Turkey Hunting in Ontario

Hunting in Bruce County with Wingfeather Outfitters

Hunting wild turkeys is always a thrill, but the opportunity to pursue the birds in Northeastern Ontario added a new level of excitement. This is just one area of Northern Ontario that turkeys now inhabit. I was sitting in a woodlot during the early morning when the blackness of night still hung when a gobble shattered the darkness.

We were hunting with Luke Scherders of Wingfeather Outfitters of Bruce County, aiming to fill a few turkey tags. One of those was to hopefully be Collin’s first turkey. With another gobbler joining the first one we heard, our hopes were running high.

A Test of Patience

It was the second morning hunting with Scherders. The first morning, a tom had foiled us early in the morning. We were entertained by hens that put on quite a show challenging Scherders’ decoys. Rain during the day made things difficult to lure a tom into range, and although Scherders and his team of guides put us in contact with birds, we never pulled the trigger.

Day two started with a little excitement when a deer came close behind us, snorting and stomping when it became aware of us. Scherders got Collin’s attention when he suggested it was a cougar.

Although a hen came through our decoys to have a closer look before the sun peaked over the horizon, the gobblers were more stubborn. One moved away while the second kept gobbling to my left, answering Scherders’ calls.

The Moment of the Harvest

Then we heard a tom drumming. I saw movement through the trees to my left and ensured Collin was aware of what was happening. The tom eventually broke through the fence line with a flock of hens in tow. Slowly, it moved forward and in front of us. It didn’t seem to notice our decoys and was going along the edge of the grass field in front of us. Figuring it wasn’t coming any closer, I told Collin to shoot. He dropped the bird.

It ended up tipping the scales at 23 pounds, but only had a short beardgo like a jake. Since the spurs were over an inch in length, Scherders figured the beard broke off in the snow the previous winter.

We tried one more spot to fill my tag, but to no avail.

The trip was a success in Collin harvested his first turkey. It was also interesting hunting in a different terrain than home. The rolling hills of Bruce County and scenic farms of beef country were a change from the flat land of southern Ontario to which I was accustomed.

About Jeff Helsdon

Jeff Helsdon calls the turkey-rich woods of southwestern Ontario home. He's hunted turkeys in two Canadian provinces and in the United States. He's completed a Canadian slam of turkey hunting, bagging Eastern birds and a Merriam's in western Canada. When he's not turkey hunting, Jeff enjoys fishing with his family, especially on Lake Erie, and hunting for upland game, waterfowl, and deer.

Recommended Articles

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

A Beginner's Guide to Hunting in Ontario

Everything a first timer needs to know.

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

Ontario's Largest Moose by a Female

A father and daughter's big game hunt in Ontario.

Techniques for an Ontario Moose Hunt

Popular methods to use on a big game hunt.

Turkey Tips and Tricks

Turkey Calling and Decoy Placement

Nipigon Moose

Where 60-inch Racks are Taken Each Year

Deer Hunting in Sunset Country

An overview of deer hunting in Northwestern Ontario—and what the future holds

Trophy Deer Hunts in Thunder Bay

Gord Ellis reveals one of Northwest Ontario's most overlooked trophy hunts.

Moose Hunting in Ontario

Ontario is one of the best places to fulfill the dream.

5 Reasons to Hunt in Sunset Country

Hunt for deer, moose, black bear, and several small game and waterfowl.

11th-hour deer

Thunder Bay is a Wonderful Deer Hunting Desitnation

Double Bears at Kammoe & Sons Outfitters

A successful outing at this family-run spot near Timmins, Ontario.

Ogoki Moose

Fly-in Adventure with Mattice Lake Outfitters

Cooking Wild Game: Venison Kofta Kebabs

Get out the grill for this tasty recipe!

A Dream Hunt

Hunting for Big Ontario Black Bear

A Dryden Buck

Hunting Trophy Bucks in Dryden, Ontario

Big Ontario Bull Moose at 8 Yards

An epic moose hunt into Northern Ontario's remote wilderness.

Big Bucks Behavior

Ghost-like Big Bucks Become Mere Mortals

Fly-In Moose

The Allure of Remote Hunting in Ontario