Can You Catch Turkey Hunting Fever?

For all those of us who are devoted hunters, notably for those who opt for a bow as their primary weapon of choice, the idea of Spring turkey hunting is a stimulating time of the year. Hunting wild turkeys, making use of a bow takes skill and perseverance. This is most likely why many hunters do not set about on this challenging expedition. As a big game hunting fanatic, I think of a bow hunt for wild turkey as a type of Spring Training.

Before you can search for a wild turkey, you have got to find them. The easiest way to do this is by locating the typical areas of the turkey’s surroundings. This necessitates some pre-season scouting. This should be a familiar item to the hunter if hunting deer is a part of your repertoire. Let's think about a few of the early season scouting points.

1. Get a quality map of the area you propose to hunt.

2. Use a location call like a crow call or a turkey call to try and get a reply. When you hear a gobbler, check off the location on the map.

3. Scout for the best points on foot. Examine for signs of the birds; scratches, droppings or feathers. This information can assist you locate several areas you may want to hunt in the future. Examine along mud holes, creek banks, pastures, log roads, etc.

4. In no way attempt to get too close to the turkey. A turkey’s eyes, ears and awareness are many times better than yours.

5. Camouflage is a must to avert being seen.

Wild turkeys have such sharp vision. Many hunters think that because they are not in fact hunting, dressing in camo is not crucial.

Why put any added pressure on these birds? You want them all about when you do come out for the hunt.

When the Spring season is finally started and you are preparing to head out, there are a few more items to contemplate as well. To start with, be positive that you are certainly dressed to amalgamate into the background. Countless turkey hunters generally wear a camo suit, cap, face mask, gloves and a vest with pockets to carry calls and maybe a snack. Also do not forget to wear dark colored socks so that when you sit down you are not visible.

Your movement is more important, despite of how well you are camouflaged. Camouflage doesn’t make you totally invisible. Although you are camouflaged, you remain an unnatural outline in the woods. Movement is the greatest enemy of the turkey hunter. A turkey can detect you 10 times faster than you detect the turkey.

The broad heads you use and your shot placement is crucial. Different from the vast majority of the other big game species, the wild turkey’s vital areas are about the size of a grapefruit. Scores of amateur hunters make the error of practicing with field points on their arrows and only taking the time to change over to broad heads the day of the hunt. It is imperative to practice shooting with broad heads long before the day of the hunt ever arrives.

Placement is essential for hunting wild turkey with a bow. That is why to be an efficient bow hunter you have be dedicated and practice. All turkey hunters that use a bow have to adjust their hunting tactics in comparison to hunters that utilize the old-fashioned shotgun. A bow hunter has to have superlative setups and shooting lanes thought out well in advance of the hunt.

For those who do decide to hunt spring turkey with a shotgun, the finest shotgun and ammunition for turkey hunting is the amalgamation that delivers a dense, hard-hitting pattern at 40-45 yards. It is a good idea to practice with a target that portrays a turkey’s critical head and neck area. This what you should be shooting at with the shotgun. You should have a minimum of 8-10 pellets in this area at 40 yards.

All in all, Spring wild turkey hunting can be a extraordinary venture. For those choosing to bow hunt wild turkey, this will take a lot of expertise and patience. No matter what your weapon of choice though, hunting turkey can bring the excitement that all hunting enthusiasts desire.


Keith Cantelmo is a hunting enthusiast with a passion for sharing the amazing outdoor activities nature has to offer with family and friends. For more information regarding turkey hunting visit us at www.outsidenthusiast.com