When scouting woodland areas like Pennyrile, search out the turkeys’ food sources. Adult wild turkeys are omnivorous, which is one reason behind their amazing reestablishment across the eastern United States. They will eat just about anything.

When in season, acorns are a favorite food of these birds. They will also feed on seeds and the nuts of pine and beech trees.

In farming regions, turkeys will eat corn, oats, barley, wheat and sunflowers. But in forested regions -- their primary habitat -- the staples of the turkey’s diet are insects and other invertebrates.

During spring, turkeys will feed on leaves and grasses, and in summer, fruits and berries as well.

For more on the turkey-hunting opportunities at Pennyrile State Forest, as well as the many other public hunting lands available throughout the Bluegrass State, contact the KDFWR in Frankfort.

Success during the spring turkey season depends on your knowing the birds’ daily activities.

At daybreak, turkeys will be in their roosting trees.

When the toms start gobbling, hens will give out soft yelps. If you’re in the right place at the right time, this is truly when the hunt begins.

If weather conditions are good, the birds will fly off the roost when the light is good enough for them to feel safe. If the woods are dark from overcast skies or fog, turkeys may stay on the limbs for a couple of hours after daybreak.

When a tom gobbles first thing in the morning, he’s usually trying to attract hens.

If a hen doesn’t come to his roosting area, he will fly down and go to his strutting area. In hilly terrain, this often means ridges and points. In more open areas, toms will often strut along the edges of open fields.

Nearly all consistently successful turkey hunters agree: Knowing where the tom turkeys roost and where they strut will provide the best opportunities for a good shot.

A convincing call, a few decoys and appropriate camouflage all play a part. But pre-season scouting to find where the birds live is the primary objective in bringing home a gobbler for the table.