Turkey hunting can be fun and exciting, but it’s not always easy. You need to be prepared from the start if you want to have a successful hunt. So here are some tips for beginner hunters on what gear to bring along, how and where to find turkey, how and when to set up blinds, rules of etiquette while hunting this magnificent bird—and more.
To hunt turkeys, you need a turkey license. You can get one from your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or through another state’s DNR. You can also purchase a turkey hunting license at local sporting goods stores or from hunting guides in the area you plan to hunt in.
You’ll need essential gear such as a hunting knife, skinning gloves, and game bags for cleaning and storing your turkey after you bag it and knowledge before you head out.
You’ll want to choose a spot where you can see turkeys but they won’t be able to see you. This can be tricky since turkeys are extremely vigilant and will notice unusual activity in the woods.
To get around this problem, try setting up pop-up blinds before sunrise on opening day and then abandoning them after shooting time has passed. This way, there will be no need for anyone else to disturb the area where you’re hiding out until well after dark has fallen over the woods.
Turkeys are most active when it’s warm outside, and they’re also looking to breed. That means they’ll be more inclined to answer your calls if you do it at these times of the year.
Your call will also depend on what kind of turkey hunting you’re doing: live or dead baiting. Live baiting involves using a natural item that attracts turkeys (such as corn) to lure them into range for a shot — this is more common in the spring because there aren’t many natural foods available for turkeys in wintertime. Dead baiting is when hunters place food in an area where they expect turkeys will pass through (like a thicket), then wait until one gets close enough before taking their shot.
A suitable calling device and sound module can be found at any sporting goods store and will allow you to mimic turkey sounds from your location so that when a wild turkey hears it, he’ll come running.
Camouflage is any clothing that helps you blend into your surroundings. Camouflage is critical for turkey hunting because turkeys are very good at seeing and hearing their predators, so they’re always on the lookout for threats. Even when a hunter has perfectly positioned himself behind a tree or rock, if his clothes don’t blend with his surroundings, he’ll be easily visible to turkeys.
That means you need to be sure of your target, that there are no other hunters nearby, and that another hunter is not pursuing the animal. Also, you mustn’t shoot at an animal if you are unsure of what it is.
It’s essential to be prepared to succeed at turkey hunting from the start. Preparing for your hunt will ensure you have a good time while taking advantage of all that turkey hunting offers.
