“toms”

As Executive Editor Adam Heggenstaller noted in the April print edition, the Osceola gobblers of southern Florida love to fight. Watch the brawl that ensues as three toms take their frustrations out on a decoy—and each other.

More often what we should be looking for are lonely gobblers, as even well-educated toms can be had when their hens go to nest. Here are four times and methods to catch them forlorn.

A gobble can mean anything or nothing much at all.

Turkey hunting for any subspecies is all about anticipation, excitement and the thrill of the challenge. Of course, if your adventures ultimately serve up a grand slam, that’s okay, too.

Web Managing Editor Shawn Skipper sought his first turkey on a trip to northwestern Kansas. He left the Sunflower State with a pair.

Available only from Savage Arm’s Special Order Dept., this custom Model 220 variant is optimally suited to pursing springtime’s big, boisterous birds.

Never discount the power of a decoy to lure tom turkeys close—real close.

Associate Editor Jon Draper spent a few days chasing Kentucky toms with the guys from Knight & Hale Game Calls. Though the birds were largely uncooperative, Draper was able to tag one with the help of some pro-calling and more patience than he knew he was capable of.

With its new 3-inch, 20-gauge 3rd Degree turkey load, Federal Premium ups the ante on 20-gauge performance.