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Hung Up Gobbler (Video Included)

Wade's World Hunting: Virtually all turkey hunters have been there. A gobbler is working, answering your call and making good progress toward your location. But then he "hangs up" just beyond shotgun range. You may or may not be able to see him, but the gobbler simply stops and won't come closer. His insistent gobbling indicates he wants the hen to come to him. So what do you do?

First, here's what not to do. Don't start calling louder or more insistently. The gobbler knows where you are, and more calling will probably serve to make him spookier. Instead, scale back to quiet, subtle calling - a soft cluck or two, maybe a purr and a short, low yelp series. You might also scratch in the leaves to simulate a feeding hen.

Then, if this doesn't pull the gobbler in closer, shut up. Do nothing. Wait and let the gobbler make the next move. He may stand his ground and continue gobbling for a long period. Then he'll do one of two things. He'll either slip on in to see if the hen has moved farther away, or he'll lose interest and turn and walk off.

If he comes in, if his passion finally overcomes his patience, he's your bird. But even if he goes away, he's probably not spooked. You can wait a little while, then circle around/ahead of the gobbler and try to get him started back up. (Use a different call so the sound won't be the same.)

So again, if a gobbler hangs up, try subtler calling. If that doesn't work, give him the silent treatment and just wait him out. A lot of times, if you sit there long enough, you'll see him easing on in. Then it's time to close the deal.