The Final Gobble

The Final Gobble

Numbers of turkey hunting seasons run through May, some even into June. Here are some proven tips to bag that bird at the 11^th hour. 

By Jay Anglin

MUSKEGON, MI (May 15, 2025) – Most turkey seasons kick-off sometime in March and openers extend all the way into early May the further north you go. After a grueling fall and winter routine of chasing seasons and various game…not to mention “mandatory” seasonal fishing opportunities, many hunters look forward to the relative simplicity of spring turkey seasons and the opportunity to play with the unique birds – if only for a few weeks a year.

It’s common to rush into things and tag out as quickly as possible. My turkey hunting mentor – rest his soul – was adamant about tagging right out of the gate because birds would get “weird” later in the season. And, while he taught me a lot and I owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude, it didn’t take me long to realize his assessment on late season Indiana and Michigan gobblers was in fact, false. Mostly anyway.

Photo by the author

Yes, late season gobblers do get weird. They are prone to lengthy periods of inactivity as they lick their wounds and then stare off into the green. It’s relatable for some of us I suppose given the grueling borderline rockstar lifestyle they’ve been living for a couple months. Make no mistake, though, with the right amount of coaxing, the fire can reignite like the flip of a switch. Our job is to break the spell of disinterest and malaise and push them turkey-birds back into the show.

Gobblers holing up in thick cover will sometimes escape those mosquito havens and take a stroll around the countryside to see if any hens are looking for a hookup. These boys are vulnerable, too, a bit tore-up and ragged, and desperately in need of some nutrition and rest. They’re also still revved up on testosterone and desire, and every morning when they fly down their first inclination is to mate. While this is a worthy objective, most hens are still tending nests and spend very little time out in the open where toms can dance-purdy for them. This is a big advantage for hunters who are weary from dealing with henned-up gobblers earlier in the season.

Unless it’s raining hard at legal time, hens will certainly take a quick break from their egg incubating duties and have a quick bite, but it won’t be long before they return to the nest. What length of time longbeards spend hanging around nesting cover in hopes of the hen’s attention varies, but if another hen is calling to him – beckoning for attention – he may quickly vacate the premises for the other gal (you).

No doubt, late season turkeys can be a real challenge, but in my experience, long after most hunters have tagged out and settled into lawncare, baseball games, golf and fishing duties, some of the most responsive gobblers are out there waiting to play. They are often tolerant of being “lit up” with aggressive calling, and while this may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, the beauty of really letting a tom have it (aggressive cutting, long yelping sequences, etc) either it is, or it isn’t. You’ll know pretty doggone quick if he’s a player or not, and since time is of the essence (it is the late season after all) you can assess whether it’s worth waiting him out or moving on to another bird. This is classic run-and-gun turkey hunting at its finest.

Here are some additional hard-earned late-season turkey hunting tips…

Photo by Bill Konway

1.) Most states that push season dates into late May or early June offer licenses/tags over the counter. Some are leftovers and some are standard tags, but regardless, in most cases they are easily obtainable. Zones and tags can be a bit confusing, so spend the time and study the regulations. If you’re planning on hunting public ground, be sure to have a good understanding of where you can hunt or even if your tag allows it (Michigan for example may not). Sometimes, public tracts have additional requirements for turkey hunters.

2.) It is often assumed late-season turkeys on public land are essentially impossible to hunt. Sometimes that is the case, but public land hunting pressure often slacks off by mid-May and you may be surprised at how active turkeys are on these tracts. They’ve been laying low, exhausting food resources in their little slice of heaven, and once the party starts to die-down, they may disperse, which amounts to a sort of clock reset. Bagging a late-season public land turkey is right of passage for seasoned turkey hunters. There is just something extra special about it.

3.) Make it happen. Don’t give up. Talk yourself into turkey hunting time in your region, or even a road trip – do not talk yourself out of it. I know, I know, getting up at 3am and driving 30 miles to make it in time for the morning’s first gobble is a grind. But late season turkey hunters don’t miss this time of the season – it’s one of those “if you know, you know” deals. If you can’t work it out this season, plan for next spring and put it in the calendar like a wedding that takes priority over everything else and do it now, so ya don’t forget.

4.) The added benefit of heavy foliage and low vegetation makes moving around a heckuva lot easier, but these birds have the upper hand because they can hold rock steady and peer through patchwork of green as they scan for movement. Use caution in this regard, but also remember other hunters may be present, and while earlier in the season they may have been able to discern what is lurking in the shadows, it’s a lot easier to make a mistake now. This is especially the case on public land.

5.) Consider abandoning the use of decoys. Setting up sans decoy forces toms to seek the source of the sound, and with lush vegetation, they’ll often come right into your lap offering a chip shot. Also, other hunters attempting a “bushwhack” style stalk can sneak in close and the last thing you need is a 3-inch load of 5 shot headed your way. Also, it’s easier to move around without lugging bags of decoys. Plus, it’s usually hot outside and the extra layer on your back just makes it that much more miserable. I always keep a lightweight, foldable/packable hen decoy in my vest, but it rarely comes out.

6.) Calling is important. While some may suggest late-season birds are very call-shy – and they certainly can be – ain’t nobody got time to wait that old geezer longbeard out when activity is cut down to a minimum. Unless it’s a specific bird you have a thick dossier on that suggests otherwise, go for it. Full-send calling, shred-away loud and proud. They probably haven’t heard anybody else “get stupid” with calls in a while, either, and this tactic also has the added benefit of your sound punching through heavy foliage.

7.) Focus on peak times when the players are active and not distracted by hens taking a break from the nest. Fly down is fun and all but midmorning is when gobblers are more likely to work to the call. This rule applies to all season for the most part, but especially the late season. Once hens return to their matronly duties, a tom will often cruise and gobble occasionally, attempting to strike a hen. This is a bird looking for his first (and last) ride in the bed of a pickup.

Photo by the author

8.) The one exception to the above tactic is when challenging a territorial hen. This technique comes at a risk but can work if you’re dealing with a dominant Karen type. Hit her with a cutt/yelp sequence, and if she answers, follow her lead. If she stomps in for a face-off, she may drag a gobbler in with her. This a great tactic throughout the season, but seems to work well once a hen or two has established a tight routine and you interrupt it.

9.) The weather is very important. Depending on where you live, activity is often very limited during hot, muggy weather. Morning is key during hot weather, and then again in the evening. Rainy days can give you an edge because hens will be very reluctant to leave their nests and toms give up on them quicker. Windy days often drive toms into the open or at the very edge of mature timber where they can see surroundings better, and of course, anyone who has scouted turkeys has seen birds out in the open during crummy weather conditions. Keep all of this in mind when developing a plan.

10.) Regardless of where you hunt the late season, be sure to have an intimate knowledge of the terrain and property lines. A lot of the cues we use earlier in the season are now obscured by lush vegetation and foliage. If you are hunting new ground, fire-up the smartphone with navigation aids such as On-X Maps, Beacon, and Google Earth – some states even have incredibly useful interactive maps available online. Also, for a bigger picture, have a good old Atlas and Gazetteer Map handy in your vehicle.

11.) Late season hunts often start during the cool morning but it can quickly become hot. Wearing clothing and gear that easily adapts to different conditions, such as Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series, which includes lighter weight pants with side venting, breathable tops, as well as a super mobile chest pack, and a vest with breathable paneling, are perfect for the late season.

The author with a late season tom.

Finisher Leafy Jacket FEATURES:

• Lightweight, breathable polyester mesh
• 3D leaf patterning mimics the turkey woods for ultimate concealment
• Adjustable waist and elastic cuffs for a secure fit
• Two pocket design
• SIZES: SM – 3XL
• PATTERNS: Mossy Oak Original Bottomland and Mossy Oak Greenleaf

MSRP $129.99

Finisher Chest Pack FEATURES:

• Universal top-loader pocket large enough for most binoculars
• Easy access stretch mesh pocket, 3 shell slots, and a zippered mesh pocket on the sides
• Stretch woven exterior pockets for mouth calls, pot calls, strikers, and side pockets for extra gear
• Zip closure stretch mesh pocket on the back
• Adjustable shoulder and chest straps for a secure fit
• Dedicated box call pocket with a shock cord closure system
• COLORS: Realtree Original, Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak Greenleaf, and Flint (solid)

MSRP $89.99

ABOUT NEXUS OUTDOORS

Nexus Outdoors, headquartered in Muskegon, MI, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of performance, hunting and casual odor-controlling apparel, footwear and equipment under the ScentLok Technologies®, OZ®, Blocker Outdoors®, Whitewater, Hard Core® Waterfowl Hunting Apparel and Tree Spider® brands. It also owns American Range Systems, manufacturer and distributor of the world’s strongest and safest bullet traps. Nexus Outdoors is the only company with access to all scent-controlling technologies, including their patented Carbon Alloy™ and Cold Fusion Catalyst™ technologies, which provide superior success in the field. ScentLok and Blocker Outdoors are pioneers in the hunting industry, which many credit with creating a market focused on superior scent control to get closer to big game.