Turkey hunting is an exciting outdoor pursuit that allows hunters to get out in the early spring woods and interact with these wary gamebirds. However, being properly prepared with the right gear is essential for success and enjoyment. This comprehensive guide will outline everything you need for a turkey hunt, from essential equipment to useful accessories.
License and Tags
The first item on the list is proper documentation like a hunting license, state stamps, and turkey tags or permits. Regulations vary widely, so research your state’s exact requirements. Having valid tags and a license gives you legal permission to hunt turkeys during the season.
Camouflage Clothing
Given a turkey’s sharp eyesight, effective camouflage is a must. Choose camo clothes in an appropriate pattern and texture for your hunting area. At a minimum, wear camo pants, a jacket, hat, face mask, and gloves. Sitka Gear and First Lite make premium technical turkey hunting apparel with built-in insect repellents. More affordable options from Mossy Oak or Realtree also work well.
Shotgun
The standard turkey hunting firearm is a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun loaded with the appropriate shells and choke tube. A quality pump action shotgun from Mossberg, Remington, or Winchester is sufficient for most hunters. Semiautomatic shotguns can also be good choices. Used guns are available at lower prices.
Shotgun Shells
For 12 gauge guns lead #4 #5 or #6 shot shells work well. Lead-free alternatives like tungsten or bismuth loads are also effective. Top turkey loads include Winchester Longbeard XR, Federal Heavyweight Tungsten, and Remington Nitro Turkey. Pattern your shotgun at various distances to select the optimal shell.
Boots
Waterproof knee-high rubber boots with aggressive tread help navigate spring hunting conditions. Uninsulated rubber boots from Muck Boots or Lacrosse work well For extended hikes, choose lightweight boots with ankle support from Danner, Irish Setter or Kenetrek Good socks and insoles also help.
Turkey Vest
A dedicated turkey vest or pack carries calls, shells and other essentials. Choose a vest with a seat pad and pockets for storage. ALPS OutdoorZ and Tenzing make full-featured vests. For a minimalist option, a turkey belt system from Sitka Gear holds calls, shells and small gear.
Turkey Calls
Carry an assortment of vocalizations like box calls, slate calls and mouth diaphragms. For beginners, a box call like the Primos Tall Timber is easy to use. Add mouth and slate calls as you advance. Match calls to weather conditions and bird behavior. Practice calling before the season.
Decoys
Decoys attract interest from territorial toms looking to fight off competition. Carry one or two collapsible hen or jake decoys that are lightweight and packable. Brands like Avian-X and Primos make excellent options that come with carrying bags and ground stakes. Position carefully upwind of your setup.
Blind
A ground blind conceals movement. Pop-up blinds with brushy camo patterns from Ameristep and Barronett work well in open areas. Low-profile blinds from Doghouse Blinds or KillZone let you brush in naturally. A blind is not required but can be helpful in open terrain.
Headlamp
A headlamp aids early morning setups in the dark and predawn hikes. Choose a lightweight headlamp with a red light mode so avoid spooking birds. Brands like Petzl and Black Diamond make quality options under $50.
Insect Repellent
Ticks are a prime concern when turkey hunting. Use permethrin treated clothes or apply repellents like Sawyer Permethrin spray to ward off ticks and mosquitoes. Natural repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus also work. Check yourself thoroughly after hunting.
Knife
A sharp, fixed-blade knife aids in field dressing and cleaning birds. Havalon and Outdoor Edge make purpose-built turkey knives. A general hunting knife like a Morakniv or Buck Knives model also works well. Have a knife sharpener to keep the edge keen.
Cooler
A cooler preserves your harvested turkey during transport from the field. Hard-sided rotomolded coolers from YETI and Otterbox last for years. For bargain hunters, Igloo or Coleman coolers under $50 get the job done. Ice or freeze packs keep contents chilled.
Safety Gear
Carry a GPS device or compass with a paper map as a backup, along with a whistle and fire starter kit. Let someone know your hunting location and expected return time. Hunter orange helps you stand out to other hunters. A small first aid kit is also wise.
Miscellaneous
Hand sanitizer, extra batteries for electronics, sharpies, zip ties, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper and paracord can all come in handy on a turkey hunt. Make a list of useful items to bring so nothing gets left behind.
With preparation and practice, assembling your turkey hunting gear list will become second nature. Focus your budget on essentials like camo clothes, calls and the right firearm. As your skills progress, upgrade key pieces of gear that improve concealment, calling capabilities and comfort afield. Do your pre-season scouting, shooting practice and studying up on bird behaviors. Then get out there and enjoy the thrill of spring turkey hunting.
Video That May Interest You
Game & Fish Staff
Game & Fish Staff
The jack crevalle often doesnt get the respect it deserves when compared to species like sailfish and snook, but jacks can provide thrilling action on light tackle—especially when fishing topwater baits. In this episode, we go in pursuit of jacks to show you why these ravenous brawlers are well worth your time and attention.
FFS (forward facing sonar) techniques dominated the new lure offerings at ICAST in Orlando. Heres a sampling of intriguing new fishing products at the annual trade show.
Rod builders continue to gravitate toward accommodating lighter finesse techniques. Heres a small sampling of the best new fishing rods from this years show.
Finesse tactics continue to have impact on new bass gear. Of course, not everything in bass fishing is driven by finesse, so heres a sampling of some of the latest in freshwater fishing reels.
Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and powerful surges that will tire your arms and test your strength. Successfully landing these species requires careful attention to fighting technique, and in this episode well highlight tips that will help you win the battle.
In this episode of Tackle Junkie, Game & Fish contributor Shane Beilue conducts an on-the-water evaluation of the newly revamped line of GLX bass rods from legendary rod maker G. Loomis.
An on-the-water review of Daiwas newest bait finesse reel.
The tried-and-true Texas rig still outperforms just about any other bait when prospecting deep brush piles for bass in summer.
When it comes to strength and power, no other inshore gamefish can compare to the tarpon. One hooked on light tackle will make an angler earn every foot of line, and many times the fish gets the upper hand. In this episode, a hundred-pounder tests tackle and stamina and shows us why the tarpon is called the silver king.
For hunters gearing up for fall big game hunts, Petersens Hunting editor David Draper knows that iconic American gunmaker Browning has once again delivered a superb rifle promising wild success in the mountains and whitetail woods. And thanks to the Utah companys X-Bolt 2 rifle design, the revamped centerfire aims to help hunters come out of the field with heavy packs loaded with wild protein along with the promise of an increased taxidermy bill this fall.
Blake Garlock and David Draper discuss using thermal optics to manage predator populations on hunting land.
As fall big game hunting seasons approach, Petersens Hunting editor David Draper knows that many hunters are gearing up and counting ounces for their upcoming backpack journeys as they chase elk, mule deer, antelope, and more. According to Draper, one way to boost backcountry nutrition is to carry along some Old Trapper beef jerky. It can add flavor to your freeze-dried meals and bulk up your muscle-repairing protein count at the end of each day.
Insect Repellents from Sawyer
Picaridin Insect Repellent, Permethrin Fabric Treatment, and Permethrin for Dogs. (Photo courtesy of Sawyer)
Bugs can be a real problem when you are turkey hunting. Take steps to protect yourself and increase your chances of success in the field by using insect repellents. Sawyers 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent is a great option. Its non-greasy, fragrance-free, dries quickly, and effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies. You can also add a layer of protection to your clothing, gear, and tents with Permethrin Fabric Treatment. It can be used on a variety of fabrics and offers protection against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 6 weeks or 6 washes. And if youre bringing your pooch along, Permethrin for Dogs is a great way to safely protect them from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, mite and other pesky insects.
Game Winner Low-Profile Camo Mesh Turkey Chair (Photo courtesy of Gunpowder Inc.)
Sit comfortably in the Game Winner Low-Profile Camo Mesh Turkey Chair while you wait for game to pass. Its large, sink-resistant feet ensure you stay stable, and the collapsible design with a shoulder strap makes it easy to carry to and from your vehicle. | $24.99
Hunting from a blind? Choose a compact chair with a higher-profile design like Game Winner’s Realtree Xtra Blind Chair. Advertisement
Game Winner Bushwacker 2.0 HUB Blind (Photo courtesy of Gunpowder Inc.)
A blind, like this one from Game Winner, is a great tool for concealing yourself while hunting turkeys. If youre a first-time hunter, hunting with someone, or have trouble sitting still for long periods, you might consider hunting from a blind. The Bushwacker 2.0 HUB Camo Blind is easy to set up and take down, comes in a Real Tree Edge camo pattern, and features adjustable windows with secure sliders to keep them in place. | $109.99
From the gear you need to the cost involved, turkey hunting is much more accessible than other forms of hunting. So, if youre looking to try something new, give turkey hunting a shot. You wont regret it.
Turkey Hunting – Basic Gear | WHAT YOU NEED!
FAQ
What equipment is needed for turkey hunting?
What do I need for turkeys?
What is the best thing to use for turkey hunting?