Hunting Turkeys – Complete Guide, FAQs, & More

Bird hunting is an exhilarating sport. However, it could be extremely challenging if you are a beginner. 

Turkey Hunting is amongst the various bird hunting types. It has gained an immense amount of popularity over the years. 

It is crucial you understand all the necessary things before going out turkey hunting. For your convenience, our team has compiled this ultimate guide with all the necessary information you may need.

This guide includes all the things you should keep in mind before stepping out for turkey hunting.

Safety

Perhaps the most important thing of all is safety. It is important you understand how your weapon works and the challenges you could face whilst at the hunt. 

In case it is your first time hunting, you might want to take a guide with you. However, you may have to bear some additional changes in this case. 

Rules and regulation

The rules and regulations could vary depending on your region. We would highly advise you to read the updated rules for your area. You may get into trouble for abiding the law, even if it was unintentional. 

Moreover, it is possible that your region requires you to get a hunting license. We suggest you visit your local outdoor academy for further information. 

Best season for turkey hunting

Turkey hunting season could vary depending on your region. The ideal time for turkey hunting could be during the spring season. This is usually around the time when turkeys breed.

However, several states may even restrict you from hunting turkey during the breeding season. This is to ensure a healthy population of turkeys. 

We would advise you to go for turkey hunting during the autumn season. Since there are not many restrictions around this time, you could be able to land a trophy. 

Scouting 

Regardless of which bird you choose to prey on, scouting could help you hunt time for the bird easily and quickly. 

It is important to understand the natural habitat of the bird. Moreover, you would want to understand what environment they choose to live in. Turkeys generally prefer long sturdy bushes. This is mainly near a place where there is a sufficient amount of food and water. 

Since turkeys are messy birds, you could find them near dirt roads, strut zones, or muddy areas. If you still think this won’t help you stalk a turkey, we would recommend setting up cameras. This will help you identify if there are any turkeys nearby. 

Time

Probably the best time to hunt a turkey would be in the late afternoon. You should wait for the turkey to settle down before you hunt it down. This will decrease your chances of missing your shot. 

We would advise you to go for turkey hunting during the day. The most preferred time would be early morning. This is mainly because turkeys come out in search of food. You would be able to find them in open areas. 

Traps

There are several ways through which you could trap the bird. We have compiled a list of techniques you could use to lure the bird into your trap.

These include: 

• Calls

You could buy a number of things including slate, box, mouth, and even locator calls to trick the bird into your trap. 

• Decoy

You could set up a decoy to trap the bird. These are most effective if you want to hunt down a longbeard.

Attire

Your attire should mimic the surrounding. 

What you wear could play a significant role by helping you hunt down a turkey. Since these birds have poor long-distance eyesight, wearing camouflage gear could help you get closer to them. 

We would advise you to wear a camouflage mask, gloves, and shoes. Moreover, you should consider wearing long boots. This is mainly because there are chances of deadly insects and snakes being present in the thick bushes. 

Weapon

You could be able to choose between a shotgun and a bow and arrow to shoot down a turkey. 

Regardless of your choice of weapon, you should be able to kill the animal in an instant. Usually aiming for the head will provide an instant kill.

The most commonly used weapons include:

• A shot-gun: Provides an instant kill. However, the turkey may be able to spot you due to the shiny surface of the gun. 
• Barrel: A 26-inch barrel could be more convenient if you are hunting in the woods. It is also the most commonly preferred weapon for hunters.
• Pistol: A pistol will allow you to have a firmer grip. 
• Choke tube: A choke tube could create an extremely dense shot pattern. This will help you take down the turkey quicker.
• Bow and arrow: A bow and arrow could help you make a silent but deadly shot. However, you will have to wait for the bird to get into place before aiming your shot. This could in some cases be extremely time-consuming. Moreover, if you are not experienced, you could scare away the bird. 

Cost

The cost of a turkey hunt could vary depending on several factors. 

On average, your turkey hunt could range between $250 to 300 during fall season. 

However, during spring season, the estimated cost of your hunt could range between $700 to $1,000. 

In case you plan to hunt down an extremely rare and exotic species, your cost could range between $2,000 to $3,000.

If you plan to take a guide, you will have to pay them separately. 

Conclusion

Hunting a turkey requires not just skill but patience as well. We usually advise hunters to take their time before making their shot. 

It is extremely important to remain calm and quiet during bird hunting. This will help you catch the bird easily. 

However, there are a number of other factors you would want to keep in mind. Our team has compiled this guide after thorough research. 

Read this guide thoroughly it will help you understand all the necessary details of a bird hunt.