Can You Turkey Hunt in the Evening? A Guide to Evening Turkey Hunting Success

Turkey hunting during the evening hours can be a great way to bag a tom, especially if the morning hunt wasn’t successful But hunting turkeys in the evening requires different strategies and techniques than morning hunts. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hunting turkeys in the evening.

Is Evening Turkey Hunting Legal?

The first question many hunters have is whether evening turkey hunting is legal in their state. Regulations vary, so be sure to check your state’s hunting laws. Some states prohibit afternoon turkey hunting completely. Others allow it up until sunset. A few even permit hunting until dark. If evening hunting is allowed, take advantage of this special opportunity.

Why Hunt Turkeys in the Evening?

So why consider an evening hunt? Here are some of the benefits

• Birds are more active at this time as they begin moving towards roost sites after a day of loafing and feeding. Their increased movement gives you more chances for an encounter.

• Toms will respond to calling more reliably in the evening than during the day. Though not as vocal as early morning, you can sometimes get lucky and strike up a talkative gobbler.

• Evening provides a second chance if you struck out in the morning. Rather than give up for the day, you can redeem yourself during the evening shift.

• Less hunting pressure in the evenings means birds are more relaxed. Savvy old toms that have been called to dozens of times are less wary when the crowds thin out.

• Cooler temperatures make for comfortable hunting compared to mid-day heat.

How are Evening Turkeys Different?

To successfully hunt turkeys in the evening, you need to understand how their behavior changes compared to the morning:

• Less vocal: While you might get an occasional noisy gobbler, most don’t call much as they start moving towards roost sites. Calling is down to about 10-30% of morning levels.

• More cautious: Turkeys are on high alert in the evenings as they approach roost areas. Your calls and movements are amplified in the low light.

• Feeding: Toms will stuff their crops alongside hens before fly-up. Key in on food sources.

• Roosting: Birds are ultimately headed to the roost for the night. Avoid hunting too close to actual roost trees.

• Travelling: Increased movement in the evening as turkeys make their way back to roosting areas after a day of loafing and feeding.

Top Evening Turkey Hunting Tactics

With the distinct behavior of evening turkeys in mind, here are some tips for tagging a tom as the sun goes down:

• Use a blind: Going “dark” helps conceal movement that turkeys easily spot in low light. A portable blind works great for evening setups.

• Focus on feeding areas: Find food sources near roost sites and set up where gobblers will come to feed alongside hens.

• Intercept along travel corridors: Rather than roost sites themselves, ambush birds along the routes they take to get there.

• Soft calling: Don’t overcall. Stick to some clucks, purrs and very light yelping. Or don’t call at all.

• Let hens work for you: If calling gets no response, try irritating hens to get them to investigate while bringing males along.

• Avoid the roost: Setup away from actual roost trees and avoid educating birds.

• Use terrain to reposition: If you get a gobble, quickly and quietly move closer while using terrain to stay concealed.

How to Hunt Evening Turkeys from Start to Finish

Here is a step-by-step guide to hunting turkeys during the evening hours:

1. Scout roosting areas ahead of time and take note of nearby food sources and travel corridors.

2. Set up a blind in a prime feeding zone or along a travel route at least 100 yards from the roost itself. Get there early, 2-3 hours before fly-up.

3. Call sparingly with some light yelps and clucks. Or sit quietly. Avoid loud, aggressive calling.

4. Be ready to reposition if you hear a gobble. Quickly and quietly move closer while using terrain and vegetation to stay hidden.

5. If no response, get hens riled up and bringing males in to investigate the drama. Sharp cutting and excited yelping does the trick.

6. Remain still and stay alert in the last hour as fly-up time approaches. Use turkey fan decoys for added realism.

7. Let birds fully fly up and settle in before making any moves on a roosted tom. Avoid educating them for the next day’s hunt.

Evening Turkey Hunting Equipment Tips

To make the most of an evening hunt, make sure you have the right gear:

• Turkey vest: Keeps all your calls, ammo and other accessories handy but concealed.

• Facemask and gloves: Conceal exposed skin that can spook turkeys in low light situations.

• Camo clothes: Use head-to-toe camo clothing suited for your terrain. Avoid white or bright colors.

• Turkey decoys: Set up a jake and hen decoy combo to draw in territorial toms.

• Owl hooter: Mimic a barred owl predator call to get turkeys vocalizing as you’re setting up.

Final Thoughts on Evening Turkey Hunting

For seasoned turkey hunters looking to up their game, an evening hunt is just the ticket. The change in turkey behavior and need for specialized strategies makes evening hunting a fun, exciting way to outsmart late-season toms. Just be sure to check regulations and avoid pressuring roost sites. As long as you hunt ethically, a memorable hunt awaits during the evening shift.