Turkey hunting requires specialized gear and equipment to be successful. As spring turkey season approaches many hunters start thinking about what they need to tag a big tom. Here is an overview of the essential gear you use to hunt turkey
Turkey Guns
Most hunters use shotguns or bows to hunt turkeys. The two most common types of shotguns are pump-action and semi-automatic. Both allow you to quickly chamber another shell after taking a shot. This is important when hunting turkeys as you may only have a split second to take a follow-up shot.
12 gauge shotguns are the most popular for turkey hunting. They provide versatility in using different loads and choke tubes. 20 gauge shotguns are also effective on turkeys while being lighter weight. Some experienced hunters even use .410 bore shotguns, especially when paired with heavy payloads like TSS.
For bowhunting, compound bows are the most common choice due to their power and accuracy. Crossbows are also becoming more popular for turkey hunting, providing ease of use while still packing plenty of knockdown power.
Frequency of entities:
Shotguns: 4
Bows: 2
Turkey Ammo and Arrows
Choosing the right ammunition or arrows is critical for a clean, ethical kill. For shotguns, lead turkey loads in #4, #5 or #6 shot are common. Larger shot like #4 provides more knockdown power at longer ranges. Smaller shot like #6 allows for tighter patterns.
Specialty turkey loads like TSS and Hevi-Shot achieve tight patterns and increased lethality with smaller diameters of #7, #8 or #9 shot. Copper plated lead shot like GameStoppers are also excellent choices.
For bowhunting, try a cut on contact mechanical broadhead. This will provide massive blood loss on turkeys. Small fixed blade broadheads also work well. Use a minimum of 50 pounds draw weight for adequate penetration.
Frequency of entities:
Turkey ammo/arrows: 8
Choke Tubes
A turkey choke tube is a must for consistent shot patterns. They constrict the shot, keeping the pellets tighter as they leave the barrel. This gives you thicker shot strings and more pellets on target.
Some of the best turkey chokes are .665 to .690 constrictions. Brands like TruGlo Gobble Stopper, Carlson Long Beard XR, and Indian Creek offer specialized turkey tubes. Be sure to pattern your specific gun and ammo with different chokes to find the best performer.
Frequency of entities:
Choke tubes: 3
Turkey Decoys
Decoys attract turkeys into shooting range by mimicking other birds. The most common types are hen, jake and gobbler decoys. Using realistic paint schemes and poses triggers a turkey’s instinct to investigate.
Hen decoys work year round. Jake and gobbler decoys are aggressive and best for breeding season. Mix and match to create a virtual flock. Motion decoys with fanning tails and movable parts add realism. Set up 10-20 yards from your hiding spot.
Frequency of entities:
Decoys: 4
Turkey Calls
Turkey calls simulate hen sounds to draw in gobblers during breeding season. The main types of turkey calls include:
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Box Call – Wooden box with a pegged lid that replicates yelps, clucks and purrs when scraped. Easy to use for beginners.
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Mouth/Slate Call – Consists of a peg and slate plate that make sound when air is drawn across them. Mimics variety of turkey sounds. Takes practice to master.
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Push Button Call – Uses a plunger mechanism to create yelps. Great for one handed calling.
Mix up calls to sound like multiple hens and keep a gobbler’s interest. Start with clucks and soft tree yelps before getting more aggressive. Practice calling to realistically imitate turkeys.
Frequency of entities:
Turkey calls: 5
Specific call types: 4
Camouflage Clothing
Since turkeys have outstanding vision, effective camouflage is a must. Choose a camo pattern with colors matching your hunting environment. Popular spring options include Obsession and Bottomland.
Wear camo pants, shirt, hat and facemask to conceal all exposed skin. Gloves help hide hand and arm movement. Knee pads allow you to sit still for long periods. Waterproof boots and raingear help deal with spring weather. Dress for comfort while remaining completely concealed.
Frequency of entities:
Camouflage: 2
Camo clothing: 2
Other Useful Turkey Gear
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Shooting glasses – Protect eyes from shells, debris and branches.
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Knife – Used for field dressing and cutting shooting lanes. Folding or fixed blade.
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Binoculars/Rangefinder – Identify birds at a distance and range landmarks.
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Backpack or vest – Carry gear and provide cushioned seat. Specialized for hunters.
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Thermacell – Repels mosquitoes and bugs while stationary.
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First aid kit – Be prepared for minor injuries like cuts, scrapes or sore joints.
Take only essentials to keep mobile. Gear should aid in concealment, comfort and confidence while hunting wily spring turkeys.
Frequency of entities:
Other gear: 6
Specific items: 6
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Lynn Burkhead, OSG Senior Digital Editor
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Bonus Item: Toiler Paper
Never, ever go to the turkey woods without toilet paper in your pocket. No, it isn’t necessary for killing a turkey. But it is necessary for keeping you from wiping with something less comfortable, and from screaming down the highway in search of the nearest restroom. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Turkey Hunting – Basic Gear | WHAT YOU NEED!
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