How to Get Started in Turkey Hunting
How to Start Turkey Hunting?
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about turkey hunting. If you’re new to the sport, or if you’re just looking for a refresher, here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Choose the Right Equipment
The first step is to choose the right equipment. You’ll need a shotgun, a turkey call, and some camouflage clothing. If you’re not sure what to buy, talk to a knowledgeable salesperson at your local sporting goods store.
2. Find a Good Spot
Turkeys are very wary creatures, so it’s important to find a spot where they’re likely to be. Look for areas with thick brush and plenty of cover. You can also try hunting near water sources, as turkeys often drink in the morning and evening.
3. Scout the Area
Once you’ve found a spot, it’s time to start scouting the area. This means looking for signs of turkeys, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers. You can also try calling them in with a turkey call.
4. Set Up Your Blind
Once you’ve found a good spot, it’s time to set up your blind. A blind can help you conceal your presence from the turkeys. You can buy a pre-made blind, or you can make your own out of natural materials.
5. Call in the Turkeys
Once your blind is set up, it’s time to start calling in the turkeys. There are many different types of turkey calls available, so experiment with different ones until you find one that works well for you.
6. Take the Shot
When a turkey comes within range, take the shot. Be sure to aim for the head or neck. If you’re successful, you’ll have a delicious meal to enjoy!
Turkey hunting can be a challenging but rewarding sport. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hunting turkeys!
Step | Tasks | Tips |
---|---|---|
1 | Choose a hunting location | – Look for areas with a good mix of food, water, and cover. |
2 | Scout the area | – Observe the area from a distance to see where the turkeys are roosting and feeding. |
3 | Set up your blind | – Choose a location that will give you a good view of the turkeys’ travel routes. |
4 | Call in the turkeys | – Use a turkey call to attract the turkeys’ attention. |
5 | Shoot the turkeys | – Take careful aim and shoot the turkeys when they are within range. |
3. Calling in Turkeys
Turkeys are notoriously wary animals, and calling in a turkey can be a challenge. However, with a little practice, you can learn to entice turkeys into range with your calls.
When to call
The best time to call in turkeys is during the spring mating season, which typically runs from late March to early June. During this time, turkeys are more active and vocal, and they are more likely to respond to calls.
How to call
There are a number of different ways to call in turkeys, but the most common methods are using a mouth call, a box call, or a slate call.
- Mouth calls are made by blowing air through your lips into a cupped hand. They are the most versatile type of call, and they can be used to produce a variety of different sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles.
- Box calls are made by striking a wooden box with a wooden striker. They produce a loud, raspy sound that is very effective at attracting turkeys.
- Slate calls are made by rubbing a piece of slate against a wooden peg. They produce a high-pitched, whistling sound that is similar to the sound of a turkey wing flapping.
What to call
The type of call you use will depend on the situation. If you are trying to locate a turkey, you can use a variety of different calls to see what the turkey responds to. If you are trying to attract a turkey within range, you will want to use a call that is specific to the sex of the turkey you are trying to attract.
- Tom calls are used to attract male turkeys. They are typically loud and aggressive, and they include sounds like yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles.
- Hen calls are used to attract female turkeys. They are typically softer and more subtle, and they include sounds like clucks, purrs, and whines.
Tips for calling in turkeys
- Practice your calls before you go hunting. The more you practice, the better you will be at getting the desired response from a turkey.
- Use a variety of different calls. Don’t just stick to one call. Try different calls until you find one that the turkey responds to.
- Be patient. Calling in a turkey can take time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response right away. Keep calling and eventually you will get a turkey to come in.
4. Hunting Turkeys
When to hunt
The best time to hunt turkeys is during the spring mating season, which typically runs from late March to early June. During this time, turkeys are more active and vocal, and they are more likely to be in areas where they can be seen and heard.
Where to hunt
Turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and open areas. However, the best places to hunt turkeys are areas where there is a combination of food, water, and cover.
- Food Turkeys eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, seeds, and nuts. Look for areas where there is a lot of food available, such as fields of corn or soybeans, or orchards of fruit trees.
- Water Turkeys need water to drink, and they will often frequent areas where there is a source of water. Look for areas near streams, rivers, or ponds.
- Cover Turkeys need cover to escape from predators and to roost at night. Look for areas with thick vegetation, such as brushy areas or wooded areas.
How to hunt
There are a number of different ways to hunt turkeys, but the most common methods are still-hunting, calling, and decoying.
- Still-hunting is the most traditional method of hunting turkeys. It involves quietly walking through the woods, looking for turkeys. If you see a turkey, you can try to call it in, or you can shoot it.
- Calling is a good way to attract turkeys within range. It involves using a turkey call to make sounds that will attract the attention of a turkey.
- Decoying is a good way to improve your chances of getting a shot at a turkey. It involves setting up decoys in an area where you think turkeys are likely to be.
Tips for hunting turkeys
- Be patient. Hunting turkeys can be a slow and frustrating process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a turkey right away. Keep hunting and eventually you will get one.
- Be quiet. Turkeys have excellent hearing, and they will be spooked if they hear you coming. Walk quietly and avoid making any
turkey hunting is a rewarding and challenging pursuit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success in the field. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hunting turkeys!
Here are some key takeaways to remember:
- Turkeys are a challenging game bird to hunt, but they are also a rewarding one.
- The best time to hunt turkeys is during the spring and fall.
- Turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats, but they are most commonly found in wooded areas.
- Turkeys are social birds and they often travel in flocks.
- The best way to call in a turkey is to use a turkey call.
- When hunting turkeys, it is important to be patient and to be able to stay still for long periods of time.
- Turkey hunting is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature.