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Uncle Fester
Senior MemberPosts: 1,411 Senior Member
Turkey Hunting Guidance

This Spring, I plan to try turkey hunting for the first time. In addition to taking a new hunters course with the state (going over the use of state land and relevant laws), I would like some direction on "how to"?
Can you recommend some books or videos? Basic equipment?
Equipment:
1) my new A5 should be adequate.
2) I will buy some camo clothes/headgear and a padded seat
3) what would be a good, first call and decoy?
Since I can hunt on public lands, what is the best way to comply with the blaze orange requirement?
Can you recommend some books or videos? Basic equipment?
Equipment:
1) my new A5 should be adequate.
2) I will buy some camo clothes/headgear and a padded seat
3) what would be a good, first call and decoy?
Since I can hunt on public lands, what is the best way to comply with the blaze orange requirement?
Replies
For a new hunter, I would recommend a decent slate and striker. A good box call will work as well, as long as you have time to practice and pay attention to the tutorials...
Decoys? lots of good ones out there - pick a couple...I use inflatables...I can carry a small flock (three hens and a jake) in the space a single standard decoys takes up.
Yes...your A5 will work...be sure to pattern the thing with a good turkey load (I like coppered #5s but your mileage may vary) you want most of the pattern centered in the head/neck....You also need to determine the max range for your shotgun. (a modifed choke will cut you max effective range some) I use a very tight turkey choke and am good out to 35 yards or so...Forget body shooting a gobbler...they're armor plated...the head and neck are your target...
While there is a lot of good advice available here...Your very best bet is to buddy up with someone who is a successful turkey hunter and pay attention
Edited to add: Learn all you can about turkey behavior in general and turkey behavior in our locale in particular...
A collapsible blind or a Ghille suit, they see ANY movement.
Something good to sit on, bug dope for ticks and/or a Thermacell, have your gun up and ready. You MUST sight in your shot gun with several loads on a shoot-n-see targets, find your max distance, my guns like Winchester Supreme turkey loads, aim for the head, a scope would be helpful.
Thanks.
Never having hunted on public lands (I grew up in Texas), I am a little scared of hunting public lands for the first time.
Because you may know where a certain Tom is and likes to be doesn't mean someone else doesn't also.
Better to know a few locations.
Don't over call is big.
Life member of the American Legion, the VFW, the NRA and the Masonic Lodge, retired LEO
As part of the turkey course, I have to bring my own gun, a turkey choke, and some ammo. Athough there are some extended chokes available, I was planning on using the full choke that came with my shotgun.
Affordable Ammo suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
The shot pattern and size, not the price, is what's going to matter.
Exactly. Because I don't have any experience in this area, I need guidance on a few ammo choices to start with. I figured that I would get 2-3 loads to pattern and hunt with the best.
With my skill level very low, I don't want to start with high end stuff.
4 or 5 shot is usually good. I prefer 4 because it carries further and the larger pellets easier to discern when eating. A good choke and Turkey sight goes a long way towards making good shots. A scope is ok as well. Get lots of paper or cardboard and take you shotgun and sight it like you would a rifle. Find the choke that gives the best pattern. Then find a tape or video of turkeys talking and practice your calling. There are any number of calls and approach. Male's pretty much come to fight or have sex. Females come for food or company
Paddle faster!!! I hear banjos.
Reason for editing: correcting my auto correct