Bird Brain Is Back: Talking Spring Turkeys with Long Branch Game Calls

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Jake Stanisch of Long Branch Turkey Calls for a deep dive into all things spring turkey hunting. From growing up in Pennsylvania and becoming hooked on the sound of a gobble at a young age, Jake shares what fuels his passion for chasing turkeys year after year. The conversation covers scouting, preseason preparation, and how understanding turkey behavior — from early spring through the month of May — can shape success in the woods. They also discuss how pressure, hens, and seasonal timing influence gobbling activity, and why persistence often matters more than perfect strategy.

Beyond tactics, the episode digs into the mindset of a turkey hunter. Jake breaks down the importance of mastering the fundamentals — becoming proficient with a few calls instead of chasing every new product, reading a bird’s “temperature,” and knowing when to call versus when to stay quiet. The guys also explore different hunting styles, from aggressive run-and-gun approaches to patient sit-and-wait tactics, and why neither is right or wrong. At its core, this episode is about time in the woods, learning through experience, and embracing the unpredictability that keeps turkey hunters coming back every spring.

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