Many people prefer to try and call in the whole turkey flock instead of scattering them. This is the general method I prefer to always try first. If I cannot call the flock in I will then try and scatter them and try to call in an individual bird. My feelings are if you have turkeys close to you, why not try and call them in as a group before spooking them. It works well some of the time and gives you two chances for success.

Locating a flock of turkeys can be done by either viewing a flock and maneuvering to get closer or by using your ears and finding a flock scratching or calling amongst themselves. Once you have a flock located, try and judge where they are traveling and get in front of them before setting up. Start out by giving a few yelps or clucks. If you get a response copy that turkey's call.

Another good tactic in this situation is to use a fighting purr. All turkeys, especially young ones, are really active fighting in the fall and they love to come running when they hear a fight going on. Turkeys are constantly fighting in the fall as they try and establish the flock's pecking order. They make a lot of noise when they fight so I do too when I'm trying to call them in. I've had the best luck while hunting with a buddy and having both of us calling like crazy. It's also a good idea to use a wing or hat to beat on the ground or trees around you. A turkey fight is loud with lots of wingbeats, purring, cutts and clucks and more. If you can get close to copying all of these sounds, you will sound more realistic and be more effective. Getting charged by a group of 20 young jakes in the fall can be a lot more intense than even calling in an old longbeard in the spring.