Sometimes it just makes sense to move on a gobbler you are working. This is particularly true of "hung-up" birds that for one reason or another won't come in. However, moving is a risky maneuver because if that bird spots you, your chances are zip.

If you decide you must move, make your plan in advance. Know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there. Next, make sure you know where the gobbler is and that he can't see you. Often gobblers will walk back and forth as they gobble and strut. Time your move to when he is farthest away. Moving on a silent gobbler is a bad idea, since he may be on his way. Make your move without hesitation. You've decided on this play, now execute it.

Don't leave your decoy standing behind. More than one hunter has successfully moved, only to have the gobbler change his mind and go to the decoy left at the first set-up spot.

Late-Season Turkey Hunting — Myles Keller

As turkey season wanes, so, it seems, does the interest of the gobblers. Many birds may be legitimately call shy, made so by intense calling and hunting pressure. However, many may just be tired.

In some ways, the end of the season is like the beginning. Gobblers are less "cranked up" and less vocal. Many hens have taken to the nest and fewer available hens means less constant stimulation to strut and gobble. The toms' sexual urges tend to come and go, competing with fatigue and hunger. They have lost weight and energy from the rigorous activities of breeding and fighting off other gobblers.

At this time, the turkey hunter must rely on woodcraft and specific turkey knowledge gained over the season. Even a late-season gobbler will still have a tom's "hot flashes." They are just less frequent and more unpredictable. Hunting into the midmorning and all day, if legal, is a good idea. If you can get a tom's interest aroused, the late-season gobbler can be called fairly easily.

Wild turkey habitat is full of critters that consider turkey hunters a good meal. Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies and ticks are bothersome and some carry potentially serious diseases. There are several approaches to beating the bugs.

Insect repellent is the most common choice. Many repellents contain DEET, a powerful chemical. DEET concentrations vary from 20 to 100 percent in various products. Since some DEET is absorbed by the body, it is recommended that users use no more and no stronger concentrations than necessary. Other products contain citronella, a natural substance that is less powerful than DEET.

Permethrin is an insecticide that is particularly effective against ticks. Products containing permethrin may be used on clothing but should not be applied to the skin.

If you prefer no chemicals at all, check out the "bug suits" made of fine nylon mesh that fit like coveralls. Many of these are made with camouflage patterns and keep out all bugs, even offering good protection against wasps and yellow jackets.