Mastering Turkey Hunting in the Ozarks: Tips from an Expert

Introduction

Turkey hunting in the Ozarks is an experience unlike any other. With its rugged terrain, dense forests, and elusive gobblers, it presents a challenge even for seasoned hunters. But for those who learn the land and master the art of calling, the rewards are unmatched. From this episode of The Ozark Podcast, listeners get an inside look at turkey hunting from an expert who has spent years perfecting his craft.

The Passion for Turkey Hunting

For some, turkey hunting is a seasonal activity, but for dedicated hunters, it’s a year-round obsession. Our guest, a two-time owl hooting champion and accomplished turkey hunter, Camron Tidwell has dedicated much of his life to pursuing wild turkeys. While he enjoys other outdoor activities like deer hunting and fishing, turkey hunting remains his true passion.

Hunting in the Ozarks requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of turkey behavior. Unlike deer hunting, where hunters often wait in silence for their target, turkey hunting is interactive. A gobbler’s call provides vital clues about its location and mood, and a skilled hunter can use calling techniques to draw the bird in.

Scouting: The Key to Success

One of the most crucial aspects of turkey hunting is scouting. The best hunters don’t just show up on opening day and hope to find birds—they put in the work beforehand. Effective scouting techniques include:

1. Listening for Gobbles: Arriving before sunrise to hear where turkeys are roosting.

2. Identifying Strut Zones: Finding open areas where gobblers display for hens.

3. Tracking Movement Patterns: Noting where turkeys feed and travel throughout the day.

4. Checking for Sign: Looking for tracks, feathers, and droppings to confirm turkey activity.

By locating multiple birds before the season starts, hunters can increase their chances of success and have backup options if their first spot doesn’t pan out.

Perfecting the Calling Technique

Calling is one of the most important skills in turkey hunting. While many hunters focus on hen calls, seasoned experts know the power of gobbler yelps. A lone tom will often respond more aggressively to a competing male than to a hen. Here are Camron’s keys to effective calling:

Soft Calling First: Subtle clucks and purrs can bring in cautious birds.

Reading the Turkey’s Mood: Adjusting the intensity based on the gobbler’s response.

Using a Variety of Calls: Mouth calls, pot calls, and box calls each have their place in the woods.

Avoiding Overcalling: Too much calling can make a gobbler suspicious.

Hunting Strategies for the Ozarks

The steep hills and thick cover of the Ozarks make turkey hunting a unique challenge. Here are a few strategies to maximize success:

Get Close to the Roost: Setting up within 50 yards of a gobbler before first light can increase the odds of an early morning harvest.

Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Hills and ridges can help hunters stay hidden while moving toward a turkey.

Stay Patient: If a gobbler hangs up out of range, waiting silently can sometimes coax it in.

Keep Moving if Necessary: If a bird won’t come in, slipping through the woods and calling periodically can help locate another willing gobbler.

Final Thoughts

Turkey hunting in the Ozarks requires skill, patience, and dedication. By scouting thoroughly, mastering calling techniques, and understanding turkey behavior, hunters can increase their chances of success. And by contributing to conservation efforts, they can help protect this treasured resource for years to come.

For more expert insights on hunting and the outdoors, check out The Ozark Podcast and stay tuned for more stories from those who live and breathe the Ozarks.