Tips for Bowhunting Turkeys

Let's face it: bowhunting turkeys are tough, incredibly tough, as a matter of fact, but that doesn't mean that it can't be done. Taking a wild turkey with stick and string is one of the greatest accomplishments any bowhunter can achieve, and you can do it with a little preparation and by knowing how to put the odds in your favor best.

Use a Blind

Try bowhunting turkeys without a blind, and you will quickly realize what a challenge you are in for. Getting your bow drawn on a wary gobbler is a feat indeed, but it can be done. If you are hunting without the concealment of a blind, the best time to draw your bow is if the bird is in full strut while facing directly away from you. This is about the only way to avoid being spotted. You might also be able to draw while the gobbler steps behind a tree, but you must do so quickly before he steps back in the open. Once drawn, you can execute a killing shot by either shooting the bird directly in the rectum or by waiting until he turns broadside and offers you a shot. While the former mentioned backside shot is not recommended in most games, it is lethal on turkeys.

Should you choose to hunt from a blind, getting drawn on turkeys is much easier. Not all blinds are created equal, however. While most will do the job, I have found that Primos Double Bull blinds are far and away the best. They are set up easily, are made of a tougher, heavier material that doesn't flap in the wind, and shooting from them is second to none due to the shooting ports and how they open without zippers. Another thing I really loved about Double Bull Blinds was the Predator deception camouflage they used to use. Unlike most camos, it was actually scaled to match the size of the blind, resulting in a larger pattern that did not turn into a blob at longer distances. I hope the new Ground Swat camouflage on the Dark Horse is as effective.

When hunting from a blind, remember to sit back in it, not right in front of the window. This will help to conceal you better. I have actually successfully hunted turkeys in a blind without wearing a facemask.

Also, don't feel the need to brush your blind in. If you can, great, but I have been on numerous successful turkey hunts where we popped the blind up in a wide-open spot, had birds walk right up to it, and actually brush up against it.

Broadheads to Try

Two main types of broadheads are used in turkey hunting: expandable and those made for head shots such as the Gobbler Guillotine. With expandables, you have a little more range in case you need it, and with them, you need to place your shot just behind the wing butt (where the wing attaches to the body.) Broadheads such as the Guillotine are made for shooting right at the turkey's head and neck. Conventional three-blade, replaceable blade heads will do the trick as well.

Crank Bow Down

Consider cranking the poundage of your bow down slightly. You never know how long you will have to remain at full draw on a bird waiting for the shot, and besides, in the case of expandable broadheads, a pass-through shot is not ideal on a turkey. Having the arrow through the protruding bird's wings is better, making it more difficult for him to fly off.

Keep 'Em Close

If bowhunting from a blind, set your decoys only about 5- to 10 yards from the blind. As mentioned earlier, turkeys will walk right up to a blind, and setting your decoys nearby not only offers you close shots, but may also bring birds into range that may hang up.

Practice Close Shots

Besides shooting at 10 yards and out, it's also important to practice shooting your bow at short distances, of say, 4- or 5 yards. You will be surprised to find out that your arrows will most likely hit 3- to 5 inches high at such short ranges.

Just Do It!

The bottom line is you won't bow kill a turkey if you don't try. Put these tips to use and give it a go this spring!