Turkey Hunting Gear: What Do You Need?
As spring emerges, eager hunters turn their attention to the exhilarating tradition of turkey hunting. This sport is as much of a thrill as it is a challenge, and the key to success is optimal preparation.To help you prepare for the turkey hunt, our WITZENBERG Hunting Expert, Ben Fleischacker explores all the necessary gear for a successful turkey hunt. With the right gear, you'll be ready and prepared for a rewarding turkey season.
What To Wear Turkey Hunting
When prepping for the hunt, making sure you have the right turkey hunting clothing is very important to keep you protected and comfortable in the field. Ben suggests:
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- Turkey hunting vest: A tool organizer that keeps everything you need close at hand and serves as your storage kit while you're out in the field.
- Gloves - Helpful for staying concealed and keeping your hands protected. Keep some fingerless gloves on hand for those warmer hunts as well.
- Face mask - Turkeys are known for their keen eyesight, so a face mask helps conceal you. It is smart to include an extra facemask just in case your primary mask gets wet or lost.
- Headlamp - Essential for an early morning set up or wrapping things up in the dark evening hours.
- Camouflage Clothing: For turkey hunting in the unpredictable spring season, opt for clothing featuring effective camouflage patterns that blend with fresh, green foliage. Such patterns significantly enhance your ability to stay concealed in the wild.
- Layers: With spring's erratic weather, be prepared for colder snaps or sudden showers. Layering your hunting wear will allow you to adjust to changing conditions. Sudden cold? Pile on some extra insulation. A surprise burst of sunshine? Peel off a layer or two to stay comfortable.
- Proper Footwear: The changing spring environment requires sturdy and adaptive footwear. Invest in comfortable, durable hunting boots specifically designed to navigate various terrains and withstand unexpected weather changes. A well-fitted boot will offer both vital support and necessary protection during those long turkey hunting ventures.
Turkey Hunting Gear List
Turkey Calls
In the world of turkey hunting, effective communication is key. To bring these elusive birds within your range, you need the right turkey calls. There are four main types of turkey calls to choose from depending on your skill level and preferences:
- A locator call - Trapping Tools & Accessories.
- A box call - Ideal for beginners or new shooters, these are easy to use and very effective for attracting turkeys. Make sure to have an extra when hunting with youth hunters.
- Diaphragm calls - Allow for perfect hands-free operation, producing lifelike yelps, clucks, and purrs. It’s always handy to have backups as well to provide an array of vocal options.
- Pot style calls (such as crystal, slate, and glass): Easy to use and popular types of friction calls, great for making yelping, cutting, and purring sounds.
- Make sure to include extra strikers in your pack used with pot-style calls to create turkey sounds.
- Extra surface lids help protect the friction surface of your pot calls while in transport or not in use.
- Conditioners are smart to bring along as well as they are used to maintain the surface of pot style turkey calls. They help produce the best possible sound by creating the perfect level of friction between the call and the striker.
Shotgun Accessories
Having the right shotgun accessories can greatly improve convenience and overall experience. Consider including the following items:
- Turkey choke tube: Designed to shape the spread of your shotgun pellets for an effective shot without ruining the meat.
- Shotgun sling: A carry strap for your shotgun that can free your hands when you need to.
- Shotgun cleaning kit: Useful for on-the-spot maintenance of your shotgun.
- Extra shotgun shells: Always pack extras, as you never know how many shots you'll need in the field.
- Buttstock shell holder - Convenient on-hand storage for your shotgun shells, providing quick and easy access when you need to reload.
- Gun oil wipes - Convenient for maintaining and cleaning your firearm in the field, shielding against damaging moisture.
Extra turkey Gear Essentials
Having additional gear within easy reach can significantly enhance your turkey hunting experience. Consider stashing a spare pack in your vehicle, packed with the following essentials:
- Extra decoy stakes - Helps stabilize your decoys and can be lifesavers if any stakes break or become lost.
- Pruning tool - All Dumbbells & Free Weight Sets.
- Rangefinder (Archery hunts) - A must-have for archery hunts, ensuring accurate measurement of distance to your target.
- Blinds - Offer concealment and disguise, allowing you to blend seamlessly with your surroundings, keeping those wary turkeys at ease.
- Blind chairs - Blind chairs provide the comfort and stability you need for extended periods in the field. These chairs are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making your hunting experience more enjoyable.
With the right gear properly packed and maintained, you're now ready for a successful turkey hunting season. If you have any more questions about what you need for turkey hunting, stop by your local WITZENBERG and speak to a Hunting Expert today!