3 of the most common mistakes Turkey Hunters make

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Ive watched far too many turkey hunting videos, from advice on calling, equipment, hunts, hunting tips.. To me, dale you have the best mentality and way of breaking down getting into the mind of the bird, and value of soft calls. My first bird called in was thanks to your videos and advice. It was a jake and our population isn't super strong, so I let him go. But what a thrill, solo hunted my first time and called in a bird to close distance had an easy shot, and just admired it, heard a hen assembly call 30 seconds later and it ran off. Learned many lessons myself personally that day, bur never would have had the chance if it weren't for your advice I learned while researching before scouting pre season this year

[@alanjolly9631]

Got a turkey in the truck thanks to your videos, thanks for the lessons. Most important lesson though is Setting Steel or after about 20 minutes of wondering what the hell you were talking about "Sitting Still."

[@Andrewlikesguns]

Oh sitting still. I also thought we were discussing setting steel. LOL good tips thought

[@nicholasbragg4521]

Lol that southern accent could give tips to do both guaranteed lol. Great videos. I can never get enough turkey talk.

[@8626John]

Yes. I thought he was talking about putting out steel decoys. Lol

[@andreseloyguevara]

you are my hero, my friend!, after two years of no success doing wild turkey, decided to go over all your videos prior to this season, applied what i got from you and got my Tom, exactly as you said. Thank you so much and to me, you deserve an Oscar from the academy!! keep helping us please

[@redskin4040]

Brother you've taught more people who to really hunt than these so called pros have on TV. Thanks for keeping it real and not just try to sell something for profit. Although if you ever did start selling calls and such I'd be the first to buy it. Simply because I've learned so much from your advice that I know if it had your name on it, I could trust that it works.

[@drvonschwartz]

I appreciated the clear, concise, straight-forward manner in which you went through these tips. I'm just now getting into hunting in my adult life. I hunted with my father as a kid, but not much turkey hunting, mostly rabbit. I've gotten a tremendous itch to hunt for no discernible reason. None of my friends hunt so I'm relying on information gathered from youtube and various hunting sites to help with my success, it's been slow going so far, but I'll continue to get as much info as I can and just get out there. Thanks much.

[@hermit6208]

LOL. Setting 'steel'. When Dale first said that, I admit, I was confused. I'm going to set steel and listen to the man now. Love our southern brothers. From a Yankee.

[@andyc.947]

Been turkey hunting for a while but this is a great reminder video of the basics. I watched it before I went out today and it helped me tag a bird. Thanks for the good content.

[@bdare977]

This is great guy! Not many left like him these days! Most of us in the south or out in the country talk this. Great video brother! You made sense to me!

[@Zach-jh6zs]

This is better advice than 99% of the stuff out there

[@nathanheller5706]

Anyone else think we were supposed to know what "setting steel" meant for the first minute?

[@jarretwilson5811]

Hahaha yes I was like does he mean the stick for the decoys or am I missing an unheard of gear.

[@ahunt2rememberoutdoors722]

SO TOTALLY TRUE!!! Was in my blind one morning working a Tom when another hunter hears the conversation. He jumps out of his truck, doors slamming and barks off the loudest box call I think I've ever heard!!! Then , there were 3 hunters actually, that tried to catch up with him.... when the one hunter walked up on my previous blind and was looking to post up in it. Unfortunately had the Turkey actually came to my decoy, it would have been fatal for 3. Me, the turkey, and the other hunter. That's why I had to end the hunt, stand up and RIPPED INTO THIS BOZO!!! I asked him had he even listened to the woods before he started BARKING OUT HEN CALLS? Because the birds had been VERY QUIET since opening day.... I also gave him some more FREE ADVICE!!! Well, after letting that area calm down some (a couple days) I went back in to try and pull that STUBBORN TOM into my set..... Well, I got him to talk, but he was weary. He had (from what I figured) hung up just beyond me a few hundred yards. I like to setup at the top of hills so that by the time they have a chance to spot me, they are in range..... but this time I had a bump between me and him... So I crawled up to just behind the mound trying to mess with him some and spark some interest.... Well, not sure where he was, but I'm thinking he had finally started closing and SPOTTED ME!!! Because after that??? ALL COMMUNICATION CEASED!!! Thing is? I KNOW BETTER!!!! I guess I should state that I had like 6+ birds coming in for a week. I was filming the hunt, and connected with a Jake, and had a 10" Tom within 15'-20' away but couldn't get the camera moved without getting busted. So I let him walk..... I guess one thing to think about when calling is how do you like being talked to by a lover? SCREAMED AT!!!!! OR.... talked to sweet and softly???? GUESS WHAT??? ANIMALS ARE NO DIFFERENT!!!!

[@arttrumbo9496]

You've got some of the best educational Turkey hunting videos out there. You deserve a heck of a lot more subscribers. I've been eating up your videos since I decided to start Turkey hunting last season. Thanks for freely sharing the things you have learned. It helped me bag my first gobbler this spring.

[@garrettstraffon608]

Great video. I need to work on all of these and I just realized this trying to hunt late season. Nothing gobbling. But I got up to soon today and bumped one

[@richbowman8442]

I agree with all three pieces of advice. They are all right on. We are way to impatient now a days. Always start off by calling soft. You never know when a tom has snuck up behind you. When ready to get up and leave. Slowly look around everywhere. Remember that turkey has a periscope he uses to look over the crest of a hill before he comes in.

[@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh]

Excellent info. Prob blew a chance yesterday mornong either called too loud then got up maybe too soon after birds stopped calling

[@javajoe62]

#1 busted me too often my first year. Just learning to even move your head slowly and using peripheral vision was key for me. #2 was not over calling, but the being loud and too fast in cadence. Great advise!

[@adennin1]

It's easy to tell in these comments who is from the south and who isn't. Southern guys like myself clearly heard "sitting still." 🤣

[@mambo3509]

Right on point hit every nail on the head good video

[@stevegraves2968]

Educational. I enjoy the how to, rather then watch me. Thank you for the great information.

[@BrockLowell]

Matt’s like gold, wish I had him when I was a young boy to learn from!

[@josephromano4390]

hey Dale wishing you all the best this 2020 turkey season i bagged my first Tom last spring thanks to your great advice if u ever in Canada Quebec hit me up

[@djustice5252]

Some of the best advice I’ve heard

[@bradroll7528]

This guy needs his own show!

[@gregstabryla8877]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm in Pennsylvania where I am not allowed to run and gun . Therefore I tend to use a ground blind, plus I use a crossbow in the city (Pgh). They are here, just need some pushing. The main thing I took away was soft calling, unless it's raining or windy. Good luck to everyone, shoot straight.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I will always remember my first mistake on my first hunt. My head net was "riding down" onto my eyelids and when I went to adjust it the gobbler saw me and blazed a trail north. Hard but well learned lesson.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Your number three had beaten me down more times than I could count...thankfully, the light bulb finally turned on a couple years ago!

[@328am]

I was about to Google; "what does it mean to set more steel when hunting turkey", then I read the comments xD

[@zeechrocks8386]

Sit, Set its all the same when turkey huntin, great tips i agree with all 3

[@JC-si7xl]

Maybe all these folks correcting your grammar need to quit turkey hunting and start teaching American (English to all you professors). Thanks for your help, great video.

[@scotchyelper3402]

It exhibits a great mind to come on the world wide web and point out errors. Usually broken trolls doing what they do.

[@Bowfella]

Lol they aren't critisizing him 'nor are they correcting his grammar. They just find it funny that they thought he was saying "setting steel". It's not that deep fam.

[@davidpate2237]

Thank you very much for the advice. I like your video

[@kevzzz1186]

I am excited to get my first shot at turkey hunting this year. I've hunted since I could crawl but have never had the opportunity to go after turkey. Thank you for the advise, I am really looking forward to this weekend.

[@TheMuhaAdventures]

What are your options on pop up blinds

[@botnetsPolarBears]

Hey mddale31, thanks for all the work you do putting out these tips. Your videos are the most informative on youtube

[@southernsquealers9695]

I would highly recommend a turkey chair I've tried 5 different turkey vests with the pads on them and they all made my legs go to sleep within 45 minutes but the drake ol tom turkey vest had the best seat and I can sit with a turkey chair for at least 4 hours for long hunts without moving highly recommend

[@jerrymiller6610]

Thanks Matt. Season has been open 3 weeks here in Al and I haven't went yet. Hope to go later this week. I'll put those tips to good use. Keep em coming.

[@paturkeyhunter2765]

Great video .. As a member of the NWTF I can relate to the advice given in this video..

[@jay_9506]

Great advice I agree with all 3 mostly when you think you have stayed long enough stay longer great advice thanks for the video

[@jj-ve9wy]

Matt, I agree with redskin4040 , you have made me a more successful turkey hunter and I thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Matt, I got to tell you, I've learned a lot about turkey hunting from your videos; and for that you have my sincere thanks. I've only been turkey hunting for a couple of years now, and every time it is an education. It is tough to pick up turkey hunting with nobody to learn from. I don't know of anybody in my area, not friends, nor family members who hunt turkey's, and I do not expect other hunters in my area to tell my diddly, so aside from what Ive picked up from your video's, I'm learning everything on my own the hard way. As for the three mistakes, I'm guilty of two of them. I don't soft call enough, and more often then not I don't stay long enough either, probably because I'm usually very still. I'm always trying to keep motionless, but setting still for an extended period of time is hard. After about 3 or 4 hours, it's painful and becomes an exercise in endurance. Especially in the morning frost and you start shivering because you can't move around. (lesson learned: bring a change of shirt after hiking in, and a heavy coat once you set up) I don't think it can be emphasized enough that "comfort is king". Minor things, can turn into something really aggravating. All that said, everything disappears when a gobbler starts coming in. Anyway, thanks again.

[@baconloversupreme]

Hat Bill Hunter sometimes I’ll just nap while I hunt. I highly doubt I’ll get deep enough into sleep to miss turkeys. Soft called for 30 minutes only to pass out for 45 only to wake up with a couple jakes in front of me.

[@richardroot2724]

So true! I see so many of these youtube hunts where they see the turkeys but are moving constantly especially calling. Always puttin their hands to their mouth to call with a gobbler 40 yds away and in view.

[@tankerd1847]

Good tips, I'll definitely keep that in mind here in a couple weeks!

[@isaiahtolo9819]

Great advice, thank you!

[@fishinghuntingfool]

Greetings from Massachusetts turkey season coming soon April 30/U couldn't be more right patient's& being uncomfortable can kill a hunt.we all have experienced it,I hope you have a exciting Hunt this year!

[@patricksinnet8346]

I have been turkey hunting since 2012 that was the 1st year only year I killed a gobbler. it is now 2018. I have been close and closer each year. after watching your video series I believe my calling is good but my sit still sucks. any help is appreciated.

[@NTurman]

One of those low sitting folding chairs helps for sitting long hours

[@danielwiggins3747]

I bowhunt hunt birds all gilie up I found having a 3 legged stool so u can pivot works

[@ellismidkiff6117]

I’ve been sitting in this recliner for a long time. I still have not seen the first turkey.

[@santhiyapei5570]

Man, you really need to print up some t-shirts and hats that say “set steel” - I’d buy one for sure!! Hilarious!! And great video btw!!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

A turkey can see you blink, their eyesight is phenomenal.

[@rickharris5485]

I know now, what I did wrong the other day. Thanks for the advice.

[@tengyang3581]

Right on brother! Great advice as always!

[@barryadcox2710]

Thank u Matt. Ur a wise hunter. These immature post, criticizing your grammar are and embarrassment. However, If you were a transgender dude speaking with a long drawn out, fake feminine accent your words would become crystal clear to all! They wouldn't second-guess a single word and you would be considered the greatest hunting instructor in the history of the world. Instead, because you're a regular guy, helping other people by sharing ur wisdom, you are teased and made fun of in the same way children do on a playground. Anyways thank you a lot my friend. Your knowledge is valuable and I appreciate u sharing it.

[@daleoutdoors17]

Thanks for your nice comment. I don't pay attention the poking fun at my "sitting still" for "steel. Some are just light-hearted. I'm just a hillbilly. I just take it that over 60000 people have viewed it and most like it..you can't please everyone

[@elonwanders7167]

barry adcox its a joke.And getting up to early?Anyone who has hunted,has spooked turkeys vetting up...so try not moving a mussel from 6am till 7pm or so😒. Long story short.Dont move stay long.Use a call bla bla bla.😛just hunt ppl.Have fun picking mushrooms and such😴

[@kabbythedog9409]

Dang, had one come in from the back side of my blind today… first time out there probably did all these things today

[@DwarvenKegger]

Great advice!

[@sun99time]

Man o man, this happened the other day up here in Ontario. I did all the right things and after a couple hours I looked around, thought the coast was clear, got up and walked over to grab my decoy, and behold, there were 3 or 4 toms sitting behind a big bush that I could see through from my sitting spot - they were around 65 - 70 yrds away. I froze, and not prepared at all after they all saw me. If I had of stayed 20 more mins, I would have seen them come around and worked them in. d'oh! I did get one eventually but could of had another! Awful feeling - huge lesson learned. 20 mins longer next time!! Funny, with your southern accent, 'sit still' sounded like 'set steel'. I thought, what the heck is setting steel? hehehe. Thanks! Great advice!

[@MrAnderson2845]

Is he saying "set steel" or "sit still"?

[@pipemonkey1]

Thanks so much!! Great information. Do you have some stuff for bow hunter?

[@hermit6208]

Bow hunters have to set more steel!!!

[@randycox9850]

Hey Matt you're right brother you do those three things and it will change your turkey hunting. sit still , call soft, and set longer super great tips! Did you find a choke and load for your new gun that would give you a good 40 yard pattern ? Love your videos they're great good hunting and God bless !

[@daleoutdoors17]

Randy Cox Carlson choke with longbeard 5's . Works great. Thanks for your support

[@randycox9850]

mddale31 I was watching your video on the way people wants to act now about deer hunting I agree with you so much because everyone wants to be a Michael Waddell or a bill Jordan. hunting shows on TV mail has ruin the hunting, everything's about a big buck and and making a dollar I grew up hunting in the 70s and 80s I miss the old videos of Ben Rodger Lee ,Fred Bear, Dan Fitzgerald. These guys Hunted deer doe, button bucks, small bucks, big bucks. I heard Dan Fitzgerald on one of his video said this is why we do it not the rack the wall for the meat on the table I only have 7 Acres to hunt an old pasture and swamp I passed up a cow horn spike and a nice 4 point buck this past season because guy at work says let him walk. Well I did and I have no meat in freezer can't do it no more I'm 59 year old and I'm going to take what I want that it's legal in my state yes I agree with you too much competition enjoy it God give it to us enjoy the hunt take care bro

[@daleoutdoors17]

Randy Cox I hear that alot. Shoot what makes you happy. I miss them old days to and older videos. Noel Feather Roger Raglin, the young Roger that taught hunting lol. I. Don't care for his tv show much. Them days are gone.. but we got to keep it alive and that's what I'm doing or trying to. I hate what has happened to hunters

[@kungfungify]

when he was saying "set steel" I thought he was using some hunter slang for setting up a blind. I was like, "awww shiiit."

[@kendallbange7980]

Good info... but I would not put and purr together. Putting is good and purring is good (they both are a calm turkey) but when they are put together the hen is usually a bit upset. Many hunters do it but I wouldn't. also I would yelp after a put so the gobbler does not confuse it with a cluck(warning call)

[@daleoutdoors17]

It's a myth. I been purring and clucking together for many years and never spooked one. Watch my new video, myths of turkey hunting. Many many hunters cluck.and purr together and kill them every year. Good luck this spring

[@Bowfella]

Doesn't clucks and purrs mean that a hen is pissed off? And is basically the same thing as a doe stomping it's foot at you?

[@daleoutdoors17]

No. That's a myth. Turkey hunters have been doing it for years and years. Whoever started that myth don't know what they are talking about. Clucks and purrs seals the deal when your trying to get the gobbler in the last few yards

[@terryellenberger465]

@@daleoutdoors17 yes, but don't forget about the 2 gobblers fighting. Very loud fighting purrs and loud clucks. Dale I'm sure you have heard that. Its a site 2 see and hear.

[@gherdmo1]

There's 2 different cluck & purr. I've had a boss hen come up to a decoy & she was loud and pissed. But very very soft is a contented hen. Just like a chicken...I remember my dad would say listen to that old hen a singing...she's happy....And you know when momma's happy-everybody's happy.

[@pieguy5474]

Its funny cause ive never been turkey hunting and yet today on openimg day my father and i tagged out and him and I were talking normaly and moving and yet they still came in

[@wwoutdoors7300]

Happened to me last year. Took five steps he he got gone quickly. He was about 30 yards behind a bush. Came in quiet.

[@Twistnthewind]

Fidgeting has always been my weakness..........ticks don't make things any easier 😅

[@billschmidt4192]

Very good advice Matt. 29th Spring coming up and I still try to learn more from other Turkey Hunters like you.

[@Sportswomancourtney]

Great video and advice!

[@tomyaraschefski6025]

great tips

[@jamescrane6881]

Kool shot!! Info 🦃

[@iwalkincircles2960]

I need to remember to sit longer. I move to early to many times

[@mikeengler2645]

Thanks will call softer

[@jeffhuffman4861]

Good advice

[@ofwoden]

I'm great at setting steel.

[@Dargozion]

Excellent information! Thanks for the tips.

[@20cameron1]

Folks this guy speaks better English than most of y’all ‘spert English teachers. Too many people need to get real and quit being high and mighty. It’s hard to see people when your nose is in the air. We in the South add personality and flavor to our talk. I’ll take genuine good ol’ boys over any snob any day.

[@daleoutdoors17]

Thanks for your comment. I'm just a southern Appalachia guy. I figured everyone would know what still means. Haha It's just how I talk. Some people just want to pick at my way of saying "still"

[@20cameron1]

No problem brother! I can’t stand high fallutin’, high and mighty, better than anyone else attitudes.

[@bgdesignandsolutions]

I hunt turkeys sitting still, and by stalking. But I have taken far more turkeys by stalking than sitting. It's called "still hunting." Works for deer and turkeys both, where you can whistle at turkeys to get them to let you know where they are. Short bleets of whistling, 3 at a time works great. Who needs a call when you can do that? I have walked within 20 yards to them and shot em.

[@bbreede1]

I really don't understand how running and gunning works. I've tried several times and I always seem to bump birds. I feel like at 200lbs, I'm having a hard time sneaking up on turkeys. I would welcome any suggestions.

[@bgdesignandsolutions]

The best method is to see them first. Then take your time. Turkeys loli-gag around unless they are pushed. Keep something between you and them, like a tree, and move from tree to tree, bush to bush. You don't have to be next to the tree to do this, even one in front of you at 30-40 yards is enough to block their vision of you. Don't move sideways unless you have too. Moving sideways, or even at angles, disrupts the norm of standing trees and shrubs that don't move. That will give you away more than anything. Watch to see who is the look out, or how many there are, and focus on where they're looking. Avoid moving when eyes are looking in your direction. When I get close, I place the gun receiver (barrel up) in front of my face to block my eyes from them. Then lower when ready to shoot. Camo works well with turkeys, but no so much with deer. I found solid black or brown is excellent when stalking deer. If you can, get in front of where they are going and wait. If not follow them at a distance, and be quiet as possible. Turkeys can hear you coming up from behind, this is where the camo helps as you blend in when you stand completely still and they look your way. Again, keep your eyes hidden by the gun, or squint. In the fall hens will come to a slight whistle. My guess is it's because the little ones sound more like a whistle than a yelp, and so they respond to it. If two are hunting, one follow, the other head them off. And yes, be prepared to shoot them out of the sky. I have jumped them and had them fly, but a shotgun is much faster than they are when first taking off. If two are hunting, let the turkeys see the one blocking the path where they are going, and more often than not they will turn and walk or run back the other way. The one following will no doubt be in their path and get the shot. There has been times where they ran from one of us to the other and the other filled their tag. The good thing about hunting turkeys, is that they can be shot on the ground or in flight. So if they fly, it will likely be right over your head, or if they are running, they will likely stop for a second to evaluate. Then take your shot. If by yourself, a simple rule, is just pretend you're one of them, and have some fun playing sneak up by moving slow. Noise isn't a real killer, but If you can hear yourself walk, over the wind and surroundings, you're walking too fast. Be quieter than what you hear, and you will soon learn you can hear them scratching around over your own noise. I've had turkeys mulling around less than 10 yards from me and never knew I was there until I was ready. Then pick one out and move quickly, because they will take to flight and run off faster than you can imagine when you make your move. As far as weight goes, I'm well over 200, but my back and neck won't let me do the things I used to. It even hurts to shoot anymore too.

[@bbreede1]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share that. Very helpful!

[@shollandmusic2131]

I personally think clucks and purrs together without a slight yelp is a sign of a spooked turkey. Turkeys obviously putt when they see something and are running away but often times when they are nervous or unsure about something they tend to purr and cluck together like that. Just my opinion tho. I'm not a professional.

[@daleoutdoors17]

Nah it's a myth brother I've been doing it 26 years and never has spook a turkey. It's not a alarm put

[@DanielTPeace]

Preach, Brother!

[@cs_kenton8685]

Hey man that purr plus click put together is auctually a sign of something not being right but they don’t putt bc they’re not for sure

[@daleoutdoors17]

CS_Kenton Everyone is different but I've been purring with a click for 25 years. And I've never had ok spook. I personally believe it's a myth. I know many others that do the same thing and call them in to 15 , 20 yards lol. But to each his own... I killed a one.last year and cluck and purred him all the way in.

[@bhpalmer]

I always SET STEEL. I just can't sit still.

[@ceptemzorpus]

Silt steel

[@christopherhutton8485]

I'm 37 so not old yet. I have hunted them crazy Cluckers for many of years.I have learned that older aged men (50-60) make the best turkey hunters. Why? Well let's say their body does not work as well as it used to sooooooo... They make sure they are comfortable (might take a nap), sit a long time (It's not easy to get up and run the hills anymore.)When they do move they go slow and quiet. They don't call like idiots (Takes a lot of effort and hot air.) So as he says in the video or as I would put it... Hunt like an Old Man....

[@Djsweepaman]

Christopher Hutton I've killed 3 birds in the last week. Only been hunting 5 times. I'm very aggressive calling and very aggresive with my tactics. The 4 "old guys" that hunt the same property as me have killed a combined 2 turkeys in the same amount of time. They sit all day and barely ever call. They think calling will shoo the birds away. Hmm. What strategy seems to be working better ?

[@christopherhutton8485]

Joshua Vaughn 3 birds in a week? What state?

[@Djsweepaman]

Christopher Hutton we hunt MD and VA. Property right on the border.

[@rayisawesoem]

2 bird limit how did you get a third?

[@lansingsfinest4475]

I watched this video and followed the instructions i was calling to loud. I shot top 100 biggest birds in michigan last week confirmed NWTF

[@skunk12]

Do you buy the steel at the store? How much steel do i need to buy? Once you have it, do you set it down or set it aside? Edit: set steel = sit still Also 3:25 👍

[@daleoutdoors17]

I'm a hillbilly from the mountains of Appalachia. Just how I talk. I'm sure most knew what I was talking about.. :)

[@justinvernal]

Love sitting still .means your not working👌🇺🇸

[@joshwurzbacher4241]

Sitting still

[@sparky6200]

Setting steel.... like sweating copper?

[@brandonadams5938]

Setting steel? Do you mean sitting still?

[@ccbean1980]

Set steel

[@TheKerrStead]

thats how we say it in kentucky i didnt know thats what yall hear

[@WildernessMedic]

If I set still I would never even find turkey

[@takeitinstride4now811]

You might mention that Turkeys need to be in the area or close by. Calling in Turkeys often requires seeing them first and knowing they're in the general area before hand. Then hunt the area. They roam, but still stay close to certain areas and many will not roam outside of it, even when tempted with a caller. Find therm, by sight or sound, and go to them first, it usually works. But I would leave the _Steel_ at home, it's way too heavy to carry around.

[@jbrittain4605]

Wish I would of watched this 2 days ago

[@stephenaddair]

Deer mistake every hunter for a stump but turkeys mistake every stump for a hunter

[@flatbrokeoutdoors8462]

Yep the first one screwed me this am

[@jamessmith-jx2yr]

If you wants turkeys. Remember the s's. Got it

[@kylejosephjr]

Tell them kids to set steel

[@wafarms2514]

Looks like ima have to throw my ar500 targets in the back and set up a range at my hunting spot

[@littlebuckslayer]

1&2 helped me kill my turkey today and many others in the past great video

[@jamessmith-jx2yr]

Still. Soft. Stay. Three s