Those new to shooting and hunting might find it odd that the wild turkey is so widely pursued by hunters throughout much of the nation. The main reason is that a wild turkey gobbler is truly a difficult bird to harvest, and hunters have to use all their stealth and skill to get one within shotgun range. The bird’s hearing and eyesight are incredible, leaving hunters at a distinct disadvantage if they are not camouflaged well and don’t remain immobile.
Beginner’s Guide to Turkey Hunting
Unlike most hunting seasons that take place in the fall and winter, turkey hunting is done during the birds’ breeding season in the spring. Let’s take a brief look at how to get started in the wild world of turkey hunting, along with some equipment needs you might not expect.
Gobbler Gettin’
The wild turkey is native to the United States and can be found in 49 of the 50 states, including Hawaii. These large birds are so majestic that, before the eagle was chosen as the national symbol, Benjamin Franklin had suggested that the wild turkey receive that honor. In the U.S., these birds are hunted across the country, from coast to coast, and from Canada to Mexico. Serious turkey hunters are among the most passionate sportsmen heading out into the field.
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To begin, you must have property to hunt on, whether private with landowner permission or lands open to public hunting. Hunters typically begin by sitting quietly in the woods where they believe turkeys live and making quiet calls like a turkey hen. If a Tom gobbles back, the game is on, and it’s a battle of wits to see whether the hunter can entice him to within shotgun range. If, after a while, no gobbles are heard, it’s time to move to another location where birds could live.
Repeat until you succeed, which might mean killing the first Tom you hear gobble, or it could take several seasons. When you do get a gobbler within shotgun range, a shot to the head usually does the job. Once successful, you’ll learn another secret about turkey hunting: Wild turkeys provide exquisite table fare!
What You’ll Need
While not particularly gear-intensive, turkey hunting does require some equipment. Of course, a turkey shotgun—preferably a 12 gauge, although a 20 gauge will do—is high on the list. Shorter-barreled guns are more easily manipulated in a blind when a gobbler is coming your way, and a good turkey shotgun must have changeable choke tubes.
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Many ammunition companies manufacture specialized turkey loads. Check companies like Federal, Remington, and Winchester, which all have purpose-made loads that will do the job on wild turkeys. Once you choose a load, be sure to pattern it through your shotgun using your turkey choke to ensure you have a good, dense pattern.
Because of the turkey’s keen eyesight, camouflage clothing is probably more important for turkey hunting than just about any other hunting type. Camo from head to toe will help you blend into your surroundings, making it more difficult for a gobbler to spot you.
Many hunters sit with their backs against a tree and successfully harvest birds. A good pop-up blind makes it easier, though, as it will hide both your silhouette and your movement. Carrying a blind along, as well as putting it up and down at different locations, is a little more labor-intensive, but it can yield dividends.
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It’s hard to kill a gobbler without a turkey call or two. There are several kinds of calls on the market, including mouth calls, box calls, and slate calls. While all work differently, they all make the sounds of a hen turkey in order to draw a gobbler’s attention.
Finally, a turkey decoy can also help bolster your success, although sometimes gobblers tend to completely ignore them. One proven decoying tactic is to set a hen decoy out in front of your position about 30 yards away while making hen calls.
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