Hunting turkeys in big country is a different challenge altogether. Vast public land, rugged terrain, steep ridges, deep hollows, and miles of ground to cover can overwhelm even experienced hunters. But for those willing to put in the work, these landscapes can hold incredible turkey hunting opportunities.

In this episode, we’re joined by John Weik, host of the Northwest Spur Chasers, to talk about how to break down large tracts of land, locate gobblers in rough terrain, and use elevation, terrain features, and mobility to your advantage.

John shares practical strategies for hunting big landscapes—from map scouting and locating birds across huge drainages to deciding when a gobbler is worth the long hike. If you’ve ever wondered how to tackle massive public land properties or hunt rugged country more effectively, this conversation is packed with insight.

But the discussion goes deeper than tactics. We also talk about the importance of generosity in the turkey woods—sharing hunts with friends, mentoring new hunters, and finding ways to give back to those who have served our country. Because while chasing longbeards is exciting, the experience becomes even more meaningful when it’s shared with others.

Whether you hunt mountains, big timber, or expansive public ground, this episode will challenge you to think differently about both how you hunt and who you bring along with you.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

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Why do some gobblers come running… while others leave you questioning everything?

In this episode, we break down the six gobbler personalities every turkey hunter will encounter—and how recognizing each one can completely change the outcome of your hunt.

Because the truth is… it’s not always your calling that’s failing you.

It’s misreading the bird.

You’ll learn how to identify and adapt to:

• The gobbler that charges in without hesitation
• The one that gobbles at everything but won’t commit
• The silent, sneaky bird that shows up unannounced
• The tom that hangs up just out of range
• The bird that keeps moving away no matter what you do
• And the mid-morning opportunist most hunters miss entirely

We also talk about why a gobbler’s personality can change from one day to the next, and how the best hunters adjust in real time instead of relying on yesterday’s playbook.

This episode is packed with:

• Real-world tactics you can apply immediately
• Field-tested strategies to close the distance
• Stories and lessons from seasoned turkey hunters
• A listener personality quiz to test your instincts

If you’ve ever worked a bird that wouldn’t cooperate… this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

What does it really take to consistently find success on an out-of-state turkey hunt? In this episode, we sit down with West Virginia turkey hunter Zach Lucas of GGG Outdoors/Kingdom Connection to break down the strategy, preparation, and woodsmanship behind effective turkey hunting.

Zach walks us through his e-scouting process, explaining how he goes from studying digital maps to boots-on-the-ground verification. He shares how to identify key terrain features like water sources, ridges, and potential roosting areas, and why understanding the landscape is critical before ever stepping into the woods. As Zach puts it, “Look for water, roosting areas, and ridges.”

We also dive into the importance of reading the environment in real time, balancing patience with aggression, and knowing when to adapt your plan in the field. From setup and concealment techniques to maintaining the right mindset, Zach explains how preparation and awareness can make the difference between a quiet morning and a successful hunt.

Whether you’re planning an out-of-state turkey hunt or looking to sharpen your woodsmanship and hunting strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply this season. Remember: “Always be assessing and reading the environment.”

In this episode, we cover:

• Zach’s step-by-step e-scouting process
• How to analyze terrain and habitat before a hunt
• The balance between patience and aggression in turkey hunting
• Effective setup and concealment techniques
• The role of preparation and mental readiness

Actionable takeaways:

• Research maps and gather intel before your trip
• Identify water sources and likely roosting areas during e-scouting
• Stay patient but be ready to adapt in the field
• Prioritize concealment and smart setup for better opportunities

If you're serious about improving your turkey hunting success, this conversation with Zach Lucas will help you think more strategically the next time you head into the woods.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

In this episode, we sit down with legendary turkey caller and hunter Scott C. Ellis for a deep dive into the art and science of turkey calling—covering everything from subtle hen talk to aggressive sequences and the smart use of locator calls. Whether you’re a beginner trying to sound more realistic or a seasoned hunter looking to fine-tune your approach, this conversation is packed with practical, field-tested insight.

Scott breaks down calling techniques that actually work in real hunting scenarios, not just on stage. He explains when less is more, how to read a gobbler’s mood through his response, and why cadence and timing matter just as much as volume.

The conversation then shifts to locator calls—owl hooters, crow calls, woodpeckers, and more. Scott shares when and how to use locators to strike gobbles without educating birds.

Throughout the episode, Scott mixes in real-world stories, hard lessons learned, and simple drills hunters can practice right now to improve their calling confidence. If you want to sound more natural, call with intention, and use locators strategically instead of randomly, this episode delivers a masterclass from one of the most respected voices in turkey hunting.

📲Turkey Tech App: Apple | Android

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

Turkey hunting has a way of humbling even the most confident hunters. One morning everything clicks—the next, the woods go silent and nothing makes sense. In this episode, we slow things down and walk through the fundamentals that create repeatable success in the spring woods.

This is a deep dive into the skills that matter most: preseason scouting, closing the distance, smart setups, disciplined calling, patience when birds go quiet, and making the right decision when the moment finally arrives. Along the way, you’ll hear hard-earned lessons from blown hunts, long silent sits, and gobblers that taught more by escaping than by ending up on the ground.

This episode isn’t about fancy calls or trendy tactics. It’s about woodsmanship, restraint, and confidence—knowing when to move, when to call, and when to do absolutely nothing. We’ll talk about why getting close beats calling loud, how terrain can be your greatest advantage, why most hunts are won or lost at the setup, and how patience often kills the bird you never hear coming.

Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or have chased gobblers for years, this episode will sharpen your instincts and help you hunt with intention instead of hope.

Settle in—this one’s meant to feel like a long conversation after a good morning in the woods.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

Though most of the time turkey hunting can be frustrating—spending all morning in the woods, not seeing any birds, and hearing little or no gobbling—there are also moments when you can be overwhelmingly blessed with a multitude of birds present and sounding off in your hunting area. When life gives you turkeys it can be both a hardship and a delight. When options abound, it’s still anything but a slam dunk. Today, we’re going to talk about those days when you are gifted with multiple birds and how to choose the right approach so you could be heading out of the woods 20 pounds heavier.

I feel like this a topic that doesn’t get talked about too much, frankly, I think it is because most hunters hope just to actually hear a bird, let alone multiple turkeys. But when you’ve got multiple birds before you, which one do you choose? To help you make the most of your situation, let’s break it down into some different decisions.

BECOME AN INSIDER
Insiders get access to bonus content including the additional afternoon tactic mentioned in today's podcast. All newsletter subscribers become an instant Insider Member, where they get additional content, discounts, and more. Learn more at www.DavisFamilyHunts.com/podcast

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY
There's a giveaway going on right now, and you're invited to join for free! Just head over to www.DavisFamilyHunts.com and sign up for our newsletter. Once you do that, you'll get a link to enter the giveaway posted on our Insider Page. This is your shot at winning a cool prize package, which includes a really nice, personalized box call—perfect for bringing in that next longbeard this spring! Don't wait too long because this chance won't last forever, so make sure to enter today.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

If there is anything there is anything that most hunters would agree upon about wild turkeys, it is that they can be stubborn and unpredictable creatures! Any hunter who’s got a few seasons under their vest knows this to be true. Just when you think you’ve got him coming in on a string, he’ll hold his ground—or he’ll go the other way—or he’ll completely vanish into thin air…or so it seems!

In this episode, we’re going to take a look at several scenarios you may encounter this spring and more importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do to give yourself the advantage. Let's breakdown of eight scenarios you might find yourself in while you’re out there trying to outsmart the King of Spring. We’ll also discuss eight things you can do to stack the odds in your favor.

BECOME AN INSIDER
Insiders get access to bonus content including the additional afternoon tactic mentioned in today's podcast. All newsletter subscribers become an instant Insider Member, where they get additional content, discounts, and more. Learn more at www.DavisFamilyHunts.com/podcast

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY
There's a giveaway going on right now, and you're invited to join for free! Just head over to www.DavisFamilyHunts.com and sign up for our newsletter. Once you do that, you'll get a link to enter the giveaway posted on our Insider Page. This is your shot at winning a cool prize package, which includes a really nice, personalized box call—perfect for bringing in that next longbeard this spring! Don't wait too long because this chance won't last forever, so make sure to enter today.

🔗Link to Season 1, Episode 4 mentioned in this podcast: Go to episode now.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube

When was your first turkey hunting experience? I’ll likely never forget my first outing. It was 1993, I had just come home from 6th Grade Camp with my school and my dad let me skip the last two days of the school week to go with him and a buddy to West Virginia to turkey hunt for three days. First, I was thrilled that my mom even let me get away with missing school, but second, I had tagged along with my dad on a few bow hunts and my curiosity of hunting, woodsmanship, and animal behavior was really building.

Now that I am a father too, it's been a real joy for me to get to share similar experiences with each of my own children. I’m proud to say that each of my four kids—my two boys and my two girls have all shared the turkey woods with me and they all have successfully filled multiple tags over the years. While I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on hunting with kids, I’d like to think that I have gained a lot of wisdom and learned a lot of do’s-and-don’ts.

So let me share with you some advice for passing on the tradition of spring turkey hunting. In this podcast episode, I'll share with you five ways to capitalize on taking a child turkey hunting!

🔗Video mentioned in this episode: "Perfecting Your Turkey Gear Setup for Youth Hunting" https://youtu.be/dVJ7XyeMfuw

BECOME AN INSIDER
Insiders get access to bonus content including the additional afternoon tactic mentioned in today's podcast. All newsletter subscribers become an instant Insider Member, where they get additional content, discounts, and more. Learn more at www.DavisFamilyHunts.com/podcast

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY
There's a giveaway going on right now, and you're invited to join for free! Just head over to www.DavisFamilyHunts.com and sign up for our newsletter. Once you do that, you'll get a link to enter the giveaway posted on our Insider Page. This is your shot at winning a cool prize package, which includes a really nice, personalized box call—perfect for bringing in that next longbeard this spring! Don't wait too long because this chance won't last forever, so make sure to enter today.

Support the show

The pursuit is wild. Never stop learning. 🦃

Are you benefitting from the show? Please consider donating to help keep more episodes flowing. With monthly options as low as $3, it's a great way to support this podcast and keep it available for other turkey hunters too. Thank you for your generosity!

Gain access to our bonus content, merch, product discounts, and much more.
Visit us at www.davisfamilyhunts.com/podcast and subscribe to our newsletter to access our insider page and to keep up on the latest happenings!

You are invited to check us out on our YouTube channel, Wild About Turkey Hunting, which covers everything from turkey vocalizations to our experiences of hunting with kids. We’d love for you to subscribe so you can see watch more of our turkey hunting content. It would also be our privilege for you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Links are provided below:

😁Facebook | 📸Instagram | 🎥YouTube