Hung Up Toms: Why They Stop and How to Bring Them In
There’s nothing more frustrating than a tom that struts just out of range, gobbling his head off but refusing to commit. You’ve done everything right—set up in a good spot, made the perfect calls, and even thrown in some decoys—but he just won’t close the distance. This is what hunters call a “hung-up” tom. So, why do turkeys hang up, and how can you seal the deal?
Why Toms Hang Up
Toms hang up for a few common reasons:
- Terrain Features – A ditch, fence, creek, or even thick brush can stop a gobbler in his tracks. If he doesn’t want to cross it, he won’t.
- Expecting the Hen to Come to Him – In nature, hens usually go to the tom, not the other way around. If he’s fired up but staying put, he might be waiting for you to move.
- Decoy Issues – Sometimes, a decoy setup can intimidate a gobbler, especially if it includes a dominant tom decoy that makes him wary of a fight.
- Call Overuse – Too much calling can make a gobbler suspicious, especially if he expects to see a hen but doesn’t.
How to Bring a Hung-Up Tom Into Range
1. Move Your Setup
If the tom is hung up because of terrain, adjust your position to eliminate the obstacle. Sometimes, crawling 20-30 yards closer can make all the difference.
2. Go Silent
If a tom is answering every call but not moving, go quiet. This can make him nervous and force him to come looking for the “hen.” If you’ve been calling aggressively, stop and let his curiosity get the best of him.
3. Change Up Your Calls
Sometimes, a gobbler gets used to one call and stops responding. Switching to a different call—such as a slate instead of a diaphragm—can trigger renewed interest. Soft clucks and purrs can also sound more natural and inviting.
4. Use a Decoy Trick
If your tom is hanging up due to decoys, try removing the jake or tom decoy and only using a single hen. A lone hen is less threatening and can make the gobbler feel more confident.
5. Rattle the Leaves or Scratch the Ground
Soft scratching in the leaves mimics the sound of a hen feeding and reassures a hesitant tom. This subtle, natural sound can be the final push he needs to come in.
6. Play the “Hen Leaving” Game
If a tom won’t commit, turn away and softly call while walking away from him. This makes it sound like the hen is losing interest, which can make him panic and charge in.
7. Be Patient
Sometimes, the best move is no move. A hung-up tom may eventually give in if you wait him out. If he’s gobbling and staying put, he’s still interested—just give him time.
Final Thoughts
Hung-up toms are one of turkey hunting’s biggest challenges, but with the right tactics, you can turn a frustrating situation into a successful hunt. Adjust your setup, mix up your calls, and use natural sounds to coax him in. Sometimes, it just takes patience and a little trickery to seal the deal.
Scott Hart - The Tool Store