Turkey Hunting Gear
Turkey hunting can be one of the most challenging and rewarding forms of hunting. Matching wits with an old Tom turkey certainly ranks high on the hunting chart. In order to make the day in the woods more enjoyable, the hunter needs to have proper turkey hunting gear.
Camouflage Clothing
The clothes worn in the field need to be camouflaged with patterns that will match the terrain to be hunted. The hunter will need comfortable wearing pants and shirt, bibs,or coveralls. Clothing should be made of light weight, yet strong materials. Clothing should also be soft and quiet so as not to make unnecessary sounds. Under garments should be dark in color so as not to stand out if exposed. Clothing should be loose fitting to allow for sit down or crawling ease.
Boots
The most important consideration about boots is they need to be as comfortable wearing as possible. Since turkey hunters often spend many hours on their feet, a good pair of boots is mandatory. They should be light weight and water proof. They need to have good arch and ankle support as well as a good amount of inner cushion. Remember to wear a good pair of socks either for warmth or to keep the feet dry.
Hands And Face
The hands and face need to be camouflaged as much or even more than other body parts. These two areas will likely have the most movement once a hunting set up is in place. A head net will work well as long as it covers all areas of the face. Face paint can also be used. The hands should be covered with gloves. Gloves need to allow easy movement of the hands and fingers for using various turkey calls.
Weapons
Many weapons used for turkey hunting come from the factory already with a dull or camouflaged pattern. If not, there are many marketed products available from tapes to paints that can be used for better concealment. Make sure to cover all shiny parts. Regardless of which weapon is used, make sure you are proficient with it and that you always use extreme safety measures. Shotguns are the most common weapon of choice with bows and black powder guns becoming popular as well.
Seat
Many turkey vest now a days come with an attached seat. If the hunter does not have this option, there are many different style seats available. Make sure it is of good quality and thickness as to be comfortable while on the ground. Seats are important as they reduce fatigue allowing the hunter to sit still longer.
Fanny Pack, Back Pack, Or Turkey Vest
The turkey hunter will often have a wide assortment of gear to take into the woods. The use of a good fanny pack, back pack, or turkey vest is a necessity. Make sure they are light weight and durable. A variety of pocket sizes would also be a good choice. Although zippered pockets may make a little noise, they are generally more secure than buttons.
Tools
The turkey hunter has many tools of the trade that can be included on each turkey hunting trip. They include a wide variety of turkey calls, blind, decoys, and many others. See our previous article on turkey hunting supplies, equipment, and tools for a more detailed list of tools. Regardless of what you decide to take, make sure it packs neatly and quietly.
These turkey hunting tips are provided as helpful information. The turkey hunting gear found in this article are suggestions that can be used in the field. As always be safe and good luck.
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Turkey Blind Guidelines
Turkey hunting tips: A turkey blind is used to aid the hunter with concealment. It allows the hunter the ability to move and stretch without being detected. It also provides better comfort on days when the weather is bad. This article provides a few guidelines for using turkey blinds.
Turkey Blind Guidelines
Ideally the blind should be completely enclosed with a roof and numerous windows. This will provide shade or keep rain off the hunter. It will also allow the hunter to be able to see in all directions if need be.
The windows should be made of a camouflage mesh or similar material and have a zipper that can be opened. This will help with concealment and provide a shooting area for sticking the gun or bow out of.
The inside of the blind should be camouflaged or black in color. This will help in concealment and reduce the chances of the hunter being silhouetted.
The blind should be made of a quality, light weight, and water proof material. It should be sturdy when set-up and have limited noise and movement on windy days.
The blind should be tall enough to allow the hunter to stand up completely. It should also be large enough inside to be able to move without hitting the sides.
The blind should be easily unpacked and set-up. It should also be easily folded up and packed away for transport.
Blind Set-up
The blind can be used anywhere that turkey movement is expected to occur. Feeding or strutting areas are ideal places to use a blind.
The area in which the blind is to be placed needs to be cleared and free from obstructions that may damage the blind. Also make sure nothing will brush up against it to create noise during windy days.
The hunter should place natural terrain items such as limbs, bushes, or grasses around the exterior of the blind for added concealment.
The hunter also needs to use a quality, comfortable chair inside the turkey blind. The chair needs to be light weight and easy to back pack or carry. This will help the hunter be able to sit for extended periods.
Calling From A Blind
Because of the enclosed style of the turkey blind, sounds made from inside will often be distorted. The hunter should be aware of this and move as close to the windows as possible when calling from a blind.
Generally soft yelps, clucks, and purrs are a better approach than calling loud and excitedly. Limit calling to every 15-20 minutes or so. The hunter should be patient and expect gobblers to come in silently.
Decoys
When using decoys with blinds, place the decoy directly in front of the blind. This will allow an adequate field of view from left to right. The decoy should be between 10-20 yards away from the blind. The use of one hen decoy should be adequate.
Final Tips
Make sure to position the chair near the center of the blind as to not bump the sides. Also on windy days, using stakes to secure the blind to the ground is recommended.
These turkey hunting tips for using turkey blinds are provided as helpful information. They are intended to aid the hunter in concealment and comfort.
As always be safe and good luck.
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Turkey Hunting Supplies, Equipment, and Tools
The modern turkey hunter has a wide selection when it comes to supplies and equipment. This turkey hunting tips article provides a list of various tools that can be used in the field. The hunter can pick and choose or add items that are not found on the list. This is just an idea and it is not necessary to carry all items.
- Weapon of choice: shotgun, bow, blackpowder, etc.
- Shotgun shells or arrows, blackpowder, etc.
- Turkey vest or backpack: for carrying various supplies
- Decoys and stakes: Jake, hens, gobbler
- Turkey calls: wide variety of mouth diaphragm, box, friction, etc.
- Locator calls: owl hooter, crow, coyote, etc.
- Camouflage clothing: hat, gloves, face mask, boots, pants, shirts, etc.
- Turkey blind: full or half blind for concealment
- Binoculars: a good pair for long range viewing
- Pruning shears: needed for clearing set up area
- Seat: comfortable for extended sitting
- Water and snacks: for hydration and energy
- Toiletries: it will be needed
- Compass: especially if hunting large unfamiliar land
- Map: always good to have a topo map
- Rangefinder: for range estimations
- GPS: if you like hightech
- Turkey carrier: for carrying out the turkey
- Rain gear: if hunting in wet conditions
- Sand paper and steel wool: used on friction calls
- Chalk: for box calls
- Camera or video: you have to have pictures
- Flashlight: for seeing in the dark
- Knife: always carry this tool
- Bug repellent: so you can survive the spring critters
- Gallon zip loc bags: keeps calls and other items dry
- Watch: for keeping track of time
- Multi purpose pliers: just in case something needs fixing
- Pen and pad: for note keeping
- First aid kit: just in case
- Hunting license and permits
Use these turkey hunting tips as a starting point. Prepare ahead of time for that next hunting trip.
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Turkey Decoy Tips
Turkey Hunting Tips: The turkey decoy is a manufactured or mounted replica of a wild turkey. It is used to represent turkeys walking, strutting, standing, or feeding. The purpose of a decoy is to offer turkeys an object to look at while the hunter is trying to call them into a set up location. This visual effect often provides the hunter with an edge. Using decoys can in many situations allow the hunter a better chance at success.
How To Use A Decoy:
Learning how to use a decoy is often based on trial and error. Here are some suggestions to start. Decoys need to be placed in an open area of woods or fields that will provide the best chance of it being seen by a turkey. Try not to place it too close to any other objects such as trees or thick cover. The decoy should be placed at least 15 to 20 yards away from the hunter. This gives the hunter plenty of room to allow for movement if need be. Also the hunter should position the decoy in a manor in which the hunter is not in the direct line of sight to on coming turkeys. The decoy should be securely staked to the ground. This prevents it from falling or being blown over. Facing the decoy away from the direction that turkeys are expected to come from is sometimes helpful.
Decoy Tips:
Often the use of a single hen decoy will be effective. However, adding another hen or jake decoy to the set up will at times help in bringing in leery gobblers. Having a feeding hen will also add to the contentment and calmness factor.
Try using soft clucks and purrs upon initial set up adding in soft yelps after a few minutes. Increase the volume and excitement level to the calls only if there is no response to soft calling. Be patient and observant as often gobblers or other turkeys will walk in without making a sound.
Decoys should be carried in a backpack when ever possible. Must decoys are light weight, flexible, and can be folded up for transport. Don’t forget the stake when removing from the field.
If using flex or blow up style decoys, make sure to fully inflate or extend out upon placement. This way there are no unnatural dents or bulges on the decoy. Turkeys will be able to see any imperfections.
Try these turkey hunting tips for using decoys. They may provide for a successful hunting experience.
