POOR SETUPS
If my hunting buddy, Wayne, has said it once, he's said it a thousand times: "Setup is everything."

His idea of a good setup, or calling position, is one that gives the hunter a long view yet makes it difficult for the targeted turkey to see the hunter until it's too late.

As a part-time guide, Wayne has a better instinct for setups than most of us, but I remember one time when he and I were virtually handcuffed by a tom that stopped its approach through open hardwoods about 50 yards away.

The problem was that we had sat down against a tree that was on the same level as the incoming gobbler and there was no rolling terrain, toppled log, dense brush or any other obstacle to block the turkey's vision. He knew that, unless his ears were betraying him, a hen should be right there -- where we were -- but the object of his desire was not in sight. After half an hour of cautious gobbling, he finally tiptoed away and we never saw him again.

The ideal setup, Wayne said, has a "rim effect." That means there is either a ridgetop or similar topographic feature that the turkey must clamber over to see what's on the other side. Any little rise of turf that disguises the caller will suffice.

The rim effect means Wayne can count on having a close- or medium-range shooting opportunity at the incomer's head and neck area.

UNDER-DRESSING
Why do so many sportsmen, turkey hunters especially, ignore mom's admonition to "dress in layers?" Depending on location, the spring turkey season might include temperatures ranging from torrid to frigid, with weather varying from bone dry to soaking wet. Heck, in some parts of the country you can get all that and more in a single morning! If you're not prepared for the elements, you won't be on your game when a big gobbler sounds off. To be honest, I have made a couple of early exits from the woods because I neglected to stow rain gear or an extra pair of socks in my car.

While you can't carry every conceivable clothing item into the field, you certainly can, and should, wear one shirt too many rather than one too few. That extra layer could be just enough to keep you comfortable -- and hunting -- on an unexpectedly brisk May morning.

Along the same lines, don't forget your mosquito and tick repellent. These days, with deer ticks spreading Lyme disease across the country, an effective spray or lotion is important to your health, as well as your comfort.