6 lessons turkey hunters can learn from observing hens

#4 RANGING

Both veteran and beginner turkey hunters can attest to the excitement of a gobbling tom approaching in full strut. “There’s a lot happening,” Homick says, including trying to judge when the bird is within range of an ethical shot, whether with a gun or bow. And again, hens can help.

“Having live birds come in helps you learn to gauge that distance,” Homick says, explaining how he challenges himself to guess how close the hens are at various points during their approach. Later, he’ll actually measure the distances to test his accuracy. “You have to learn to appreciate these situations, because there are things you can take from it.”