Spring is in the air and the birds are chirping. Clear skies are overhead and it is time to break out the 12 gauge in pursuit of the thunder chickens, (aka turkeys).
This blog post will be separated into 4 different sections: the art of calling, gear selection, general information and techniques, and decoy strategy .
I’d like to start this first section off by saying if you’re a new hunter heading into the spring woods for your first turkey hunt there are two words you will live and die by...
bug spray… Keep in mind this isn't like deer hunting where scent free is a must. Protection is the key work here; a turkey will never bust you with its nose. It’s those beady little eyes that you need to worry about.
First let’s talk about camouflage. Down to your gun or bow and of course what you wear. Although, any pro turkey hunter you see on the outdoor Chanel will no doubt look like a bush, this is not a must. I know this because the first two turkeys I killed while wearing my deer hunting cover-alls and using a house protection shotgun. I know, don’t laugh I thought it was perfect until I realized that 3D gear defiantly makes a world of difference. That’s when I joined all the other bushes out there in our quest for long beards. Keep in mind that any bare skin will flash in the sun light and so will your gun. You will want to keep them covered.
For all of you who have yet to take the “hunter’s education class” first of all, sign up now, but in case you don't take my advice remember Turkey is considered the most dangerous North American game to hunt. This is not because a love struck tom can get mighty upset when he finds out that the hen turkey he’s been talking to is just a bunch of foam. Remember you are imitating the animals that other hunters are chasing. Others may not choose their targets as well as you and me. With this said if not careful you could end up with a decoy that has a bad case of lead poisoning or worse yet, your leg, so avoid the colors red and bronze and even the ever so fashionable black.
Enough about fashion, let’s talk guns, ammo and broad heads. if you’re like me and nothing gets your blood pumping harder than hunting with stick and string, here are some tips: first of all your deer hunting draw weight is about perfect for turkeys but you will want to change your broad heads. A large diameter expandable is the way to go. Don’t use fixed blades the rage 2 blade mechanicals work well.
When most turkeys are shot with an arrow they tend to either run or fly for a short distance so mark the spot you last saw the bird mentally. This will create a good recovery. When choosing a gun, a 12 gauge with at least a 3in. chamber is a must, 3 1/2 is even better. Pick a turkey choke compatible with your gun ask your pro shop what they suggest with regards to chokes. Red dot sights are nice but not necessary. The old beads are still taking birds no problem. When a turkey is shot it’s like killing a chicken, it will flop and roll. You don’t want to shoot a second shot and risk losing meat or destroying feathers. If necessary, it is best to pick the bird up by its feet or ring its neck.
If you decide to put this information to use this spring it will serve you well!
Good hunting and God bless,
Ryan Lilly
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