The use of calls imitating the gobble of an adult male is somewhat controversial. It is an excellent locator call. it also can attract a dominant gobbler looking for an intruder in his territory. However, gobbling has some tactical downsides and involves safety considerations.

As with bugling to elk, gobbling at a gobbler with his harem hens may make him decide to leave and take his girlfriends elsewhere, away from competition. If you sound too big and bad, it also can cause sub-dominant gobblers to shut up and leave the area.

Of course a well-executed gobble will attract other hunters. Having other hunters sneaking in, literally hunting you, is potentially dangerous and is almost certain to at least mess up your hunting area for the morning.

I would restrict my gobbling on public land or hard-hunted land as a matter of both common sense and safety. As a turkey hunting tactic, it's a judgment call as to whether it will draw in a particular gobbler or drive him away.

Head Him Off — Myles Keller

When a gobbler answers your calls but continually heads away, it usually means that he is with hens or he is going where he expects to find some. His gobbles are his invitation for you to tag along and he may even slow down or stop to let the laggard "hen" catch up. However, he is unlikely to turn around and come back.

A strenuous but effective tactic is for the hunter to loop around and get in front of the moving bird. This takes both stamina and a very good knowledge of the terrain. A gobbler moving purposefully is moving pretty fast.

If you know the country and that gobbler well enough to have a pretty good idea of his destination, such as a preferred strutting area, you have a considerable advantage when trying this tactic.

Remember, ties don't count (for you). You have to get in front of the traveling turkey, find a spot and get set up before he arrives.

I favor the early season, particularly on public land or where a large number of turkey hunters hunt. While it is true that some, or even most, gobblers may not be totally turned on, they are all still out there and are not yet terribly wary or call shy. After a few days of hard hunting, some gobblers will be gone and what's left will be much wiser.

I incorporate a lot of deer hunting strategy into my turkey hunting. I scout in the pre-season and continually read the sign and pattern the gobblers as I am hunting them. Knowing where they are likely to be and, even better, where they are likely to go is a tremendous advantage early on.

It's up close and personal turkey hunting that calls for a high degree of caution and woodcraft. However, I am convinced that a gobbler that is not yet completely fired up is more easily turned on and called into range when he hears seductive hen talk close by.