1. Take Aim
Don’t expect longbeards to march in announcing their approach. More often than not, they’ll ghost in silently, appearing 15 or 20 yards to your left or right, or even coming from behind. Don’t blink while that bird is staring you down, says White Oak Plantation guide Bo Pittman. Wait until it starts easing away, still trying to figure out what you are. If it walks behind a tree, take aim and be ready to shoot when it steps clear. If there isn’t a tree, Pittman says, ease your gun slowly, but steadily, into position and fire as soon as you have the tom covered. The bird will give you just seconds before it bolts.

2. Target Dusting Bowls
More than just proof that turkeys are in the area, dusting bowls can be used to pattern birds. “Dusting bowls are like deer scrapes, to a point,” says Knight & Hale’s Chris Parrish. “You can tell when they’re fresh and if they’re still being used.” Turkeys hit the sandy spots to cool off and clean mites from their feathers. Parrish suggests smoothing one out with your foot. Come back later that day or the next morning to determine if it has been hit and by how many birds. These spots seem to attract birds best during hot, dry weather, particularly at midday.