Fresh burn

[Taco4x4]

I went out Saturday morning to scout some public land I found a few birds on last year and to my surprise all the prime area had been freshly burned. I know this is good for the habitat of the Turkey and promotes new growth which brings insects that the turkeys will feed on. Also for the next few years it will be prime nesting area because the hens can see longer distance and less likely to become victim to predators.

My question is how long after a burn will they return to that area. I saw zero tracks in the fire break that last year was full of dust bolls, tracks and strutting drag marks. We still have a few weeks do you think with some rain it might green up by then and bring them back. Thanks

 

[Dustin Pate]

I've seen them back in burns the next day while it is still smoking.

 

[tr21]

they like cooked snails !!!!

 

[brunofishing]

We set fire to our hay field sat afternoon, just got back from listening for gobbles and had one hen walking the edges of the field. So I would say it don't take long.

 

[Duff]

The very next day

 

[tad1]

Yeah when it’s still smoking, get in that thing! Certainly gonna be harder to hide tho…

 

[Yelpu1]

It doesn’t have to green up, they’ll be in it next day. My favorite place to hunt !

 

[ADDICTED2HUNTIN]

I agree with all the above. I killed a bird years ago on a WMA in an area that was still smoking! They love fresh burns

 

[Taco4x4]

Thanks everyone. My confidence level is back where it should be. Can't wait till the 8th.

 

[Dupree]

I spotted a group of birds in a spot preseason scouting in Alabama several years ago. Came back to listen the next day and heard several, but as I was leaving, the forestry unit pulled up and told me they were about to burn it. I went back into that are a week later when the season opened and the birds were there just like they were before it was burned.

 

[Dupree]

This area still had stumps smoking when I killed this bird. I was leaving “clean” foot steps in the charred litter on the ground waking around in it. I’m assuming they burned 2 days prior to me hunting the area.

 

[Stevie Ray]

'A gobbler loves the smell of freshly charred forest floor first thing in the morning!'



Like others have already stated, I've seen birds foraging with a field still smoldering from a fresh burn ... they'll be there.

 

[buckpasser]

I’ve watched them chasing the escaping grass hoppers on burns more than once. Zero fear except for the human presence normally associated.

 

[buckpasser]

 

[Sixes]

They love them, but it's harder to hide yourself.

 

[Core Lokt]

I'll take/hunt a fresh burn over anything....

 

[chrislibby88]

Those who know seek out the fresh burns. Get there early, you’ll probably have company.

 

[Permitchaser]

I killed this bird on fresh burned area. That was in 2018. The last bird and the last hunt by myself. I’ve been calling in gobblers since for my grandsons
Next weekend we’re going to get after them

 

[Long Cut]

They love the dead bugs & snakes following a burn is my guess.
Either way, I wouldn’t view it as a bad thing.

 

[WOODIE13]

I've seen them back in burns the next day while it is still smoking.

Yep, saw the same thing at Benning, Bragg and Quantico.