The Pros and Cons of Owl Hooting While Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunters use various locator calls to pinpoint a gobbler’s position before sunrise, and one of the most popular is the owl hoot. This natural sound can trigger a shock gobble from a roosted tom, helping hunters set up for the perfect hunt. However, like any tactic, owl hooting has both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros of Owl Hooting for Turkey Hunting
1. Natural Sound That Doesn’t Spook Turkeys
Owl hoots are a common sound in the woods, especially at dawn and dusk. Using an owl call blends naturally with the environment, making it less likely to alert or alarm turkeys compared to aggressive crow calls or coyote howls.
2. Effective for Early Morning Location
Gobblers often respond instinctively to loud, sudden noises with a shock gobble. An owl hoot, especially a well-executed one, can trigger this response before sunrise, helping you pinpoint a tom’s location before legal shooting hours.
3. Keeps Your Position Concealed
Unlike turkey calls, which can draw birds toward you before you’re ready, an owl hoot allows you to locate turkeys without revealing your position. This can prevent gobblers from hanging up out of range or getting call-shy too early in the hunt.
4. Low-Pressure Calling Option
Overcalling with turkey yelps, clucks, and purrs can educate birds and make them wary. Using an owl hoot as a locator instead of a turkey call keeps the pressure low and increases your chances of success.
Cons of Owl Hooting for Turkey Hunting
1. May Not Work in Every Area
While owl hoots are effective in many regions, they don’t always trigger a response, especially in areas where barred owls aren’t common. If turkeys in your hunting grounds aren’t used to hearing owl calls, they may not react to them.
2. Overuse Can Diminish Effectiveness
If hunters frequently use owl hoots in the same area, turkeys may become conditioned to them and stop responding. Like any calling tactic, using it sparingly increases its effectiveness.
3. Requires Skill to Sound Realistic
A poorly executed owl hoot can sound unnatural and fail to shock gobblers into responding. If you don’t practice, you might end up giving away your position to other hunters instead of locating a bird.
4. Limited Use After Sunrise
Owl hoots are most effective at dawn when turkeys are still on the roost. Once they fly down, gobblers are less likely to respond, making other locator calls like crow calls or woodpecker calls more useful later in the morning.
Final Thoughts
Owl hooting is a time-tested turkey hunting tactic that can be highly effective when used correctly. It’s a natural, low-pressure way to locate gobblers in the pre-dawn hours without spooking them. However, like any tool, it should be used wisely and not over-relied upon. By mastering the art of the owl hoot and knowing when (and when not) to use it, you can increase your chances of success in the turkey woods.
Do you use an owl hoot while turkey hunting? Let us know in the comments!
Scott Hart - The Tool Store