Turkey hunting will make a great addition to your list of outdoor pursuits this year and also, it will put some great-tasting meat in your freezer!

Regardless of your hunting skill-level or previous experience, turkey hunting should be somewhere on your list of things to try soon. Whether you’re interested in bow-hunting turkey or you’re just looking to harvest game in the spring, turkey makes for a fun challenge and will keep your bird-hunting skills fresh until you can hunt your other favorite birds (\*cough\* ducks \*cough\*) in the fall.

You’re already halfway there

Out of your gear room, grab your binoculars, weather-appropriate camo clothing, a gps, shotgun or bow/arrow, and a padded hunting stool/chair. You’re off the great start if you already have these pieces. In addition, here are a few things to add to your gear bag:

• Decoys - AvianX Strutter Decoy, Camo
• Turkey call - Primos Hunting Turkey Hunter Starter Pack
• Camo blind - Ameristep Jakehouse Blinds, Realtree Xtra Green

Shotgun: Make sure you’ve got a good sight on the end of your gun. You’ll be aiming for the turkey’s head, so you want to be as accurate as possible. Also, you’ll want nontoxic 6 shot and full chock for the best chance at hitting that turkey.

Bow/arrow: Practice, practice, practice; you’ll definitely want to log some hours for this one. You’ll be aiming to hit the turkey in at least one wing and the vitals -OR- aim for the neck if you feel confident enough.

Find a mentor

If you’re fairly new to hunting, finding an experienced hunter to join or finding a mentor program (e.g. Becoming an Outdoorswoman) can make all the difference. Not only are they likely to show you a few new spots, but they can also tip you off to common mistakes and how to avoid them. For example, just because turkeys are roosting in a tree doesn’t necessarily mean you want to set up right by that tree. Turkeys can fly/glide a surprising distance when coming down from a roost, and you’ll want to pay attention to where they land when choosing a good hunting spot.

Scout your spot

Consider the kind of land you want to hunt. Public lands are great in some states and require you to follow certain regulations - make sure to reference your state’s current regs. However, if you’re likely to hunt private land, go through all the proper steps such as leasing the land, door-knocking, or properly saying thank you to a friend who is letting you on their land for free.

Once you know generally where you’re hunting, remember that you’ll need to get the bird within 20 - 30 yards. This is where scouting can really make a big difference. Also, don’t forget that being more nuanced with your calls can really pay off.

Just do it!

Get out there and make it happen...the best antidote for uncertainty is experience!

Good Luck!

Hardy Facepaint