How to Make a Turkey Trap – A Complete Guide to Trapping Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys can be elusive and difficult to hunt. However, trapping turkeys using a properly constructed trap can greatly increase your chances of success. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about making and using an effective turkey trap.

Why Trap Turkeys?

There are several advantages to trapping turkeys rather than traditional hunting methods:

• Requires less skill – Trapping relies more on location and baiting than stalking ability.

• Better success rate – Turkeys are more likely to enter a well-placed trap than come within shooting range,

• No need for camouflage – The trap does the work for you. Just check it periodically.

• Can target specific birds – Identify mature gobblers to trap for the best trophy specimens

• Fun and challenging – Trapping still provides an engaging outdoor experience.

As long as local regulations permit, trapping can be a productive and enjoyable way to hunt wild turkeys

Choosing the Right Trap

There are two main types of traps suitable for catching wild turkeys:

Box Traps

This style uses bait to lure the turkey into an enclosed cage. Once inside, the door closes behind the bird, preventing escape.

Pros:

• Live capture allows release of hens or immature birds
• Less stress on the animal
• Reusable over multiple seasons

Cons:

• Large and bulky
• Higher cost to purchase

Pitfall Traps

A covered pitfall uses bait to entice the turkey onto ground that gives way beneath its weight. The bird falls into a deep pit it cannot escape from.

Pros:

• Simple and inexpensive to construct
• Natural materials can help it blend in

Cons:

• Requires killing or releasing trapped turkeys
• Potential to trap non-target animals

For beginners, a pitfall design is likely the easiest DIY option. But box traps offer live capture abilities.

Constructing a Pitfall Trap

Here is an overview of how to build a simple pitfall turkey trap:

Gather Materials

• Wood panels, plywood, or other rigid material for the roof
• Netting, chicken wire, etc. to cover the opening
• Shovel for digging the pit
• Bait such as corn, wheat, or scratch grain

Select a Location

Look for areas frequented by turkeys where a trap can be concealed:

• Near known roosting sites
• Along feeding or travel corridors
• Near water sources

Dig Pit

Use a shovel to dig a hole approximately 2 feet wide by 4-5 feet deep. Smooth and slope the pit walls.

Add Roof

Use wood panels covered with netting to create a roof over the pit opening. Allow enough space for turkeys to enter underneath.

Cover with Natural Materials

Disguise the trap roof with leaves, branches, dirt, or other camouflage.

Bait the Trap

Place bait underneath the trap roof to lure in turkeys. Replenish bait regularly.

Baiting Your Turkey Trap

The bait used in your turkey trap can make all the difference between success and failure. Here are some tips:

• Use preferred foods – Corn, wheat, scratch grain, milo, and sunflower seeds are turkey favorites.

• Pre-bait the area – Attract turkeys to the site before activating the trap.

• Use fresh bait – Avoid spoiled or moldy grains.

• Prevent bait theft – Keep bait covered or caged to prevent removal by deer, raccoons, etc.

• Replenish frequently – Check bait level and replace as needed.

• Consider weatherproofing – Seal bait container to prevent spoilage from moisture.

• Add visual attractants – Place decoys or reflective objects near the bait.

• Use bait to lead them in – Strategically place bait in a trail into the trap.

Taking the time to bait properly will significantly increase your trapping success rate.

Caring for Trapped Turkeys

Once you’ve successfully trapped wild turkeys, proper handling is important:

• Act quickly – Remove trapped birds as soon as possible.

• Hold properly – Grasp legs at the hocks to avoid injury.

• Contain safely – Use a ventilated crate or box.

• Seek care if needed – Treat any wounds or provide food/water.

• Release or process humanely – Avoid causing unnecessary stress or suffering.

Following ethical practices ensures the wellbeing of your catch.

Tips for Turkey Trapping Success

Follow these tips to get the most out of your turkey trapping efforts:

• Familiarize yourself with regulations – Trapping laws vary by state.

• Scout areas beforehand – Identify high turkey activity locations.

• Use appropriate trap design – Match the trap style to your goals.

• Conceal and camouflage trap – Blend it into the surroundings.

• Be patient – It may take turkeys several days to enter the trap.

• Check trap frequently – Monitor bait level and remove catches promptly.

• Record your results – Note dates, locations, and catches to improve over time.

• Maintain safety – Exercise caution when handling trapped turkeys.

With some homework and preparation, building and using a turkey trap can lead to consistent trapping success.

Alternative Turkey Hunting Methods

While trapping can be extremely effective, here are some other options for hunting wild turkeys:

• Stalking – Silently sneak up on feeding or resting turkeys.

• Ambush – Conceal yourself in a turkey’s expected travel path.

• Driving – Have companions herd or flush birds towards your location.

• Calling – Use turkey calls to attract gobblers during breeding season.

• Decoying – Draw in turkeys with lifelike decoys.

• Spot and stalk – Move slowly towards spotted turkeys while using cover.

Consider your level of skill, available tools, and local terrain when deciding on the best turkey hunting method. Trapping offers a beginner-friendly start.

Is Trapping Right for You?

Trapping turkeys can provide an engaging hunting experience and lead to harvesting birds that may otherwise be unobtainable. Before constructing your own trap, be sure to:

• Research relevant laws and regulations
• Scout potential locations
• Select an appropriate trap design
• Gather necessary materials
• Plan for proper bird care after trapping

With adequate preparation and knowledge, DIY turkey trapping can be an exciting and rewarding way to hunt your Thanksgiving bird. Just be ready to put in the work to create an effective trap and put turkey hunting odds in your favor.