Turkey hunting has been around for thousands of years. It is probably one of the most fun outdoor sports known to man. From long ago days with bow and arrow or traps, to using today’s modern technology. I believe Turkey Hunting for Beginners is one of the best hunting experiences you can have.
What follows is a newbie’s guide to Turkey Hunting for Beginners. So, let’s get started with my tips. The birds are smart but after what you will learn here, you’ll be even smarter and have a pro like hunting experience. Above all else, hunting these savvy birds will teach patience if nothing else.
Turkey Hunting for Beginners is not as difficult as you might think. Like most things in life, a bit of knowledge goes a long way to being successful. I had to learn from experienced turkey hunters and now I want to share my knowledge with you.
First off, I learned the right gear is really important. It was for me and it will be the same for you as well.
Table of Contents
What You Need To Hunt Wild Turkeys
Based on my experience, I always start this segment with some of the equipment you will need to hunt turkeys. Depending on your method of capture, guns or archery, you will also need ammunition or arrows, decoys, turkey calls, a backpack and a turkey hunting vest for starters.
I like my vest because it has lots of storage space and comes with a built-in seat for comfort. I recommend you buy a good topographical map of your intended hunting area and zone.
When selecting gear, remember to purchase equipment that is camouflaged. It blends you and your surrounding when hunting. Staying concealed is very important. Like I mentioned, these birds are smart. Instinctively they know if you don’t belong.
The first few times I went turkey hunting, I did it with my Grandfather. He had years of experience and was a patient teacher to this, at the time, youngster. Looking back, it was easier for me to learn in real time and with boots on the ground.
I recommend you hook up with someone that’s been there, done that’ the first few times you hunt and learn the ropes. In Turkey Hunting for Beginners, you will find that experience, really is the best teacher.
Beyond equipment tips, the best time of day to hunt, and turkey calling, your companion can authenticate your bragging rights.
If you are on your own, talk to local hunters, the staff at sporting goods stores and hunt club members for up-to-date hunting information. They can also tell you what land is public or private, requiring permission to hunt.
Different States sometimes have different rules and regulations for hunting. You need to know the law that applies to your area for bagging limits, hunting license and when you can hunt.
Ask any old-timer, when is the best time-of-day to hunt turkeys and they will say early in the morning. Later in the day reduces your chances of bagging a bird.
If you like sleeping late, Turkey hunting is probably not for you. Getting set up for the day should be done before the sun comes up.
Doing so increases your chances of bagging a gobbler. Why? Because roosting birds will still be sleeping and not disturbed by you when you set up.
The Procedure – Turkey Hunting for Beginners
Survival has given turkeys incredible eyesight. I mentioned earlier the need for camouflage. Covering yourself head to toe making you blend into your surroundings, is a must do practice.
I recommend long-sleeved shirts, vests and jacket, pants and boots, even gloves and a mask. But remember this. Make sure the patterns and colors blend in with the terrain for the time of the year you go hunting. If you don’t you’ll stand out like a stop sign in the woods. And turkeys will spot you a mile away.
A properly set up of decoys will add to newbie turkey hunting success. Early in the season placing a Hen decoy with a Gobbler or Jake will work wonders. Protecting his harem, Tom turkey will rush right into your range of fire to protect his own.
Later in the season, Toms are less likely to fight for a mate and find it too much work. You should carry fewer Hen decoys as the season winds down. I always use realistic looking decoys in both motion and appearance for they attract more birds and give you a greater chance of bagging one.
So far, I have mentioned the equipment to use, some rules and regulations and when to hunt. Now I think it’s time for learning the basics of how to get that turkey to your table.
Once you spot your bird of choice, next you need to get as close as possible without being discovered. Remember the eyesight thing I told you. Your rule of thumb is if your bird is less than 100 yards away, wait and see if he will come closer.
Hiding behind a rock or tree stump helps keep you invisible. When I call a turkey and he doesn’t respond I stop and wait. If you overcall you can easily frighten him off.
Should your bird be moving towards you and suddenly vanish, remain absolutely still and wait. Gobblers are experts at sneaking up on you. At about 40 yards, it’s time for you to shoot.
Local Hunting Rules Dictate Rifle, Shotgun Or Bow.
I always suggest newbie turkey hunters use a shotgun to give them a better chance of bagging a bird. For women and young adults, I recommend a 20-gauge shotgun as they are easier to handle.
Seasoned hunters usually prefer a standard 12-gauge especially those chambered for three and a half inch shells, a #5 shot for taking down power and a full turkey choke. The effective range with this configuration I believe to be about 45 yards, give or take.
Turkey hunting with rifles is best left to experts. I think the same can be said with hunters using a bow with arrows. If your state allows rifle hunting, I think you should consider a .243 or a .223 as your turkey gun.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy reading this article on turkey hunting? For new turkey hunters, were the tips helpful and easy to understand?
To sum up, never forget that hunting is an exercise in patience. Today you might not even see a turkey let alone shoot one. Tomorrow you might just bag a few.
Once I started hunting turkeys with my Grandfather, I have never missed a season since. After reading Turkey Hunting for Beginners, and experiencing your first hunt, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Happy Hunting.
