Turkey Hunting Gear: What You Need to Hunt Turkeys

When it comes to turkey hunting, having the right gear is essential. Turkey hunting gear can range from basic necessities like camouflage clothing and a shotgun to more specialized items like turkey calls and decoys. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

First and foremost, hunters need to consider their clothing and footwear. Camouflage clothing that matches the surrounding environment is crucial for blending in and staying hidden from the keen eyesight of a turkey.

Boots that are comfortable and waterproof are also important, as turkey hunting often involves long periods of sitting and waiting.

Additionally, a quality turkey vest can help keep all of your gear organized and easily accessible during the hunt.

Understanding Turkey Hunting

Turkey Behavior

Before heading out to hunt turkeys, it’s important to understand their behavior. Turkeys are social animals that live in flocks.

They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours and spend the rest of the day roosting in trees. Turkeys communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, including gobbling, clucking, and purring.

Gobbling is the most well-known sound that turkeys make. It’s a loud, distinctive call that male turkeys make to attract females during the breeding season.

Gobbling can also be a sign of aggression, as males will sometimes gobble at other males to establish dominance.

Hens are the female turkeys and are usually quieter than males. They make soft clucking and purring sounds to communicate with other turkeys. Jake is a term used to describe a young male turkey, while a tom is an adult male turkey.

During the breeding season, male turkeys will often strut to attract females. Strutting involves puffing up their feathers, spreading their tail feathers, and lowering their wings to the ground. This display is meant to impress females and intimidate other males.

Best Time for Turkey Hunting

The best time to hunt turkeys is during the spring breeding season when males are most active and vocal. This usually falls between late March and early May, depending on the location and climate.

However, hunting during the fall season can also be productive, as turkeys are more focused on finding food and may be easier to locate.

It’s important to note that hunting regulations and seasons vary by state, so be sure to check the rules and regulations in your area before heading out.

Additionally, it’s important to practice safe hunting techniques and always wear appropriate gear, such as blaze orange clothing and a turkey hunting vest.

In conclusion, understanding turkey behavior and the best time to hunt can greatly increase your chances of a successful hunt.

By practicing safe hunting techniques and using the right gear, you can enjoy a rewarding and exciting turkey hunting experience.

Essential Turkey Hunting Apparel

Turkey hunting requires specialized gear to ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. The right apparel can make all the difference in your comfort and stealth while hunting. Here are the essential turkey hunting apparel items to add to your gear list.

Camouflage Clothing

Camouflage clothing is a must-have for turkey hunting. It helps to blend in with the surroundings and remain undetected by the keen eyesight of turkeys.

A good camouflage pattern should match the environment you will be hunting in, such as woodland or open fields. Turkey hunting camo clothing can include pants, shirts, jackets, and even full-body suits.

Hunting Boots

Hunting boots are another vital piece of turkey hunting apparel. They should be comfortable, durable, and waterproof to withstand any terrain and weather conditions. Look for boots with good traction and support to help you navigate through rough terrain quietly.

Turkey Hunting Hats

A turkey hunting hat is an essential accessory to complete your camouflage outfit. It helps to break up your human silhouette and blend in with the surroundings. Choose a hat that matches your camo pattern and has a brim to shield your eyes from the sun.

Turkey Hunting Vests

A turkey hunting vest is a convenient way to carry all your gear while keeping it organized and easily accessible. Look for a vest with plenty of pockets for calls, shells, and other essentials. A good turkey hunting vest should also be lightweight and breathable to prevent overheating.

Hunting Gloves

Hunting gloves are crucial for turkey hunting, as they help to conceal your hands and reduce noise while handling your gear. Look for lightweight gloves that allow for dexterity and have a camo pattern to blend in with your surroundings.

In conclusion, having the right turkey hunting apparel can make all the difference in your hunting experience. Remember to choose camo patterns that match your environment, invest in comfortable and durable boots, and keep your gear organized and accessible with a turkey hunting vest.

Don’t forget to complete your outfit with a camo hat and gloves to remain undetected while hunting.

Turkey Hunting Calls

When it comes to turkey hunting, having the right calls is essential. Turkey hunting calls are used to mimic the sounds of a turkey, which can help attract them to your location.

There are several types of turkey hunting calls available, including box calls, diaphragm calls, and slate calls.

Box Calls

Box calls are one of the most popular types of turkey hunting calls. They are typically made of wood and consist of a rectangular box with a lid that slides back and forth.

To use a box call, the hunter slides the lid back and forth to create the sound of a turkey. Box calls are easy to use and produce a wide range of sounds, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced hunters.

Diaphragm Calls

Diaphragm calls, also known as mouth calls, are another popular option for turkey hunters. They consist of a small reed that is placed in the hunter’s mouth, and the sound is created by blowing air across the reed.

Diaphragm calls require some practice to master, but they are very effective at producing realistic turkey sounds. They are also hands-free, which makes them a great option for hunters who need to keep their hands free for other tasks.

Slate Calls

Slate calls, also known as pot calls, are another type of turkey hunting call. They consist of a round piece of slate or other material that is placed in a pot or box.

The hunter then uses a striker to create the sound of a turkey by rubbing it across the slate. Slate calls are easy to use and produce a realistic sound, making them a great choice for hunters of all skill levels.

When choosing turkey hunting calls, it’s important to consider your skill level and the type of hunting you’ll be doing. Box calls are a great choice for beginners, while diaphragm calls require more practice but are very effective.

Slate calls are also a good option for hunters of all skill levels. By having a variety of calls at your disposal, you’ll be able to produce a range of turkey sounds and increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Turkey Hunting Decoys

When it comes to turkey hunting gear, decoys are an essential item for any hunter. Turkey decoys are lifelike replicas of turkeys that are used to attract real turkeys.

They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, and can be made of different materials such as foam, rubber, and plastic.

Decoys are used to create the illusion of a flock of turkeys in the area. This can attract real turkeys to the hunter’s location, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.

Decoys can also be used to distract turkeys and draw their attention away from the hunter, making it easier to take a shot.

There are different types of turkey decoys, including:

• Hen decoys: These are replicas of female turkeys and are used to attract male turkeys.
• Jake decoys: These are replicas of young male turkeys and are used to attract other young male turkeys or to challenge older males.
• Tom decoys: These are replicas of mature male turkeys and are used to attract other mature males or to challenge them.

When using decoys, it is important to place them strategically. Hunters should place them in a visible and open area, where they can be seen by passing turkeys. It is also important to use them in conjunction with other turkey hunting gear such as calls and blinds.

In conclusion, turkey hunting decoys are an important piece of gear for any turkey hunter. They can increase the chances of a successful hunt and are available in different types to suit different hunting scenarios.

Turkey Hunting Weapons

When it comes to turkey hunting, having the right weapon is crucial. There are two main options for turkey hunting weapons: shotguns and bows.

Shotguns and Ammunition

Shotguns are the most common choice for turkey hunting. They offer a high level of accuracy and can take down a turkey with a single shot. When choosing a shotgun, hunters should look for one with a tight choke and a longer barrel, as these features will increase accuracy and range.

In addition to the shotgun, hunters will also need to select the right ammunition. Turkey loads are specially designed for hunting turkeys and come in a variety of sizes, including 4, 5, and 6 shot. It is important to choose the right size for the shotgun being used, as well as the hunting conditions.

Bowhunting for Turkeys

Bowhunting for turkeys is another option for hunters. This method requires a high level of skill and accuracy, as well as specialized gear. Hunters will need a bow with a high poundage and a draw weight of at least 50 pounds.

In addition to the bow, hunters will also need specialized broadheads designed for turkey hunting. These broadheads are typically larger and heavier than those used for other types of hunting.

Overall, whether using a shotgun or a bow, hunters should choose their weapon and ammunition carefully to ensure a successful and ethical hunt.

Planning Your Turkey Hunt

When it comes to turkey hunting, planning is crucial to a successful hunt. A well-planned hunt can be the difference between coming home empty-handed and bagging a trophy bird. Here are some important aspects to consider when planning your turkey hunt.

Scouting for Turkeys

Scouting is one of the most important steps in planning a turkey hunt. It involves locating areas where turkeys are known to be present, and identifying the best spots to set up your blind or decoys.

To scout effectively, hunters should spend time in the field observing turkey behavior and listening for their calls.

Choosing Your Hunting Land

Choosing the right hunting land is another crucial aspect of planning a turkey hunt. Hunters can choose between public and private land, each with its own pros and cons.

Public land may offer more opportunities for hunting, but it can also be crowded and require more scouting. Private land, on the other hand, may offer more privacy and a greater chance of success, but it can also be more expensive and require permission from the landowner.

Packing for Your Hunt

Packing for a turkey hunt involves bringing the right gear and equipment to ensure a successful and safe hunt. This includes a shotgun or bow, calls, decoys, camouflage clothing, and safety gear such as a hunter orange vest and hat.

Hunters should also pack food and water, a map of the hunting area, and a hunting stand or blind if necessary.

In summary, planning is key to a successful turkey hunt. By scouting for turkeys, choosing the right hunting land, and packing the necessary gear, hunters can increase their chances of bagging a trophy bird.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having the right turkey hunting gear can make all the difference in a successful hunt. The right equipment can provide comfort, protection, and the necessary tools to take down a tom.

When it comes to comfort, a good chair and footwear are essential. A comfortable chair will allow the hunter to sit for long periods of time without getting tired.

Good hunting boots or hiking boots will provide support and comfort during long hikes to the hunting site.

Water and snacks are also important to keep the hunter hydrated and energized during the hunt. Pockets on hunting gear can be useful for storing snacks, water, and other small items.

Binoculars are a must-have for turkey hunting. They can help the hunter spot toms from far away and determine if they have a beard or not. A red dot sight can also be helpful for quick and accurate aiming.

Rubber boots are necessary to keep the hunter’s feet dry in wet conditions. Insect repellent can help keep bugs away and prevent distractions during the hunt.

A ground blind can provide cover and protection from the elements. Bottomland camo can help the hunter blend in with the surroundings and make them less visible to the turkeys.

A hunting license is required for legal hunting and should always be carried with the hunter. A knife is also necessary for field dressing the turkey after the hunt.

Overall, having the right turkey hunting gear can make the hunt more enjoyable and increase the chances of success. It’s important to choose gear that is comfortable, functional, and appropriate for the specific hunting conditions.