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Turkey hunting and deer hunting are two popular activities among avid hunters.  It’s not uncommon to find hunters across North America who are as passionate about one as they are the other. By spending time in the woods doing both you can become a better hunter by simply paying attention to what you’re seeing and doing when doing hunting either deer or turkey. 

Sharpen Those Woodsmanship Skills

Turkey hunting requires a high level of woodsmanship skills, as hunters need to locate and stalk their prey in a variety of cover.  These skills translate directly to deer hunting, as both activities require hunters to navigate through the woods and locate their target animal. By honing your woodsmanship skills through turkey hunting, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the terrain come deer season and you’ll often have a better sense of the locations deer are using in certain seasons.

Scouting and Observation

Turkey hunting also requires scouting and keen observation skills to locate areas where turkeys are active and pay close attention to their behavior patterns. These same skills are essential for deer hunting, as hunters need to scout where deer are active and pay close attention to their movements and behavior patterns. Using your time during turkey season you can also keep an eye for deer sign as well. By honing your scouting and observation skills during turkey season, you’ll be better equipped to find and track deer during the fall hunting season. Often times during turkey season you’ll find rubs you didn’t know about, trails deer have been using as well as other sign that clue you in where deer have been wintering.

Calling Techniques

One of the most important skills for turkey hunting is the ability to use a call to get those gobblers attention. Turkey hunters use a variety of calls to mimic the sounds of turkeys, to bring them into range. In some instances, hunters will use calls during deer season, as deer can be lured into range use grunt calls, rattling, and doe calls. Turkey calls take time to master. If you practice your calling techniques during turkey season, you can translate that sense of discipline to your deer calls to get that big buck to come in. 

Turkey Hunting Helps with Stealth and Patience

Turkey hunting also requires a high level of stealth and patience, as hunters need to remain still and quiet for extended periods while waiting for that Big Tom to come in. Once that Tom comes in, just like buck fever, your heart rate skyrockets and you begin to shake. Practice calming yourself down during these situations and control your breathing to make a good clean shot. These skills are also essential for deer hunting, as deer are notoriously skittish and are easily spooked by sudden movements or loud noises. By practicing patience and developing a stealthy approach during turkey season, you’ll be less likely to catch the eye or a weary buck or skiddish doe.

In conclusion, turkey hunting can be a valuable tool for deer hunters, providing opportunities to hone essential skills such as woodsmanship, stealth and patience, calling techniques, and scouting and observation. By practicing these skills during turkey season, you’ll be better prepared and more effective during the deer season. So, if you’re a deer hunter looking to improve your skills, consider getting out in the woods to go after some turkeys!

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