Wild turkeys are not native to Oregon. But since their introduction in 1961, and the first turkey hunting season in 1987, turkey hunting opportunities have increased more than tenfold. If you’re looking to start hunting in Oregon, wild turkeys are a great place to start.
At first glance, the Oregon Game Bird Regulations can seem intimidating. However, the regulations and open seasons for turkey are some of the simplest an easiest to understand.
With the right choke and shotgun shell, chances are good you can use the shotgun you already have to hunt wild turkeys.
Turkey hunting with a bow is a different animal, so to speak, than hunting with a shotgun.
You don’t need a lot of gear to hunt turkey, but there are some things that will make your hunt more comfortable and successful.
Sighting in and patterning your gun will confirm that your gun, shell and choke are all working together effectively.
In the fall, hunters fill their turkey tags by studying food sources and the daily routine of birds.
Calling in a tom turkey is one of the most thrilling moments of a turkey hunt.
Once your turkey is down, approach it carefully and be ready to take a follow-up shot if the bird is just wounded.
Wild turkeys are not native to Oregon. But since their introduction in 1961, and the first turkey hunting season in 1987, turkey hunting opportunities have increased more than tenfold. If you’re looking to start hunting in Oregon, wild turkeys are a great place to start.
At first glance, the Oregon Game Bird Regulations can seem intimidating. However, the regulations and open seasons for turkey are some of the simplest an easiest to understand.
With the right choke and shotgun shell, chances are good you can use the shotgun you already have to hunt wild turkeys.
Turkey hunting with a bow is a different animal, so to speak, than hunting with a shotgun.
You don’t need a lot of gear to hunt turkey, but there are some things that will make your hunt more comfortable and successful.
Sighting in and patterning your gun will confirm that your gun, shell and choke are all working together effectively.
In the fall, hunters fill their turkey tags by studying food sources and the daily routine of birds.
Calling in a tom turkey is one of the most thrilling moments of a turkey hunt.
Once your turkey is down, approach it carefully and be ready to take a follow-up shot if the bird is just wounded.
Turkey hunting requires strategy, skill, and patience It also requires the right clothing and gear to stay comfortable, concealed, and safe in the woods Choosing the proper attire is essential for a successful hunt. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide to selecting the optimal clothing and accessories for your next turkey hunt.
The Importance of Camouflage
Given a turkey’s incredibly sharp vision, camouflage is critical when turkey hunting You need to blend into your surroundings seamlessly to avoid detection Consider the following camouflage tips
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Choose a camo pattern that matches the terrain where you’ll be hunting. For example, opt for a woodland camo in dense, wooded areas. An open field calls for a grass or wheat pattern.
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Stick to neutral, earthy tones like greens, browns, tans, and grays. Avoid bold blues, reds, oranges, and whites.
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Break up your silhouette and human outline with camo from head to toe. Wear camo jackets pants gloves, hats, face masks, and more.
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Avoid movement that will catch a turkey’s eye. Camo helps you stay still and hidden.
Dress in Lightweight, Breathable Layers
The weather during turkey season can fluctuate dramatically, especially in the early spring. Your clothing needs to adapt. Dress in several lightweight, breathable layers to stay comfortable as conditions change.
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Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep skin dry. Synthetics like polyester and nylon work well.
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Add an insulating mid-layer like a fleece jacket or vest.
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Top with a waterproof, windproof outer shell to block wind and rain.
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Shed layers as the day warms up to prevent overheating.
Footwear and Socks for All-Day Comfort
Hunting turkeys requires extensive walking, standing, and sitting. Prioritize comfort and support with your footwear.
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Choose waterproof boots with sturdy traction to handle rough terrain.
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Cushioned soles and good ankle support prevent pain and rolls.
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Ensure a broken-in, perfect fit—too loose and feet slide, too tight causes blisters.
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Bring extra socks to change out if yours get wet. Choose moisture-wicking wool or synthetic socks.
Guard Against the Elements with Hats, Gloves, and More
Early spring weather can be volatile, bringing cold rain, wind, and even snow. Be ready with gear to protect extremities.
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Wear insulated, water-resistant gloves to keep hands dry and warm for calling.
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Don hats, neck gaiters, and facemasks to prevent heat loss.
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Sunglasses reduce glare while enhancing terrain visibility.
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Bring hand and foot warmers for frigid temperatures. Activate as needed.
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Carry an emergency rain poncho in case of unexpected downpours.
Turkey Vests Bring Versatility and Functionality
A dedicated turkey vest or pack is a must-have item. Turkey vests provide vital features:
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Keep calls, snacks, and gear organized yet easily accessible.
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Offer extra pockets for ammunition, licenses, and more.
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Help distribute weight for all-day comfort.
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Provide quick access to a shotgun or bow when birds appear suddenly.
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Include a fold-out seat for resting between roaming.
Knee Pads Allow Comfortable Stalking
Much of turkey hunting involves crawling, crouch-walking, and kneeling for stalking and setting up. Protect knees from pain and injury.
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Choose lightweight, breathable knee pads that won’t cause overheating. Avoid bulky pads.
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Ensure pads provide ample cushioning on hard ground without restricting movement.
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Strap securely to prevent slipping yet allow bending.
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Consider gaiters with padded knee protectors built in for convenience.
Prioritize Safety with Blaze Orange and Protective Gear
Never compromise safety in the interest of concealment.
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Always wear blaze orange when walking into and out of your hunting area.
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Use a hunter’s safety harness when hunting from an elevated stand.
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Wear snake protection gaiters and chaps if snakes are a concern.
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Apply scent-eliminating sprays and detergents to clothing and gear.
Dress for Success
Follow this complete guide to choose the optimal clothing and gear for comfort, concealment, and success on your next turkey hunt. With the proper attire, you can remain focused on strategy rather than your outfit. Let the right clothing help you bag that tom.
Look for fit and comfort
Be sure to try on all your clothes before heading afield. Make sure your layers of clothes fit properly, are comfortable and let you move freely. At the same time, make sure your clothes aren’t so big that they sag or flap around in the wind, causing unnecessary movement and noise that could spook a bird. Also, you’ll be walking through brush, drawing a bow or raising a shotgun, and don’t want overly large clothes getting hung up on anything.
The quality of hunting clothes has never been better. Take the time to find what materials are most comfortable and perform the best. Be sure to select clothes that match the conditions in which you’ll be hunting, and your style of hunting. If you have a short walk and will be sitting in a ground blind, you can wear heavier, warmer clothes than if youre hiking in the mountains and sweating from exertion.
Being comfortable in the turkey woods is important because the more comfortable you are, the longer you can hunt.
It’s hard to enjoy a day of hunting if your feet are cramped, wet or cold. Many turkey hunters in Oregon have at least two different pairs of boots to meet the variety of conditions they might encounter while hunting.
One final tip: Take a hike
Before heading out on a turkey hunt, try on your vest or pack, grab your gun or bow, and go on a hike. Make sure everything fits snugly, and that calls and gear aren’t moving around and making noise. Get comfortable with working your turkey vest or pack, and practice setting up with all your gear on. Practice drawing your bow and shouldering your shotgun. When it comes time to hunt, you should be comfortable and confident in your gear.
While turkey hunting is one of the safest forms of hunting, there are some safety tips hunters should follow.
Turkey Hunting – Basic Gear | WHAT YOU NEED!
FAQ
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