Turkeys start gobbling primarily in early spring as part of their breeding behavior. Young male turkeys, called jakes, begin practicing their gobbles at about 6 to 8 months old, but their gobbling is softer and less frequent than that of mature males (toms), which are 1.5 to 2 years old and beyond. Mature toms gobble most loudly and persistently during the spring breeding season to attract hens and assert dominance to rival males. In terms of daily timing, turkeys are most active in gobbling during the early morning hours, particularly just before dawn and shortly after sunrise. They gobble to communicate their presence, look for mates, and challenge other males during this time. Gobbling activity diminishes midday and is less frequent but still possible in the evening. Seasonally, gobbling peaks in the spring, especially in conditions of clear, cool mornings with low wind. It tends to decline in summer and is minimal in fall and winter when turkeys primarily use other calls for communication. Additionally, gobbling can begin as early as late January or February in some regions, but it is usually in full swing by mid- March. The peak gobbling period corresponds to when hens become receptive for mating, about 45 days after initial gobbling activity begins in late winter or early spring. In summary:
- Young gobblers start practicing at 6–8 months old.
- Mature toms gobble loudly and frequently in spring during the breeding season.
- Gobbling peaks in early morning hours (pre-dawn and shortly after sunrise).
- Gobbling starts as early as late January to February, with peak activity in mid-March to spring.
- Gobbling decreases after breeding season and in extreme weather conditions.
This behavior helps turkeys communicate mating readiness, establish social hierarchy, and warn of dangers.
