With my cheek firmly placed on the stock, I waited patiently for the tom to turn. When the longbeard pirouetted and faced the decoy, I held the crosshairs steady and gently squeezed the trigger.
The bolt was quickly on its way, hitting the vitals of the strutting tom. Soon, I was strapping a tag to the leg of the striking, Merriam’s turkey. It was my first time turkey hunting with a crossbow, and I was hooked.
I live in Oregon, where turkey hunting with a crossbow is prohibited. (Hopefully, that will change one day.) So, I traveled to Wyoming to experience the thrills of chasing spring thunder chickens with my crossbow. I’d taken dozens of turkeys with my compound bow and more than that with a shotgun in my more than 35 years of turkey hunting. I was ready for something new.
Turkey hunting with a crossbow is a fun challenge. It’s a great transition for those looking for a change from pursuing them with a shotgun, but it’s more forgiving than hunting them with a vertical bow. Here are five tips that I quickly learned that will help you tag a turkey with a crossbow.
You don’t have to be a world-class caller to coax a turkey to within crossbow range, but you do want to call effectively and with confidence. If you can master yelps, clucks and purrs, you’re set. Calling a tom within crossbow range is ideal, versus trying to pull off a spot-and-stalk hunt where movement is unavoidable. Turkeys see in color and have vision equivalent to 8x binoculars, so they don’t miss much.
Practice the basic & best turkey calls and be able to make them with a box and/or slate call. Being able to make yelps and purrs with a diaphragm call will greatly help as it frees both hands and greatly minimizes movement.
Box calls and slates produce volume, which is great for capturing the attention of birds in the distance and drawing them in close. But as turkeys get near, hunters must be stone still. This means no hand movement for call operation.
If you can see a turkey, it can see you, and any movement will get you busted. Having a diaphragm call in your mouth will allow hands-free operation, allowing you to pull turkeys within shooting range or stop them for the perfect shot angle if they are moving around.
Decoys will also help attract toms and keep their attention diverted so you can take a shot at a calm bird. Placing a hen decoy 10 to 15 yards in front of you is a good distance when setting up to hunt with a crossbow. If hunting from a ground blind, placing the decoy five yards from your shooting window is not too close.
While turkeys have powerful vision, it is monocular because their eyes are set far apart on the sides of their heads. This means they have poor depth perception. That
explains why they may closely approach hunters and ground blinds as long as all is still and there are no sudden movements or sounds. So, if you are hunting from a popup ground blind, make sure all windows are closed except for the one you’ll be shooting out. Also, check to be sure there are no loose parts to potentially flap in the wind because such movement will spook turkeys.
If you desire a broadside shot on a tom, situate the hen decoy facing broadside to your shooting position because a tom will usually move in front of it to make sure he’s being seen. If you want a straight-on shot, place the decoy facing away. Upon seeing a hen decoy, toms will often strut around it, trying to get in front of it so she can see him. This is where stopping the turkey for the shot precisely where you want it is easy to do with a diaphragm call.
The beauty of turkey hunting with a crossbow comes in the form of mobility. With a vertical bow it is extremely difficult to hunt from the ground without a blind because any movement will spook a turkey. If you try reaching full draw with a vertical bow, with a tom in sight, the gig is up fast.
But with a crossbow that is bolted in place and cocked, movement is minimal, just as it is when you’re hunting them with a shotgun. Shooting off a sturdy monopod or bipod is a big help. This ensures no movement as the bird approaches. At the very least, sit so you can rest the crossbow on your knee, but be mindful not to get any fingers or clothes above the rail, where the string will hit it. Before the tom pops into view, have the crossbow steadied on the rest and aimed at the decoy. You may be in this position anywhere from a couple of minutes to more than an hour, so get comfortable with a cushioned seat.
When a tom comes into sight, don’t move, even if it is hundreds of yards away. The only movements you’ll want to make when a tom is in sight are moving the safety to the off position and pulling the trigger. Be sure to wear camouflaged gloves and a face mask and practice shooting in all your gear before the hunt. When it comes time to take a shot, you should know how all the moving parts operate and not be distracted worrying about the operation of your crossbow.
Because crossbows shoot so fast, fixed broadheads are often preferred over expandables for turkey hunting. A bolt can pass so swiftly through a tom and with so much kinetic energy that the expandable may not open. It’s better to have a big wound channel than a tiny one.
Be sure to practice shooting your broadhead so you know exactly where it hits. Since turkeys are nervous by nature, they flinch at the slightest movement and instantaneous noises. This is why you want turkeys close when shooting them with a crossbow.
Knowing exactly where to shoot a turkey with your crossbow is vital for an ethical, clean kill A turkey’s vital organs are small, about the size of a softball, so accurate shot placement is key Their feathers can also act as armor against your bolt. You’ll need to select the right spot for the shot and be able to hit it precisely.
Side Shot
The side shot targets the heart and lungs. Aim for the area right behind where the wing connects to the body. If you can penetrate the feathers and pierce this vital zone, you’ll drop the bird cleanly. When a tom is strutting, it’s hard to see the outline of its body behind the puffed up feathers. Be patient and wait for a clear view of your target area when it stops displaying.
Frontal Shot
A front shot aims for the heart and lungs above the beard on a tom turkey. This is a very small target and not recommended for beginners. You need exceptional accuracy to sever the spine and penetrate the vitals with this angle.
Rear Shot
This targets the spine and vitals from behind Aim for the middle of the back to sever the spine before the bolt reaches the heart and lungs
Of these three shots, the broadside is the best option for most hunters. Only attempt the frontal or rear shots if you have very precise aim with your crossbow.
Best Practices for Shot Placement
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Use a life-sized 3D turkey target to practice shots from multiple angles and distances. This will prime your muscles and brain for the right shooting form when hunting live birds.
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Don’t use broadheads on practice targets. Practice with broadheads separately as they shoot differently than field points.
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Invest in a quality scope and rangefinder Estimating distance incorrectly is a common cause of missed shots
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Know your effective range and stick to shots within that limit.
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Only take shots at strutting toms when you have a visible killing zone. If unsure, wait for a better opportunity.
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If your shot is not immediately fatal, take a follow up shot quickly.
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Use lighted or GPS tracking bolts to help recover birds that run off injured.
Avoiding Shots That Won’t Kill Cleanly
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Neck shots often fail to penetrate and sever the spine or blood vessels. The turkey suffers a lingering death.
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Lower chest shots can hit heavy bones that deflect bolts. The bird escapes wounded.
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Shooting too far back risks only wounding or clipping the tail feathers.
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Long distance shots lead to inaccurate bolt placement. Stick within your effective range.
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Bolts hitting wings and thighs rarely penetrate vitals or prevent the turkey from fleeing.
Scouting for the Best Shot Opportunities
During preseason scouting, look for:
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Dusting areas where toms clear ground for displaying. Open areas near cover provide good shot angles.
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Strutting zones where toms perform courtship displays. Watch for behavior patterns.
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Feeding areas. Toms let their guard down when busy eating.
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Travel corridors between roosting, feeding, dusting, and strutting zones. Set up an ambush site.
Using Decoys
Decoys can draw in toms looking for a mate. Place the decoy in view from your concealed stand where you have a clear broadside shot path. Modern decoys feature movable parts to mimic natural movements that appeal to turkeys. Avoid overusing calls and be patient for the tom to close distance. When he turns his focus to the decoy, be ready to shoot.
Position Yourself for a Good Shot Angle
Hunting turkeys requires more dynamic positioning than deer stands. You may need to relocate as birds move around.
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Sit against large tree trunks or use blinds to stay concealed.
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Get down low to the ground and use any available cover.
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Remain still when birds are nearby. Movement and noise will spook them.
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Have a range of camouflage gear and calls to attract birds in close.
Be Ready When the Moment Arrives
Turkey hunting requires commitment and skill. But the reward of a successful hunt is worth the effort. Stay safe, hunt ethically, and keep practicing those shot placements. Do your scouting homework and be ready when that tom finally struts into your kill zone. Aim true and enjoy a fresh wild turkey dinner.
Get Aggressive and Move to Get On Birds
While hunting from ground blinds is advantageous in many instances, especially when hunting in fields that turkeys frequent throughout the day, you can run and gun with a crossbow much like you can with a shotgun. The ability to locate a bird, quickly cut the distance and then sit down and call can be deadly effective. A ground blind will only slow you down.
Unlike a shotgun, which can pound through the brush, you’ll obviously need a clear, unobstructed shot with a crossbow, which means you’ll need to plan your setups carefully. Shotgunners often ditch the decoys and make tight setups in which the gobbler has to enter within shotgun range in order to see where the calling is coming from. It will be tough to take a bird with a crossbow in a setup like this due to potential saplings and branches.
Always find a path with few to no obstructions and put your decoys there. This is easy in open hardwoods or pine plantations with minimal undergrowth and great visibility. It isn’t so easy in timber with lots of saplings. You’re trying to get the tom to reach a specific location where you’ll have a clear shot, so plan your setup and set your decoys in a little clearing, on a trail or logging road or some other unobstructed lane so that he’ll come to where you can get a clear shot.
Where To Shoot a Turkey With a Crossbow
Turkeys have small vitals in proportion to the outline of their feathered bodies. A favorite crossbow shot of mine is when a tom is standing erect, feathers tucked in tight to the body, head extended, facing straight away. This exposes the entire spine. The lungs are situated in the middle of the body between the wings. Place a broadhead here and you’ll get your bird every time, because not only are you hitting vitals, but you’re also severing the spine, meaning your bird will drop on the spot.
Another solid crossbow shot is when a tom is in full strut and facing away. Place a bolt where all the tail feathers converge; this will drive the broadhead through the vitals.
When a tom is in full strut and facing you, put the broadhead where the base of the neck meets the feathers. This shot can break the neck and continue passing through the bird, hitting the vitals.
If a tom is standing upright and facing you with feathers tucked in, place the bolt where the beard comes out of the body. This will ensure an upper-heart and lower-lung shot, and if centered, it will sever the spine. Make sure the bird is steady and calm for this shot.
A good shot when a bird is standing upright, broadside, feathers tucked in, is to follow the legs straight up the body, placing the broadhead in the center of the bird’s body. This will ensure a heart shot.
Another good shot is when a tom is in full strut and standing broadside. This is a deceiving angle since the bird’s feathers are puffed up, its head is retracted, and the tail is fully fanned. Here, draw an imaginary line connecting the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Next, come straight up from the legs. Where the legs bisect the horizontal line drawn between the neck and the tail, and right in the middle of the body, that’s your sweet spot. Hit this “T” intersection and you’ll find an open triangle leading to the heart. If the bolt flies a bit high, it will hit the lungs and the spine.
By knowing turkey behavior and anatomy, the odds of tagging one with a crossbow are greatly increased. Equip your setup with a stable shooting aid, know precisely where the bolts hit, keep movement to a minimum, and you’re on the way to experiencing just how thrilling crossbow hunting for turkeys can be.
Crossbow Turkey Hunting Considerations
FAQ
Where should you shoot a turkey with a crossbow?
Where is the best spot to shoot a turkey with a bow?
What is the best distance to shoot a turkey?
Can you shoot a turkey with a broadhead?
How to shoot a Turkey with a crossbow?
Here are several best crossbows for hunting to choose from that can help you accurately and effectively shoot a turkey: A standing bird facing away is one of the finest shots to take. The spine shot instantly immobilizes the bird, and it will die fast. For this shot opportunity you must wait until the bird stands upright, with its back facing you.
What is the best crossbow for turkey hunting?
The ideal crossbow for hunting turkey will have a few key characteristics. Ideally, you want a bow with a small width for more maneuverability that has a quiet shot, is camouflaged and has a draw weight between 150 and 175 pounds. Generally speaking, any crossbow with a draw weight of 150 pounds or more should be adequate for turkey hunting.
What is the best shot placement for a turkey hunter?
If you’re looking to be a successful turkey hunter, your best shot placement for bows and crossbows is the heart and lungs. Some turkey hunters prefer going for the neck and spine for quick kills, but it’s harder to make those shots successfully, especially with a strutting tom. 1. Broadside Shots
Where should a crossbow shot be placed?
A shot placed in the middle of the body, slightly below the wing joint, can potentially impact the liver, heart, and lungs. When hunting with a crossbow, shot placement is critical to ensure a quick, ethical, and humane harvest. Proper shot placement can increase your chances of success and minimize the risk of wounding the animal.