Preparing for Your First Turkey Hunt

Preparing for your first turkey hunt

Turkey hunting offers first timers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while honing skills like patience, strategy, and observation.

As with all hunting, preparation is key. Use this checklist to start your turkey hunting journey right.

Essential Gear for Turkey Hunting

Rules and Regulations

Understanding and following the hunting regulations for your area is crucial. Each state has unique rules which may involve a license, permit, tag, stamps, or proof of a completed hunter education course. If crossing state lines, you must follow that state's licensing requirements for non-residents.

Tools of the Trade

A 12-gauge shotgun provides power and range for getting the job done. Easy ammo availability doesn't hurt, either. Choose turkey-specific loads with a heavier, denser payload with more knockdown and penetration.

For even more of a challenge, many hunters choose to hunt turkey with a compound bow, or even a long bow. Bows by their very nature generate more movement to potentially alert game to your presence. Decreased range doesn't help either. That said, many seasoned hunters find that the bow is an essential part of their turkey hunting experience, and wouldn't do it any other way.

You should have a sharp hunting knife for field dressing, a game bag, disposable gloves, and orange fabric for marking your bird. A multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, pliers and other useful attachments can be great for solving problems, especially the ones you don't think of until they happen out in the field. Consider bringing a headlamp if starting your hunt in the dark.

Clothing and Footwear

You might be out there for a while. Layers should be moisture-wicking, breathable, waterproof, and windproof. Consider looking for clothing that protects against bugs, including ticks.

Turkeys have extremely good eyesight, requiring the use of camouflage to blend into your environment. But depending on hunting regulations/environment, you may want or need to wear blaze orange clothing on your way to a turkey hunting location before switching to camouflage layers to reduce your visibility while actually hunting.

A hunting vest keeps all your turkey-hunting gear like ammo and calls organized and in easy reach without requiring too much movement. Some even have built-in or removable cushioned seat pads for sitting or leaning against a tree.

Waterproof, moisture-wicking hunting boots with good ankle support will keep your feet on the path to success. Insulated boots are important in cold climates. Snake-resistant boots can conversely be important in warmer ones. Boots should have proper cushioning and support to keep your feet comfortable for hours.

Turkey Calls and Decoys

Learning turkey calls and practicing them before you go on a hunt is something every turkey hunter should do. Basic box calls are the easiest to learn, but mouth calls are also an option. However, the learning curve for advanced calling is steeper for new hunters. A realistic hen decoy could increase your odds of attracting a tom.

Blinds

A good camouflage blind is an effective tool while hunting. It not only helps you stay hidden and get closer to a wild turkey but also allows you to take a break when needed without alerting them to your presence. Comfort makes the long wait for hunting opportunity much more bearable. Consider bringing a chair, stool or pad.

Navigation

There are several apps to choose from when navigating your hunting journey, including GPS-enabled apps HuntStand, HuntWise and onX Hunt. They offer helpful features like maps showing nationwide public and private land boundaries, as well as a satellite view of the land you're scouting. You can even save detailed maps offline, so you're covered if you don't have access to the Internet. A physical map of your hunting area and a compass are good backups.

First Aid

Carry a first-aid kit with the basic supplies (bandages, wipes, blanket, tape, tweezers). Don't forget water and nutritious snacks to keep your energy up throughout your hunt. Always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return. Consider a satellite communication device for emergencies.

Development and Advancement

The most important thing to remember is to enjoy and appreciate the learning process. Every mistake is a chance to improve. And every spooked bird is a necessary bump on the road to an eventual, inevitable successful trophy.

Remember to check out your state's Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation for additional information on turkey hunting and preparing for a successful hunt.

Have fun!