[oucorry]

By Ed Godfrey
Outdoors Editor
Windy conditions hinder turkey calling, but high winds don't mean a hunter can't bag a gobbler.
After hearing for years that windy days are poor turkey hunting days, Caleb Derrick of Edmond and Paul Balkenbush of Durant strongly considered skipping their annual turkey hunting trip together to Woods County last week.




But even with wind gusts registering 50 mph, the pair of hunters decided to give it a try anyway and were rewarded with three trophy birds, including a unique triple-bearded tom.

The gobblers were harvested on the same day but each from different locations: two on morning hunts and one on an evening hunt.

The hunting conditions were questionable at best, but prior scouting put the hunters in close proximity to the birds.

The pair stalked carefully near good habitat, glassing every few steps, until the birds were located. Once found, a final stalk was made to a distance close enough that the birds could hear calls in the howling winds.

"Remarkably, all three of these birds came to the call despite the windy conditions,” Derrick said.

"While they were not gobbling well, they did come on in. So, all of this sort of de-bugs the notion that windy days are not good turkey hunting days.”

A little persistence and careful scouting can close the gap so the toms can hear the hunters' music. The wind can also aid in stalking as it helps to hide the movement of hunters.

"The bottom line is that you should go turkey hunting when you can go — windy or not,” Derrick said. "Turkeys are going to be turkeys either way.”

Turkey season continues in Oklahoma through May 6.

[birdman]

A tripple bearded tom?? Man that thing would be a nice mount. Has anyone ever heard of or seen multiple beards on a bird?

[shortbus]

I'm pretty sure a guy my brother and I know shot a turkey with three beards. I'm sure he has pictures. Maybe Ryan can post them...

[oucorry]

My buddy shot one around Mangum one year it was pretty cool

[Kirkes]

The problem with wind is that the turkey have a hard time hearing the hunter and the hunters have a hard time hearing the turkeys. however, if you are are hunting open country and can see the turkey they wind is an advantage. the wind can conceal movement made by stalking. all you have to do is put up the mouth call and get out the slate and call according to the turkeys body language.