Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

In any hunting situation, safety should be at the forefront of the hunter. Turkey hunting is no different. All hunters that plan on being in the woods should be familiar with and execute proper safety measures.

Weapon Safety

Regardless of the choice of weapon to be used, the hunter should always be experienced in how the weapon operates.

• The hunter should be proficient with the weapon and take advantage of any safety features.
• Always spend quality time practicing with the weapon prior to using it in the field.
• The hunter should never use a weapon that one is not familiar with. This also includes shells, arrows, bullets, and muzzle loading equipment.

Physical Safety

In most cases, turkey hunting can often be a very physical activity. The hunter frequently spends a lot of time on foot. For this reason, the hunter should be alert to physical safety health issues.

• Try to be in or get into proper physical shape prior to the turkey hunting season.
• Speak with a doctor about any health concerns prior to hunting.
• Always monitor any current health issues, such as diabetes, that may result in dangerous situations in the field.
• Start the day with a good breakfast and bring along extra food and water if planning to stay in the field for extended periods of time.
• Be extra careful while walking in areas that are sloped or inclined, crossing ditches, crossing fences, crossing water, or on uneven ground.

Personal Safety

There are also issues related to personal safety that the hunter should plan accordingly for.

• Always make others, such as family members or friends, aware of planned hunting events.
• Let someone know where the location of the hunt will take place.
• Leave your expected time of return.
• Having an emergency plan already setup in the event that the hunter does not return within a reasonable time period can also be helpful.

Clothing Safety

The hunter should also consider safety when dressing for the hunting event.

• Dress in full camouflage from head to toe.
• Make sure to cover the hands and the face.
• Wear dark colored socks and or tuck the pant legs into boots to prevent skin from being exposed.
• Never wear items of clothing that have the colors red, white, or blue. These are the predominant colors of the neck and head of a turkey.

Equipment Safety

Turkey hunters use a wide variety of equipment in the field. There are a few safety measures that can be used as a result.

• Although most items will usually come with a camouflage print or a dull finish, any equipment to be used that does not should be colored accordingly.
• A dark permanent marker can be used on small items when paint is not available.
• Although it is not necessary to have a camouflaged weapon, it should be at least be dull finished to prevent glare.
• Again, do not use or at least change the color of anything that has the same colors as a turkey neck and head.

Decoy Safety

The hunter should take safety precautions whenever using decoys in the field. It is easy to mistake a decoy for a real turkey.

• Place decoys in areas with a clear field of view.
• Try to position the decoys in a way that does not put the hunter in a direct line of fire. This is helpful should another hunter mistake the decoys for being real.
• When transporting the decoys, make sure they are carried in a vest or hunting bag and are completely covered and not sticking out.

Calling Safety

The need for safety when using turkey calls should also not be overlooked. Remember, the hunter is attempting to sound like a turkey and may be mistaken for one by other hunters.

• Keep a watchful eye out for other hunters in the area.
• Verbally identify yourself if approached by other hunters.
• Use extra caution if using turkey calls to make a gobble sound.

Public Land Safety

Because of the availability to all, it is important to use extra caution when hunting on public land.

• Whether required or not, it is helpful to use hunter orange hats or a vest while walking to and from hunting areas.
• If possible, make contact with other hunters parked in the same area. This way one can determine roughly where each hunter will be.
• Often it is possible to go deeper into the woods and avoid any conflicts with others.
• Make sure to be familiar with the area, or at least have a quality map to reduce the chances of getting lost.

After The Shot Safety

Many hunters prefer to run to and step on the harvested turkey neck and head after the shot. While this is fine, just remember to think safety. A mature turkey generally has sharp spurs that can cause damage.

• When carrying the turkey from the woods, place the turkey inside the hunting vest or inside a carrying bag. Make sure the turkey is completely concealed.
• Although commonly seen on television, it is best not to tote the turkey over the shoulder.

General Safety Rules

There are also general safety rules that should be followed while turkey hunting.

• Always identify and know what one is shooting at before taking the shot.
• Never shoot at any movement in brush.
• If other hunters approach your setup area, call out to them to let them know of your location.
• Use common sense and never take unnecessary chances.

Emergency Safety

Although rare, there may come a time when the hunter finds himself injured or lost in the woods.

• Carry a small first aid kit for minor injuries.
• Carry a loud whistle so others will be able to find you.
• Carry a cell phone to call for help.
• Carry a good map of the area and keep track of your location throughout the day.
• If injured or lost, it is best to stay put in one location and use the whistle and cell phone to aid others in finding you.

Safety Gear

• Whistle
• First Aid Kit
• Food and Water
• Cell Phone
• Sharp Hunting Knife
• Flashlight with fresh batteries.
• Maps
• Compass
• Bug Spray

When it comes to safety, it is always better to be more cautious than less cautious. Never assume anything and don’t take unnecessary chances. When in doubt, remember safety first.