The 1, 2, 3 Rule

Tom turkeys can’t walk or strut and gobble at the same time. They generally stop walking or strutting, then stick their neck out and gobble. The number of times a tom gobbles can give you clues as to what the tom is doing, and where it is.

If a tom gobbles 0 times per 1 minute, and it is at a strut, there is probably a hen present. You can: 1. sneak up on the bird, 2. figure out where the bird will go after it leaves and get there before it does, 3. wait until the hen leaves, hope the tom stays, and then try call it in.

If a tom gobbles 1 time per 1 minute, and it’s before sunrise, it is probably on the roost. You should set up: 1. at a nearby strut the tom uses, 2. between the tom and any nearby hens, 3. between the tom and the nearest strut.

If a tom gobbles 1 time per 2-3 minutes, and it is before sunrise, the tom is probably on the ground and moving. There are several things you can do: 1. if the tom is moving toward you call just enough to keep it coming. 2. if the tom is moving away from you try to get it to change it’s mind, but it is probably headed toward a hen, group of hens or a strut; 3. figure out where the tom is going and get there before it does.

If a tom gobbles 2-3 times per 1 minute, and it is at a strut, there is probably no hen present. You can: 1. try to get it to leave the strut, which it is probably reluctant to do, 2. try to sneak up on it, 3. figure out where it will go after it leaves and get there before it does, 4. wait until another day and get to the same area before the tom.

I cannot say that this formula is applicable in all areas, or with all subspecies of turkeys. But, if you watch and listen to the birds in your area you should see some pattern that will help you determine where the toms are and what they are doing.