The Ultimate Guide to Ozarks Turkey Hunting with Ray Eye

Introduction

Turkey season in the Ozarks is here, and there’s no better way to prepare than learning from the best. If you Google "most famous turkey hunter in the world," one name comes up: Ray Eye. A legend in the world of turkey hunting, Ray has decades of experience, countless accolades, and a deep love for the Ozarks. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner looking for your first big gobbler, Ray Eye’s wisdom will give you the edge you need in the woods.

Growing Up in the Ozarks: A Hunter’s Dream

Ray Eye was fortunate to grow up in a hunting family during a time when turkey populations were being restored in Missouri. His grandfather’s farm in Iron County provided the perfect setting to hear and see wild turkeys at a young age. From watching flocks take flight in the 1950s to killing his first turkey in 1962, Ray developed a deep passion for the sport that would shape his career.

Turkey Calling: The Secret to Success

One of Ray’s biggest strengths is his mastery of turkey calling. He started by competing in local turkey calling contests, eventually winning and crafting his own calls. His handmade calls became so popular that even Walmart began carrying them. He later transitioned into seminars and live demonstrations, teaching hunters across the country how to call effectively.

Ray’s approach to calling is unique. He relies heavily on gobbler yelps rather than traditional hen calls. Why? Because dominant toms respond aggressively to challenges. By mimicking the deeper, slower gobbles of a rival male, Ray has successfully lured in big gobblers time and time again.

Scouting and Setting Up for the Perfect Shot

Hunting success starts long before the season opens. Scouting is a critical step that too many hunters overlook. Here’s how we recommend finding turkeys before opening day:

1. Listen at First Light: Roosting turkeys is key. Pay attention to where gobblers call from at dawn, then note their fly-down locations.

2. Look for Strut Zones: Gobblers want to be seen and heard. Find open ridges, glades, or field edges where they display for hens.

3. Track Movement Patterns: Turkeys are creatures of habit. Learn their daily routes, and you’ll know exactly where to set up.

4. Stay Stealthy: If you’re hunting pressured birds, avoid heavily trafficked roads and parking lots. Instead, find back entrances to public land and take the path less traveled.

The Best Setup for Ozark Turkeys

When setting up on a roosted gobbler, Ray emphasizes getting in tight. He often sets up within 50 yards of a turkey in the dark, taking extreme care to move silently. By calling softly at first light, he convinces the bird that a hen is waiting for him nearby. The closer you are, the less time a gobbler has to get distracted by real hens.

If the roost hunt doesn’t work, use a slow, methodical approach throughout the day:

·   Move quietly through ridges and hollers, calling every 200-300 yards.

·   Listen for drumming, an often-overlooked turkey sound that signals a bird is near.

·   Return to promising spots later in the day—many gobblers circle back to check for hens.

Why the Ozarks Produce Tough Turkeys

If you can kill an Ozark gobbler, you can kill a turkey anywhere. The steep terrain, thick cover, and highly pressured birds make hunting in this region a true challenge. Unlike turkeys in open fields, Ozark gobblers require “hand-to-hand combat” tactics—close-range setups, careful calling, and patience.

Conservation and Habitat Management

For Ray, turkey hunting isn’t just about the hunt—it’s about preserving the sport for future generations. He stresses the importance of habitat management:

·   Maintain nesting cover by keeping brushy fence lines and native grasses intact.

·   Avoid overgrazing fields to ensure turkeys have food sources.

·   Create small food plots in remote areas to attract and hold birds.

Final Thoughts: Learning from a Legend

Ray Eye has spent a lifetime chasing turkeys across North America, but the Ozarks will always be home. His expertise, stories, and commitment to turkey hunting have influenced generations of hunters. If you’re looking to improve your skills this season, take a page from Ray’s playbook—scout hard, call smart, and hunt where the birds want to be.