If you scare a turkey off the roost, the best thing to do is to back away slowly and quietly. If the turkey does not see you as a threat, it will likely come back down to the ground. If the turkey does see you as a threat, it may start making loud noises and trying to intimidate you.
In either case, it is best to give the turkey some space and avoid getting too close.
If you scare a turkey off the roost, don’t worry! Just give it some time and space to calm down. The best thing to do is to leave the area and come back later.
Turkey’s are very sensitive creatures and can get spooked easily. If you make too much noise or move too suddenly, they will fly away. So just be patient and give them time to settle down before approaching again.
Wild Turkeys
They’re big, they’re bold and they’re definitely not shy. We’re talking about wild turkeys, of course, and these fascinating birds are making quite a comeback in North America.
Once nearly wiped out by overhunting and habitat loss, wild turkeys were successfully reintroduced across the continent in the 20th century and their numbers have been steadily increasing ever since.
Today, it is estimated that there are more than seven million wild turkeys roaming the forests and woods of North America.
So what makes these birds so special? Well, for starters, they are excellent flyers and can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour!
They are also very good swimmers and have been known to travel long distances (up to 12 miles) in search of food or new territory. But perhaps their most impressive feat is their ability to survive in a wide range of habitats – from cold mountainous regions to hot desert areas.
In terms of appearance, wild turkeys are easily recognizable with their dark plumage and bare heads (which can range in color from red to blue).
Males (or “toms”) are typically larger than females (or “hens”), with males averaging around 30 inches in length and 15 pounds in weight. Females, on the other hand, tend to be smaller with an average length of 26 inches and weight of 10 pounds. Both sexes have wing feathers that are brilliantly colored with iridescent hues of green, copper and bronze.
When it comes to diet, wild turkeys are mostly opportunistic feeders which means they will eat just about anything they can find! This includes acorns, nuts, berries, insects, small reptiles & amphibians – you name it! In fact, one study found that the stomach contents of one wild turkey included more than 70 different types of food items!
Turkey Species
Turkey is a common name for several species of large birds in the genus Meleagris. Turkeys are native to the Americas, and two species, the Wild Turkey and the Ocellated Turkey are found in South America. The best-known turkey species is the North American Wild Turkey, typically called just “turkey”.
These birds are members of the family Phasianidae which also includes pheasants, partridges, quails, and chickens.
There are six extant turkey species:
The North American Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is by far the most common, with about 6 million wild turkeys in North America.
About 4,000-5,000 wild turkeys are killed each year by hunters in the United States.
The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata), also known as the peacock turkey or royal turkey, is native to parts of Mexico and Central America. It gets its name from its distinctive tail feathers which have blue and gold eyespots.
The male has brightly colored plumage all over his body; females are more drab but still quite pretty. Only about 50-60 ocellated turkeys are thought to be taken each year by hunters.
The Gould’s Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) is a subspecies of wild turkey that ranges from Arizona to central Mexico.
It gets its name from ornithologist John Gould who first described it in 1856. This bird is slightly smaller than other wild turkeys and has more black on its body than any other subspecies. An estimated 2,000-3,000 Gould’s turkeys are harvested annually by hunters in Mexico.
The Merriam’s Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) is another subspecies of wild turkey that ranges through parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. It was named after Caryl Aikens Merriam who collected the first specimens in 1886. This bird is similar in size to other wild turkies but has darker plumage with more grayish tones than other subspecies.
Each year during hunting season, around 5% of the US population will bag a Merriam’s Turkies .
What is a Male Turkey Called
A male turkey is called a tom. A female turkey is called a hen.
Male Vs Female Turkey
The wild turkey is the heaviest member of the genus Meleagris and the national bird of the United States. The typical adult male weighs between 11 and 18 pounds (5 and 8 kg), while females usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds (2.3 and 4.5 kg). Male turkeys are significantly larger than females, but there is overlap in size.
Females are usually slightly smaller than males, but can range widely in size depending on their age, genetics, and health. For example, a two-year-old female may be as large as a three-year-old male.

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How Fast Can a Spooked Turkey Run?
When a turkey is scared or spooked, it can run up to 20 miles per hour! That’s pretty fast for a bird that typically only flies at speeds around 55 miles per hour. So, if you’re ever being chased by a turkey, make sure to give it a wide berth – you probably won’t be able to outrun it.
Do Turkeys Return to the Same Roost?
Do turkeys return to the same roost?
Yes, turkeys will typically return to the same roosting spot each night.
They are creatures of habit and prefer familiarity when it comes to their sleeping quarters.
Providing your turkey with a safe, comfortable roost will help encourage them to stay put on your property.
Will a Missed Turkey Come Back?
No, if you miss a turkey, it is gone for good.
Should You Call to a Roosted Turkey?
No, you should not call to a roosted turkey. When turkeys are roosting, they are typically in a large group and very alert. Calling to them could result in the entire flock becoming spooked and taking off.
Additionally, calling to a roosted turkey is likely to bring other hunters in the area right to your location.
ROOST HUNTING TACTICS FOR TURKEYS
Conclusion
If you scare a turkey off the roost, you may be able to still hunt it. First, try and find where it flew off to. Then, make some calls or use a locator call to find the turkey.
You can also look for tracks or feathers to help you find the bird. Once you find the turkey, be patient and wait for it to come back within range.