Effective Scouting & Turkey Hunting Strategies Utilizing Water Sources

Scouting for turkeys during the upcoming season is simpler than you might believe. As the ice began to melt off my Deer Ponds this spring, my Stealth Cell Cameras started capturing images of gobblers frequenting these water sources. Until recently, I had overlooked the significance of hunting near water as a strategy for bagging a trophy gobbler.

 Leveraging Trail Cameras for Turkey Scouting: 

By sheer chance, I began cataloging the turkeys on my property. What surprised me was that my Stealth Cell Cameras typically run out of battery by early spring. However, this past year was different; I had installed solar panels on my cameras, which kept them operational longer than ever. After forgetting about the cameras post-deer season, I was pleasantly surprised to check my app and find them still functional. Not only were there turkeys in the images, but some impressive gobblers were spotted at the Deer Ponds! This allowed me to monitor the bird population and specifically track the gobbler’s presence. Each image helped me identify characteristics of the gobblers and estimate their ages by examining their spur lengths.

The Importance of Water for Turkeys: 

Like deer, turkeys require a daily water source. By providing a consistent water supply, you can encourage these birds to remain in your area. On average, turkeys consume nearly twice as much water as they do food. We are rethinking our strategic approach—while our Deer Ponds have traditionally been positioned for big buck hunting, we are now placing them in areas known to attract turkeys, such as strut zones, pastures, open crop fields, and small clearings in the woods. These locations have become prime spots for our turkey hunting setups this spring.

This spring, we've been busy developing our turkey hunting setups now that the frost has melted. By introducing water sources to areas that previously lacked them, we’re creating convenient access points for turkeys. By strategically placing water where turkeys often strut or feed, they can hydrate without making unnecessary trips elsewhere.

Have you ever been in the woods and spotted a gobbler approaching only to see it drift away suddenly? More often than not, they’re following a group of hens in search of water. Patience is essential; it may take several hours, but turkeys typically seek water before or after they feed.

While most states prohibit baiting turkeys, hunting over natural water sources is generally allowed. However, always check your local regulations before heading out. Calling in birds remains the most effective way to bring them within shooting range. That dominant gobbler surrounded by hens can be a tough challenge to conquer, but enticing those hens closer can occasionally draw in that old boss gobbler. If you haven't considered hunting over water, you're likely missing a prime opportunity.

We typically position our Muddy pop-up blinds about 20-25 yards away from the water source. We set up our blinds well in advance of the hunting season to allow the turkeys to become accustomed to their presence. I leave the shooting windows open so the turkeys can adjust to seeing the openings.

Patience is a crucial factor in turkey hunting. Gobblers tend to separate during the day, often seeking water during hot, dry conditions. They require increased hydration to cool down, particularly on warm days. By monitoring my cell cameras, I can establish patterns for gobbler activity. If a gobbler has been visiting the area at the same time over several days, it's likely to continue that routine unless there are changes.

Don’t hesitate to break away from traditional practices this spring. Keep the significance of water in mind while hunting and pay close attention to signs around water sources. If you suspect that turkeys are frequenting a specific water source, utilize your trail camera to track their movements. Best of luck, and stay safe out there!