The Spring Equinox is approaching, bringing longer days and rising temperatures. As the turkey season draws near, hunters are starting to prepare. Do you wake up early to listen for gobblers? Are you scouting for flocks and looking for fanned-out toms? Have you considered setting up cameras to assist with scouting? If you’re planning to use cameras to monitor turkeys, here are a few additional benefits they can provide beyond just scouting.
Strutting Areas
One of the areas I enjoy setting up cameras is in known strutting zones. Gobblers love to head into open areas where they feel comfortable and showcase their displays. Before the spring turkey season, I like to place several cameras in spots where I know gobblers tend to strut. Setting my cameras to video mode allows me to capture real-time information about the turkeys’ behavior. This way, I can plan my hunts based on the data I collect. Make sure to turn up the volume and listen to this gobbler talk!
Watchful Eyes
I always have a few cameras watching over my food plots. Turkeys will visit the plots in search of food. Well-placed cameras help me scout how many gobblers are coming to the plots and from which directions. With this information, I can figure out where they are roosting so I can set up my blind for the best opportunity to harvest a gobbler.
Predators and Turkeys
Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums can significantly impact the turkey population. I enjoy using my cameras to monitor these predators so I can hunt them. A few years ago, I had great success trapping raccoons and opossums on my property. I also managed to dispatch the coyotes I spotted on my cameras. With many of the predators removed, I observed a notable increase in the turkey population. It is crucial to hunt these predators to provide turkeys with a better chance to nest and raise their poults.
Nesting Habits
I have an old hen that has been living on my property for several years. Every spring, she builds her nest in the same area. I thought it would be interesting to set up a camera near her nesting site to capture videos of her and her poults. I enjoy keeping track of how many poults she has, as this allows me to see the size of her hatch. I’m also curious about how many survive. I purposely leave the cameras out to see if I can capture videos or pictures of the next generation of turkeys.
The Census
How many turkeys visit your property? Are you aware of the different flocks that come to your land? Consider using your cameras to count the birds in those flocks. I like to keep track of how many jakes, hens, and gobblers come to my land. In my home state of Pennsylvania, the Game Commission has a section on its website where people can report turkey sightings between December 31 and March 15. I believe this is a fantastic initiative, as it helps the Pennsylvania Game Commission gather valuable information about the state’s overall turkey population.
Link: https://pgcforms.pa.gov/TurkeySightingSurvey
Preserving Memories
I use my cameras throughout the year for a variety of purposes, including scouting deer and turkey, monitoring mock scrapes, keeping an eye on my property boundaries, and, most importantly, making memories. Both trail cameras and cellular cameras serve multiple functions for both hunters and non-hunters. The best part about using these cameras is the ability to relive unforgettable moments. I especially cherish this short clip of a successful hunt with my son on the first day of the 2024 Pennsylvania turkey season. It’s a hunt I will always remember!
Exciting times are ahead as spring approaches! It’s the perfect opportunity to revitalize your cameras, change those batteries, and find your SD cards. Get ready to capture stunning wildlife moments and create lasting memories. Embrace the adventure—let your camera do the magic and enjoy every moment while achieving fantastic results!
