How to hunt turkeys with a hearing child?

You’re obviously a proficient spot and stalk turkey hunter based on that bird! If I were you I’d run your playbook first. If you aren’t successful at that after a bit I’d recommend relying on your son to listen for gobbles from locating calls that he can operate like an owl hoot or a crow call. Once you get a bead on one the two of you could work together to get in position and bring the bird in. I would imagine he’d be stoked to be a crucial part of the process at that age too. Surely this will be tough and take some practice but over time I’d bet the two of you will become a heck of a gobbler killing duo! I’m no expert by any means so I hope some other more experienced turkey hunters will chime in here!

What would you recommend @Mike @Appalachian @Derek @Paul ?

I'm with Brayden. You definitely seem to be pretty proficient with the spot and stalk method. Especially out there in Colorado where the turkey hunting is a little different than here in the east where we might not be able to spot them as easily depending on the landscape.

Something else that could be fun is to maybe hunt in the morning based off what your son is hearing, when the birds are more vocal on the limb, then, as the day goes on and the birds maybe start to get more quiet, go back to spot and stalk hunting. Good luck out there!

Maybe watch some turkey hunting and calling videos together too so he can pick up the cadence of the calling and rhythm of the hunt

I enjoy teaching my kids as much as the hunt itself, so I’m stoked for you to embark on these adventures with your son. I agree with the guys, I’d start with your method and have a system for your son to be able to contribute to the hunt by pointing out anything he hears. Your knowledge of the area can help decide how you move in on a bird or where to set up for a calling sequence and his hearing can help you be aware of birds that you can’t see. Like Kyle says, YouTube videos can teach him how and when to call. I’d start him with a slate call for ease of use. It’ll take him some experience, but I’d also have a system to indicate how far he thinks the bird is that he hears. This is tricky with turkeys because the same bird can sound 150 yards apart when he’s in the same spot depending on what direction he’s facing when he gobbles, or if he’s on a knob versus in a gully, but the bond you guys building when developing your system will be huge. Good luck!!

There is nothing wrong with spot and stalk turkey hunting, I call it bushwhacking! I will say it's definitely one of the hardest ways to kill them consistently. However there is just something magical about the interaction you have with a gobbling turkey. Honestly I think having your boy let you know when he gobbles and how close would be an amazing way for you to experience the anticipation and adrenaline of a bird that's closing the distance and actively seeking you. The elation of pulling the trigger on a bird that started off a half mile away only to walk meres steps away from you is unmatched. If you do chose to pursue them this way just know that while you definitely can call them in early off the roost, most birds will fall mid morning/mid day. You're looking for a bird that's gobbling excessively at everything and nothing, but any amount of gobbling is worth setting up on at any time. Use the topo and vegetation to get as close/level/obstacles free as possible. Just give him a few yelps every 15 minutes or so and note they will often quit gobbling as they make their final approach. often a mid morning bird dies quick but remember they have all day. Often making yourself stay put 30 minutes after you want to get up is the key to success. If you aren't running decoys make sure to never sit and call somewhere that you can see further than you can shoot. Good luck and have fun!

@Mike thanks!!! 🤘

@Appalachian bushwhacking! 😂🤘thanks!

@Kyle thanks I’ll look up Youtube videos.

@Derek thanks!!! 🤘

@Brayden tough but weather is good this weekend and much cooler so should see more birds 🤞🤘 thanks!

@Casi right on! Good luck and go get em!

I say follow his lead, especially if you can get home confident in calling. I would think it would be a trip for him to help his mom hunt turkey "traditionally" . Then again I ain't killed a bird since 2019 so take what I say with a grain of salt. However if you do decide to let him lead I can't recommend @Turkey enough for learning calling, best $3.99 I ever spent.

Nice job congratulations 💪💪

@Adam I will just go with the flow. The unit has tons of birds. I only gotten 3 turkeys and all is by stalk n spot. It’s all I ever known. Will check out turkey tech! Thanks Adam! 🤘

Is it his first turkey hunt

@Ferg yup his first turkey hunt. He also got his first antelope doe and deer doe recently! Leaving tomorrow morning!

Yea I'm with Mike on this one.
You can only teach him your own way and encourage him to develop Jo's own style as he goes.
Make good use out of th3 fact he can hear them amd help you spot

@Casi wee fella os on a roll eh. Obviously a good teacher lol.
Top marks for the teacher 👏

@Ferg 😂🤘

@Casi tell him your expecting an apple on your desk, at least. Or a case of beer 😆

@Ferg beer would be ideal but he’s only 12 lol I’ll update when I get back home see how the hunt goes. Been raining hard all day so good weather this weekend much cooler. Usually it’s 80-95 degree at that unit 🥵

The beers for teacher for doing a good job 👏 😁

@Casi we can only dream of that in Scotland 😁

Both. Teach him your spot & stalk method which is great to learn. Also, allow him to use his hearing to locate.

Both because sometimes you have to adjust to the situation. It’s great you’re able to get out and enjoy it. Keep it up!