and monitor for travel and going to roost patterns.

@dragonwaterforge 3 жыл бұрын

Rite on our season just opened here in Ontario Canada and there's lots o hens

@eschneider8799 3 жыл бұрын

Got a mature gobbler this mornin near tweed. Turkeys are not where they usualy are, seem to b in the woods more. Good luck with your hunt

@blackwateroutdoors7364 3 жыл бұрын

I was beginning to think maybe I wasnt cut out for trukey hunting. My first year turkey hunting.

@BrockLowell 3 жыл бұрын

This all depends on weather patterns and breading witch can change a bit from year to year!

@richardbosco4918 3 жыл бұрын

We have a bunch of 2 y/o and 3 y/o flocked up for safety right now in Western PA. The Boss birds are on hens.

@christophergentile7464 3 жыл бұрын

Going turkey hunting this Saturday in Pennsylvania

@bobbygolden2791 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video!

@TheDaltanian 3 жыл бұрын

So what are hunters in Alabama supposed to do when the season is over on the 2nd and they aren't gobbling this week? I'm running out of time.. 😔 Lol. Love your channel Matt. I'd love a hunt with you. Thanks for all the great info.

@mr.c2763 3 жыл бұрын

I'm having that same issue here in Bama. I didn't hear a peep out of them this morning and the tracks are scarce too.

@Wertyingf 3 жыл бұрын

Stay in the woods all you can and be patient best of luck and remember there's always next year

@dannyneelz2447 3 жыл бұрын

Killed my first turkey april 17th this season he came running in to a jake decoy ready to fight he gobbled all the way in it was something I will remember for the rest of my life

@d_ylan 3 жыл бұрын

Spot on! Opening morning here in Kentucky, they were gobbling their heads off. Unfortunately I made a rookie mistake, I wasn't ready at all and had a tom sneak in on me and eventually two more, wasn't able to catch a break to get my gun up. Decided I would watch them walk away and hunt them another day as to taking a risky shot. They still gobble every now and then here, just henned up like you said.

@doniefleming5834 3 жыл бұрын

Most all the hens are setting here so they are not henned up and gobblers only gobbling early morning but basically silent the rest of the day. Gobblers are on the move cause we find fresh and old gobbler tracks but very few hens in the areas we hunt. It's tough right now.

@MVPisME383 3 жыл бұрын

Killed my biggest bird yesterday morning I was about to stand up and Matt Dale popped in my head" look at your watch and wait 30 more minutes" ten minutes later a big eastern bit the dust

@ghunter2250 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations

@ghunter2250 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations

@ghunter2250 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations

@bjcompton9772 3 жыл бұрын

Had a nice one at 20 yards this morning and couldn't shoot because of cows behind him.

@pop4725 3 жыл бұрын

Whew glad you posted this , I was thinking it was all me

@chevyon37s 3 жыл бұрын

Well... maybe it’s still you? Just kidding.

@chittybang4732 3 жыл бұрын

I got a flock of gobblers atleast 8 in the trees every morning gobbling their heads off even after they hit the ground and on a another ridge over, I have 3 other gobblers that are gobbling like crazy too but I can’t seem to call them In

@conservativestatesofamerica 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t call just get where you know they wanna go and scratch around in the leaves loud ever so often it fools em almost every time. Just be ready cause they come in quite.

@Deerslayer369 3 жыл бұрын

Good video man! I just said today, give it until early May and it will be on fire here in Ohio.

@matthewdement3721 3 жыл бұрын

Jason what part of Ohio are you in? I live in NC and have been thinking of making a trip to do some hunting in Ohio this season. I went last year for for early bow season deer hunting out towards oak hill

@mr.c2763 3 жыл бұрын

May 3rd is the last day here in Alabama and they have gotten really quiet.

@eschneider8799 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt how far out you touchin turkeys with that gun of yours & what kinda long beards are you shootin? 3" #6 are great out of my 12ga with primos tite wad choke, took one at 50 yds :) Thank you for sharing the knowlege.

@kevinburnett3862 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts numbers are declining everywhere. The past few springs especially southeast have been so wet and predators numbers are significantly increasing. No one traps for fur much anymore. Another theory I have had is since the evolution of the TSS shot seems people harvests May have increased by taking these 50 plus yards kill shots. As to where in past years these same turkeys may have lived to see another day. Also hunting pressure has been crazy since last years “plandemic” especially on public land. I hunt mostly public land in southwest va and last couple of years mostly out of state vehicles and hunters. You tubers are everywhere filming and hunting for social media. I truly believe this has had a negative effect on the birds just Matt had covered in past videos. Turkeys get people shy. Anyway wish everyone luck hopefully May will be better.

@Hisslave1 3 жыл бұрын

You're right. You've got to control predators, varmints and hogs to have good populations. We have done all the above on our property and turkey numbers have skyrocketed.

@jakedelp7756 3 жыл бұрын

where in VA do you hunt, i hunt grayson/wythe county,

@racerdaveracerdave 3 жыл бұрын

How about dusting areas? Do you focus on them at all during this stage or later ones?

@conservativestatesofamerica 3 жыл бұрын

What about Northeast Mississippi? Our season opened March 15 to May 1st. Right now they gobble on and off depending on the weather. Yesterday didn’t hear a gobble this morning heard 5 different birds. One was fired up at 11 but had to go to work. When is the 3rd and 4th stages in our neck of the woods?

@holdenbowling8781 3 жыл бұрын

I had about the same thing happen to me, went to some good spots yesterday and didnt hear nothing, and then this morning I got on one that was gobbling like crazy