Lots of first time and newbie turkey hunters want to know what time of day is the best time for turkey hunting. I could answer that question in one sentence and end this post right now, but I’m only going to do one of those right now. The best time of day to turkey hunt is whenever you get the opportunity to legally hunt where you live. Hunt turkeys every time you get the chance to hunt turkeys because there may be a day when you wish you could, but you can’t.
With that being said, I need to really dive into the heart of that question. The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask, the type of turkeys they hunt most frequently, and when those turkeys gobble best.
For example, where I hunt most frequently in southwest Alabama, the birds do not gobble well, if at all, in the afternoons. I have friends who hunt about a hundred miles away who have turkeys that gobble well in the afternoons. So, based on my most common personal experience I’m not likely to tell you that afternoons are the best time to hunt, but hunters who hunt turkeys who gobble well in the afternoons are likely to tell you that afternoons are great times to hunt. So, keep in mind that one’s personal experiences typically affect his answer to this question, but I’ll try to answer the question impartially.
Early morning roost hunts can be very exciting, gobble filled hunts, and these hunts can be quite successful both in early season and late season. Mid season when the gobblers are “henned up,” early morning hunts are not as fruitful because of the competition with real hens. I have a difficult time trying to coax a stubborn longbeard to come to me off of the tree limb when he has 10 – 12 hens close by. I’m not saying it can’t be done… It is just not easy. Now, early season bachelor groups of gobblers who are looking for hens provide for great early morning hunts off of the roost.
Mid morning hunts can also be very exciting gobble filled hunts. Mid morning hunts are quite effective all season long, but mostly early and late season. Mid morning hunts are productive because sometimes gobblers get separated from their hens during mid to late morning, and they are lovesick and alone. A lovesick and lonely gobbler is a gobbler that I’d like to get to know better.
Midday hunts can also be very productive, especially if you know of the areas that gobblers like to loaf and you can get to those areas before they do. Lonely gobblers will frequently check areas where hens like to hang out midday in search of a hot hen. If you can get a gobbler to respond to your calls midday or early afternoon, you have a very good chance of killing him because he is likely alone.
Afternoon hunts are a great time to harvest a longbeard who is looking for hens to shack up with overnight. Spend late afternoons in roosting areas waiting for a gobbler to stroll through looking for some companionship. Call sparingly because most hens are not very vocal in the late afternoon.
Night hunts are also a great time to harvest a turkey, especially on a full moon. If you can slip up to the roost tree… Ok, yes, I’m kidding!! Don’t shoot turkeys out of their roost trees at night, unless… No, I really am joking.
If you have the opportunity to hunt turkeys all day long in your state, then do it. Hunt turkeys at every opportunity of every day during your season. You won’t kill a turkey if you don’t hunt turkeys.
Evening turkey hunting is a controversial topic among hunters. While some states prohibit hunting after noon or mid-afternoon, other states allow hunters to pursue gobblers until sunset. For hunters looking to maximize limited spring seasons, the evening shift offers prime opportunities to tag a tom. But with the changing behaviors of evening turkeys, successful hunting requires adjusting tactics and techniques.
As an avid turkey hunter and outdoor writer, I’ve extensive experience hunting spring gobblers across public and private lands. Through trial, error, and many seasons spent in the turkey woods from flydown to dusk, I’ve learned the unique strategies that can lead to evening success.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share tips on legal evening hunting times, how to hunt smarter in the evening, and key gobbler behaviors that change as the sun goes down. I’ll also offer recommendations on stealthy setups, calling, and more to help you answer the question – can you bag a tom during evening turkey hunts?
Is Hunting Turkeys in the Evening Legal?
The first question is whether evening turkey hunting is even legal in your state. Regulations vary widely on afternoon and evening hunting:
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Some states prohibit turkey hunting after 1 PM or mid-afternoon
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Many allow hunting until sunset or last light.
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A few have specific evening seasons or extended hours on certain dates.
Be sure to consult your state’s spring turkey hunting regulations before planning an evening hunt. Hunting hours and shooting hours are strictly enforced.
If evening turkey hunting is legal certain tips and tactics can help overcome the changes in gobbler patterns and behavior as the sun goes down.
Why Hunt Turkeys in the Evening?
Given the challenges of evening hunting, you may wonder why bother hunting past mid-afternoon. There are a few compelling reasons to stay in the turkey woods into the evening if allowed
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Take advantage of limited seasons – Extra hunting hours mean more chances to tag a gobbler.
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Intercept birds returning to roost – The evening offers a window to ambush gobblers as they make their way to fly-up spots.
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Increased activity – Bird activity picks up again in evening after the midday lull.
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Changing gobbler habits – As mating priorities shift, toms become more responsive to calls and decoys as hens exit the breeding pool.
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Relief from hunting pressure – Evening provides a break from crowded public land morning hunts.
As long as you adjust strategies to account for gobblers’ shifting behaviors, the evening can offer prime opportunities to fill your tag.
Changes in Turkey Behavior From Morning to Evening
To hunt evening turkeys effectively, you must understand how spring gobblers change their habits between dawn and dusk:
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Decreased gobbling – Toms gobble less frequently in evening, especially near roost sites. Lack of shock gobbles doesn’t mean no birds in the area.
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Increased caution – Gobblers grow more alert and skittish approaching roost time. Remain still and avoid drawing attention.
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Feeds later – With mating taking a backseat, toms will slip away to feed in evening when hens are preoccupied. Set up near food sources.
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Roosting behaviors emerge – As sunset nears, expect gobblers to start planning their ascent. Hunt away from fly-up spots to avoid spooking birds.
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Hens get cranky – Late in the day, hens get more irritable and vocal. Use this to your advantage by imitating bossy hens to lure in gobblers.
5 Tips for Hunting Gobblers in the Evening
Follow these strategies during evening turkey hunts to overcome the changes in gobbler patterns and increase your odds:
1. Hunt food sources
Set up where birds are likely to feed and water in late afternoon, such as oak flats, grain fields, and edges of ponds or streams.
2. Target travel corridors
Ambush gobblers in funnels or pinch points along routes from feeding to roosting areas.
3. Go silent
Avoid loud calling that could spook skittish evening toms. Use soft clucks, purrs, and very light yelping.
4. Conceal yourself
Take advantage of blinds or natural cover to blend into the landscape as wariness increases.
5. Cut off birds
If you spot a longbeard, skirt around his path to intercept him before he reaches thick roost cover.
Advanced Evening Turkey Hunting Tactics and Tips
Beyond the basics above, advanced turkey hunters can up their odds during the evening shift with these pro tactics:
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Monitor breeding stages – Hunt when most hens have gone to nest leaving lovestruck gobblers more responsive to calling.
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Scout morning fly-downs – Use mornings to scout and pinpoint evening setup locations near fly-down spots.
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Target lonely toms – Single gobblers and broken-up pairs make easier targets than large flocks as the sun sets.
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Go mobile – Stalking and repositioning into a tom’s path can be effective on public lands in open terrain.
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Pick calm days – Gobblers come to calls better on still evenings since sound carries farther.
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Use decoys sparingly – Decoys can help draw in lone birds but also increase visibility in fading light.
With the right strategies and mindset adjustment for evening behaviors, turkey hunting after noon can lead to outstanding success. Be flexible, stay alert to changing patterns, and be ready to strike when legal shooting light remains. You can fill your tag in the evening if you hunt smart. The key is adapting your tactics as the spring sun sinks low in the sky.
4 Tips for Hunting Turkeys in the Late Afternoon
FAQ
Is evening a good time to hunt turkeys?
What time of day is best to shoot a turkey?
How long before sunset do turkeys roost?
Can you hunt turkeys in the afternoon?
Is it legal to hunt a Turkey in the afternoon?
Provided hunting in the afternoons is legal in your state (in some states, it isn’t), real hunting opportunities present themselves in the last two to three hours of daylight. Turkey activity increases significantly at this time. But the evening shift is a different kind of hunting.
What’s the difference between day and evening turkey hunting?
Turkey activity increases significantly at this time. But the evening shift is a different kind of hunting. A turkey at day’s end is not the same bird it was at day’s beginning. You must understand those differences, hunt with them in mind, and put a new collection of turkey hunting tactics, techniques and tricks to use.
How long does it take to hunt an evening Turkey?
Whether you’re using a portable pop-up or building a natural hide, the evening turkey’s ultra-paranoid approach to life means that the exposed hunter is at a distinct disadvantage. In addition, the wait can be long – maybe two or three hours – because you have to get into position well before the birds are active.
How do you hunt a Turkey in spring?
Because spring turkey hunting seasons coincide with turkey breeding season, hunting tactics revolve around calling in male turkeys (toms) with female turkey (hens) noises. Toms gobble and strut to entice receptive hens. This dance drives the main activity in spring turkey hunting.