Are you a seasoned hunter or a new turkey hunter looking for tips and tricks to improve your hunting skills? Turkey hunting can be an exciting and rewarding experience requiring skill, knowledge, and patience.
In this article, we’ve compiled a beginner’s guide to turkey hunting to help you understand the basics and improve your success rate. Keep reading to learn about the best gear, hunting techniques, and shooting strategies for your next turkey hunt.
Wild Turkey Basics
Subspecies of Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys are widely sought-after game animals across many states around the globe. However, the bird subspecies encountered can vary based on the geographical region of one’s residence.
There are three game species and five subspecies of wild turkey in the United States that are available to hunt:
Eastern wild turkey
The eastern wild turkey is the most common and widely distributed subspecies, with turkey populations being in 39 states.
It is also the largest subspecies, with males weighing up to 25 pounds and females weighing up to 12 pounds.
Eastern wild turkeys have a reddish-brown plumage with a white breast and black bars on the tail feathers.
Merriam’s wild turkey:
The Merriam’s wild turkey is found in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. It is smaller than the eastern wild turkey, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females weighing up to 10 pounds. Merriam’s wild turkeys have a lighter plumage than eastern wild turkeys, with more head and neck, white on the breast, and less black on the tail feathers.
Rio Grande wild turkey:
The Rio Grande wild turkey is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
It is similar in size to the Merriam’s wild turkey but has a lighter plumage and a more reddish-brown hue.
Rio Grande wild turkeys also have a distinctive white band across the tail feathers.
Gould’s wild turkey:
The Gould’s wild turkey is found in the southern Arizona and New Mexico mountains.
It is the smallest of the five subspecies, with males weighing up to 18 pounds and females weighing up to 8 pounds.
Gould’s wild turkeys have a light-colored plumage with a white breast and black bars on the tail feathers.
Osceola wild turkey:
The Osceola wild turkey is found only in Florida. It is similar in size to the eastern wild turkey but has a darker plumage and longer spurs. Osceola wild turkeys are also known for their aggressive behavior.
All five subspecies of wild turkey can be hunted in the United States, but the hunting seasons and regulations all the subspecies vary from state to state. Hunters should consult their state’s wildlife agency for more information.
Sexing wild turkey
There are a few key ways to determine the sex of a wild turkey.
One way is to look at the size of the bird. Male turkeys, or toms, are typically larger than female turkeys, or hens. Toms also have longer beards, with feathers hanging from their head and chest. Hens have a shorter beard, or sometimes no beard at all.
Another way to determine the sex of a both hen or wild turkey is to look at the color of wing feathers on their plumage. Toms have brighter plumage than hens. Toms also have a distinctive white patch on their breast called a bib. Hens have a less distinct bib, or sometimes no bib at all.
Finally, you can also determine the sex of a wild turkey by listening to the sounds of their gobble. Toms have a louder, more resonant gobble than hens. Hens have a softer, higher-pitched gobble.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between male and female wild turkeys:
Wild Turkeys Sounds
Below are some examples of sounds made by turkeys:
- Cluck: A short, one-note call used by turkeys to communicate with each other.
- Putt: A single, short note used by turkeys to warn each other of danger.
- Tree call: A series of clucks and yelps made by turkeys while they are roosting in trees.
- Plain yelp of hen: A two-note call made by female turkeys to attract males or to keep in touch with other hens.
- Cutting of excited hen: A series of loud, rapid clucks made by female turkeys when they are excited or agitated.
- Assembly call: A series of loud yelps made by female turkeys to call other turkeys together.
- Fly-down cackle: A series of loud, rapid clucks and yelps made by turkeys as they are flying down from their roosts.
- Kee-kee run: A series of high-pitched kee-kee calls made by turkeys when they are running away from danger.
- Purr: A soft, rolling call made by turkeys when they are content or relaxed.
- Gobble: A loud, resonant call made by male turkeys to attract females or to challenge other males.
Turkeys use these sounds to communicate with each other in a variety of situations.
For example, they use their clucks and yelps to keep in touch with each other while they are feeding or roosting. They use their putts to warn each other of danger.
The males use their gobbles to attract females and to challenge other males.
Gear Up – The Right Equipment is Crucial
Before heading out onto the field, you’ll need the right gear essential for turkey hunting. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is your turkey calls. Mastering the art of different turkey calls can quickly attract turkeys to your location.
Turkey Calls
- Box calls,
- Slate calls
- Mouth calls
Optics
- Binoculars
- Spotting Scope
- Range Finder You’ll also need a good pair of binoculars that will help you spot turkeys at a distance.
Clothing
A camouflage suit, hat, and gloves are necessary as wild turkeys have excellent eyesight, and the camouflage will help you blend in with your surroundings and stay hidden from their eyes. Remember to wear comfortable boots, preferably waterproof, and a gear bag to hold your gun and all your hunting essentials.
Understand Turkey’s Behavior
Getting to know the turkey’s behavior is crucial to a successful hunt. Turkeys can see, hear and sense danger efficiently.
Mastering the art of mimicking turkey calls can attract them to your location easily. However, mimicking hen turkey calls during breeding requires more effort than ordinary bird calls. Hens use different tones of chirps to communicate with their flock.
Learning how to create these chirps can help you attract male, male and female turkeys together, who will fight to be with their potential mates.
Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey hunting regulations vary from state to state, so it is important to check with your local wildlife agency for the specific regulations in your area. However, there are some general regulations that are common to most states.
License and tags
In most states, you will need a valid hunting license and a turkey tag to hunt turkeys during the fall season. Turkey and deer and tags are often limited in number, so it is important to apply early.
Season dates and bag limits
The fall turkey hunting season typically runs from September to November, but the specific dates vary from state to state. Most states have a bag limit of one or two turkeys per day and per season.
Legal weapons and equipment
In most states, you can use a rifle, a shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment to hunt turkeys during the fall season. However, there may be restrictions on the type of ammunition or broadheads that you can use.
Other regulations
There are a number of other local regulations that may apply to fall turkey hunting, such as restrictions on hunting hours, hunting methods, and baiting. It is important to check with your local wildlife agency for the complete list of regulations.
Here are some additional tips for fall turkey hunting:
- Scout the area where you plan to hunt before the season opens. This will help you to locate turkey flocks and identify good hunting spots.
- Use camouflage to blend in with your surroundings. Turkeys have excellent eyesight, so it is important to be as camouflaged as possible.
- Be patient and quiet. Turkeys are easily spooked, so it is important to be patient and quiet when hunting them.
- Use turkey calls to attract turkeys to your location. There are a variety of turkey calls available, so choose one that you are comfortable using.
Fall turkey hunting can be a challenging but rewarding experience for many hunters. By following the regulations and using the tips above, you can increase your chances of success as turkey hunters.
Spring Turkey Season
Spring turkey hunting season is one of the most popular hunting seasons in the United States. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by hunters of all skill levels.
The spring turkey hunting season typically runs from late March to early June, but the specific dates vary from state to state. The fall turkey seasons season is timed to coincide with the breeding season for turkeys, which is when the males, or toms, and tom, are most active and vocal.
To hunt turkeys in the spring, you will need a valid hunting license and a turkey tag. Turkey tags are often limited in number, so it is important to apply early. You will also need to use camouflage and turkey calls to attract turkeys to your location.
Here are some tips for spring turkey hunting:
- Scout the area where you plan to hunt before the season opens. This will help you to locate turkey flocks and identify good hunting spots.
- Arrive at your hunting spot early in the morning, before sunrise. Turkeys are most active in the early morning and late evening.
- Use camouflage to blend in with your surroundings. Turkeys have excellent eyesight, so it is important to be as camouflaged as possible.
- Use turkey calls to attract turkeys to your location. There are a variety of turkey calls available, so choose one that you are comfortable using.
- Be patient and quiet. Turkeys are easily spooked, so it is important to be patient and quiet when hunting them.
Once you have attracted a turkey to your gun range or location, you will need to take a careful shot. Turkeys are relatively fragile birds to shoot at, so it is important to use a light shot charge.
If you are fortunate enough to harvest a turkey, be sure to clean it and prepare it properly for consumption. Turkey meat is delicious and nutritious, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Spring turkey hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to harvest a delicious and nutritious food source. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.
Planning: Getting to Know the Terrain
A successful turkey hunt also requires good planning and preparation. To start with, scout your hunting grounds and analyze the terrain. Look for roosting areas, feeding areas, travel corridors, and turkey tracks. Learning the turkey’s movement patterns can help you predict their behavior and movements. Scout at least a few days before the hunting day so you can identify their travel routes and likely roosting sites. It’s also advisable to hunt in the early morning and late afternoon when birds are more active.
Be Patient and Stay Alert
Patience and alertness are two critical virtues for any turkey hunter. When on a turkey hunt, hunters must remember to remain calm, collected, and attentive.
If you decide you’re using decoys, place and shoot them in a way that will fool the birds and give you enough time to make the perfect shot. Turkeys are always on high alert, so be sure to move slowly, stay low, and avoid making sudden movements. If you’re hunting wild turkeys on public land, make sure to wear bright colors so you’re visible to others who might be out in the woods.
Safety First
Turkey hunting can be risky, so always prioritize safety. Remember to wear your orange safety vest or hat to blend in with others and minimize the chances of getting accidentally shot. Be clear about other turkey hunters’ locations and ensure you’re not in their way. Avoid wearing red, white, or blue colors, as these colors resemble wildlife and can be mistaken for a turkey. Keep the muzzle of your gun elevated towards the sky or the ground to prevent any accidental pointing in anyone’s direction.
Conclusion:
That’s it! You’re now ready to start your turkey hunting journey. With a combination of patience, persistence, and the right gear, you can increase your chances of having a successful hunt. Remember always to prioritize safety and respect the wildlife and its habitat.
Mastered with the essential hunting skills. It is an amazing and thrilling experience of the chase and the satisfaction of a successful turkey hunt. Happy hunting!
