re: Noob turkey hunting questions/advice

All great points given. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that early in the season the toms will have plenty of hens to attract. They will likely not respond to calling very well unless it's a subordinate that has been kicked out by an older bird (2 YO turkeys are the best for early kills). As the season moves on, the dominant birds will react quicker to some soft early calling. It may still take a few hours, but instead of disappearing like Keyser Soze, they'll circle back around to you once the bred hens go to their nest mid morning. Get close to their roost, call softly, let them either work in or let them follow hens. Sit tight, they'll often times return later in the morning. The later gobble will be a surprise when you hear it. Also, on windy days they like to hit the fields later in the morning or afternoon.