Flocks?

[virgil]

Novice question:  Is it normal for birds to be traveling in flocks in the spring?  I heard tons of gobbling and saw a lot of birds this weekend.  But, the birds were in groups and didn't seem interested in responding to calls.  We had a group of seven gobblers pass just out of range on Saturday, and saw twelve birds together yesterday- again, not interested in our calling.

[Skillet]

That does seem kind of strange. Toms aren't usually buddy buddy this time of year. Jakes will hang together though.

Edited May 4, 2015 by Skillet

[grampy]

Novice question:  Is it normal for birds to be traveling in flocks in the spring?  I heard tons of gobbling and saw a lot of birds this weekend.  But, the birds were in groups and didn't seem interested in responding to calls.  We had a group of seven gobblers pass just out of range on Saturday, and saw twelve birds together yesterday- again, not interested in our calling.

 

 

With that many gobblers,you need to PM me so I can go "check out" the situation for you. 

 

It's not unusual to have a bunch of birds together early and late in the day.

[genesee_mohican]

Answer:  7 Gobblers together could mean several things. If I can come along on your next hunt I would be able to give a better answer to this dilemma.  j/k    Yes, they will gather in flocks. The flock may break up during the day only to reform again later on. Toms may roost in the same area, but they may disperse as they seek out roaming hens. Each day can be different. Your lucky to have such a nice flock to hunt. Good luck, hope you get a nice one!

 

 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I have had that happen to me in years prior. If there are hens with them and they are not paying attention to you now because the girls are there, you have the perfect scenario to score late in the season if you don't over pressure them now. As soon as the gals quit the courting ritual and go to nest, They will be prime for the plucking. In the last week of the season they easier to target especially in the later morning. IMO

[dbHunterNY]

I often see two or three longbeards running together late morning but not really more than that.

[turkeyfeathers]

I've called in 8 jakes together years back. Brother called in 7 opening day and 6 of them again yesterday. Only called in 3 longbeards at one time. Last year on opening day, 1 went home with me.

Birds will definitely flock up in winter but normally should have split by now.

Flocks nor singles are interested in gobbling right now unless you sit very near the roost and they pitch into your lap making for a call, maybe two and the hunt is over. The best of the season , at the end is yet to come. More foliage , more workable responses from the toms. Enjoy the gobbles, enjoy the woods, feel happy you've got so many birds to work with. One of their "time" will come. Until then , just enjoy every morning.

[ants]

One time I called in 5 toms. They were racing each other to get to me. Shot one of them. That was the first week of the season. I have seen flocks in the early days of the season, but as time goes on they will seem to thin a bit. Friday I had 2 toms answer me at first light. Then they flew down with 6 or 8 other birds (all hens I think). Needless to say they weren't interested in my calls and moved off out of range. Saturday I called in 2 jakes and spotted a bunch more on the edge of a field, that I couldn't seal the deal with. So far its been a good season even though I haven't dropped the hammer yet.

[Skillet]

I've called in 8 jakes together years back. Brother called in 7 opening day and 6 of them again yesterday. Only called in 3 longbeards at one time. Last year on opening day, 1 went home with me.

Birds will definitely flock up in winter but normally should have split by now.

Flocks nor singles are interested in gobbling right now unless you sit very near the roost and they pitch into your lap making for a call, maybe two and the hunt is over. The best of the season , at the end is yet to come. More foliage , more workable responses from the toms. Enjoy the gobbles, enjoy the woods, feel happy you've got so many birds to work with. One of their "time" will come. Until then , just enjoy every morning.

Well put man! Late season is definitely the best hunting in my book. Less guys, more receptive birds, and it's easier to sneak around in the greened up woods.

[thphm]

No flocks around my place , just walking around 1 or 2 at a time , Just finished lunch in the house , look out the window and there is one big guy strutting around and doing his thing , around 30 yds. away ,  shame it was  1:00 this afternoon.

[virgil]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and offers for help. Gonna give it another shot in a week or two. Was a lot of fun hearing and seeing all those birds.