Turkey Hunting Gear 101: A Complete Guide to Outfitting Yourself for Success

Turkey hunting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging pursuits in the hunting world. These elusive birds are known for their sharp eyesight and cautious behavior, which makes a successful hunt all the more gratifying. But success in turkey hunting is not just about skill—having the right gear can make or break your hunt. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to outfit yourself for a successful turkey hunt, from essential clothing to the best weapons and accessories.

Essential Clothing for Turkey Hunting

Camo Clothing for Concealment

Turkeys have some of the best eyesight in the animal kingdom, which makes camouflage one of the most important elements of your hunting gear. Choosing the right camo pattern that blends into your hunting environment is crucial. For forested or woodland areas, choose earth-tone camo with greens, browns, and grays. In open areas or fields, consider lighter camo with tans and light browns.

To stay completely concealed, invest in a full camo set that includes a jacket, pants, gloves, and headwear. Exposed skin can easily be spotted by a wary turkey, so don’t overlook the importance of camo gloves and a face mask.

Boots and Footwear

Turkey hunting often requires you to cover a lot of ground, so a sturdy pair of waterproof boots is essential. Look for boots that provide comfort, support, and durability while keeping your feet dry in muddy or wet conditions. Lightweight, breathable boots with good ankle support will help you stay comfortable while hiking long distances in pursuit of turkeys.

Weather-Appropriate Layers

Depending on the season and region where you're hunting, you'll need to layer appropriately. In spring or early fall, breathable layers are key. Start with a lightweight base layer that wicks moisture, followed by a mid-layer for insulation, and top it off with a weather-resistant outer layer in case of rain or wind. For colder months, consider insulated and waterproof layers to keep warm and dry during your hunt.

Weapons and Ammunition for Turkey Hunting

Shotguns

The shotgun is the weapon of choice for most turkey hunters. When choosing a shotgun, the 12-gauge and 20-gauge models are the most popular due to their power and versatility. A shorter barrel shotgun (24-26 inches) provides

maneuverability in the field, while a shotgun with adjustable choke tubes allows you to tailor your shot pattern to ensure precision.

Some recommended models for turkey hunting include the Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Winchester SX4. Look for a shotgun that fits comfortably on your shoulder, as turkey hunting often requires patience and waiting for the right shot.

Choosing the Right Ammo

When selecting ammunition for turkey hunting, you’ll want to choose loads that maximize knockdown power without damaging too much meat. Most turkey hunters prefer shot sizes between #4 and #6, as these provide a dense shot pattern that increases your chances of a clean kill. The Federal Premium Turkey Load and Winchester Long Beard XR are popular choices among seasoned hunters.

Bowhunting for Turkeys

For hunters who prefer the challenge of bowhunting, a compound or recurve bow is an excellent option. Look for broadheads designed for turkey hunting, such as the Magnus Bullhead or Muzzy Trocar. These broadheads are designed for clean, ethical kills and are effective when placed on the head or neck. Bowhunting requires more precision, so practice your shot placement to ensure a successful hunt.

Calls and Decoys

Turkey Calls

Turkey calls are one of the most effective tools for luring a bird into range. There are several types of turkey calls, each with its purpose and sound:

• Box Calls: Easy to use and perfect for beginners, box calls produce realistic yelps, clucks, and gobbles that can attract turkeys from a distance.
• Slate Calls: These friction calls are great for producing subtle, quieter sounds like purrs and clucks.
• Diaphragm Calls: These mouth calls allow for hands-free use, which is great when you need to make final adjustments as the turkey approaches.

Mastering different turkey vocalizations—like yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles—can help you attract turkeys and bring them within range. Start with a basic box call and practice at home until you feel confident in your ability to imitate turkey sounds.

Decoys

Decoys can be highly effective in attracting toms, especially during the mating season. A combination of hen and jake decoys usually works best, as dominant toms will approach to assert dominance over the jake or court the hen. Place your decoys in clear view of your hunting spot but within shooting range, typically 15-25 yards away.

Essential Accessories for Turkey Hunting

Turkey Vest

A turkey vest is a must-have for organizing all your gear. It’s designed with multiple pockets to carry your calls, ammunition, decoys, and other essentials. Most vests also come with a padded seat, allowing you to stay comfortable while waiting for turkeys to approach. A good turkey vest will keep your gear within easy reach and help you stay organized in the field.

Optics and Rangefinders

Carrying a quality pair of binoculars allows you to spot turkeys from a distance, ensuring you don’t accidentally spook them by getting too close. A rangefinder is

also helpful for accurately judging distances before taking a shot, particularly in dense forests or open fields. Knowing the exact distance can help you adjust your aim and increase your chances of a clean shot.

Face Masks and Gloves

Face masks and gloves are critical for staying concealed, as turkeys can spot the slightest movement or exposed skin. Choose lightweight, breathable face masks and gloves that match your camo pattern. This helps eliminate the chance of alerting a bird to your presence as you make small movements while waiting for the perfect shot.

Safety Gear and Best Practices

Blaze Orange for Safety

Wearing blaze orange is important for safety, especially when moving through hunting areas where other hunters may be present. While you want to remain concealed from turkeys, wearing a blaze orange hat or vest when moving between spots ensures you’re visible to other hunters.

First-Aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to carry a compact first-aid kit during your turkey hunts. Accidents can happen, whether it’s a minor injury from a fall or a cut from handling equipment. A small kit with bandages, antiseptic, and basic medical supplies can provide peace of mind.

Tick and Insect Repellent

Turkey hunting often takes place in the spring, a prime time for ticks and other insects. Protect yourself by wearing insect-repellent-treated clothing or applying repellent to exposed skin. This will help you avoid tick bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.

Prepping and Maintaining Your Gear

Maintaining Your Shotgun or Bow

Regular maintenance of your weapon is key to ensuring consistent performance during the hunt. Clean your shotgun or bow after each hunt, paying special attention to removing any debris or moisture that could affect its function. Lubricate moving parts to prevent wear and rust.

Organizing and Prepping Gear Before the Hunt

Preparation is key to a smooth hunting experience. The night before your hunt, lay out all your gear, including your shotgun, calls, decoys, ammo, and safety

equipment. Pack your turkey vest carefully, ensuring that all items are easily accessible. Double-check your camo clothing to make sure everything is in good condition and ready to go.

Post-Hunt Gear Care

After a successful hunt, it’s important to clean and store your gear properly. Clean your turkey vest, calls, and decoys, and hang your camo clothing to air out. This ensures your gear is in top condition for future hunts.

Conclusion

Turkey hunting requires patience, skill, and, most importantly, the right gear. From camo clothing and shotguns to turkey calls and decoys, having a well-rounded set of gear can make the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. Being well-prepared means you can focus on the hunt without worrying about your equipment letting you down.

Remember, turkey hunting is about more than just luck—it’s about outfitting yourself for success. Make sure you have all the essential clothing, weapons, and accessories for your next turkey hunt, and take the time to practice and prepare. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to bag that trophy tom and make memories that last a lifetime.