Finding the Best Turkey Hunting Gear for 2023
The Best Turkey Hunting Gear
Turkey hunting is a thrilling outdoor activity that hunters have enjoyed for generations. It involves tracking, luring, and ultimately capturing wild turkeys. Hunters across the country eagerly prepare themselves for the challenge, immersing themselves in nature and testing their skills against these majestic birds. We’re here to add to your enjoyment by reviewing the best turkey hunting gear for 2023.
Turkey hunting is not just about the thrill of the chase; it’s also an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the wilderness firsthand. The excitement of hearing a turkey gobble in response to your call and the adrenaline rush when you finally lock eyes with your target are moments hunters cherish forever.
Brief Overview of the Best Turkey Hunting Gear
Turkey hunting has gained immense popularity over the years, attracting both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. The sport offers an unparalleled experience of being at one with nature as hunters navigate through forests, fields, and open landscapes in pursuit of their elusive prey.
One of the reasons why turkey hunting has become so popular is its accessibility. Unlike other forms of hunting that require vast amounts of land or specialized equipment, turkey hunting can be enjoyed in various terrains, from dense woodlands to open meadows.
This versatility makes it accessible to many people and allows them to explore different habitats while honing their skills. Moreover, turkey hunting provides a unique challenge that keeps hunters returning for more.
Successfully outsmarting a keen-sensed wild turkey requires patience and knowledge about their habits and behaviors. Understanding how turkeys communicate through calls and deciphering their body language becomes essential tools in a hunter’s arsenal.
Finding the Best Turkey Hunting Gear for a Successful Hunt
Having the best turkey hunting gear is crucial when it comes to turkey hunting. It can make all the difference between going home empty-handed or returning triumphantly with your prize bird.
Not only does proper gear enhance your performance in the field, but it also ensures your safety and comfort throughout the hunt. Camouflage clothing is a vital aspect of the best turkey hunting gear.
Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight, capable of detecting even the slightest movement. Wearing camo helps you blend into your surroundings and remain undetectable to wary turkeys.
In addition to camouflage, turkey vests are indispensable for any serious hunter. These specialized vests have numerous pockets and compartments to store essential items such as calls, ammunition, and other accessories.
They provide easy access to everything you need for a successful hunt, eliminating unnecessary fumbling or noise that could give away your position. Investing in face masks and gloves is equally important.
Turkeys can spot exposed skin from afar, so covering up can significantly improve your chances of going unnoticed. Plus, gloves protect your hands from harsh weather conditions while providing additional concealment.
By investing in quality gear designed for turkey hunting, hunters increase their chances of success while ensuring their comfort and safety in the field. With the best turkey hunting gear, hunters are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of pursuing these elusive birds.
Essential Clothing for Turkey Hunting
Camouflage Clothing: Blending into the Surroundings for Stealth
Finding the best turkey hunting gear is essential for blending seamlessly into your surroundings. That’s where camouflage clothing comes in. This isn’t just any ordinary camo pattern you find at your local department store – no, we’re talking about high-quality, specifically designed turkey hunting camouflage.
These patterns are expertly crafted to mimic the colors and textures in a turkey’s natural habitat, making you virtually invisible to those perceptive feathered critters. Turkey hunting camo isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about fooling turkeys into thinking you’re nothing more than a part of the landscape.
These outfits’ intricate patterns and earthy tones help you blend effortlessly with the trees and foliage around you. From realistic leaves and branches to delicate shadows, this gear is engineered to make you disappear like a ninja in the forest.
Turkey Vests: Convenient Storage for Calls, Ammunition, and Accessories
When heading out on a turkey hunt, organization is key – especially regarding calls, ammunition, and other essential accessories. That’s where turkey vests come into play – these nifty inventions are practical multitaskers!
They provide much-needed storage space for all your gear and keep everything at arm’s reach so you can take advantage of every opportunity while fumbling around. Turkey vests boast an array of pockets and compartments designed to accommodate calls like box calls or slate calls. This can be one of the best turkey hunting gear items you ever purchase.
These pockets keep your calls safe and allow quick access when that trophy gobbler finally starts responding. Additionally, turkey vests often feature specialized loops or attachment points for shotgun shells or extra ammunition – so no more digging through pockets and searching for that crucial round!
Face Masks and Gloves: Concealing Exposed Skin to Avoid Detection
In the turkey hunting game, even the smallest exposed skin patch can give away your position. That’s why investing in a reliable face mask and gloves is imperative. These accessories complete your camouflage ensemble by ensuring no body part stands out like a sore thumb against the natural surroundings.
Depending on the design, a good turkey-hunting face mask covers your face, neck, and sometimes even your ears. The mask’s camo pattern seamlessly blends into the rest of your gear, leaving no visible skin patches that could catch the sharp eyes of a wary tom.
Similarly, gloves ensure that even your hands don’t betray you when making those subtle movements required during a hunt. Whether picking up calls or adjusting your shotgun’s sights, a hidden pair of gloves ensures you remain concealed from head to toe. Another ‘must have’ if you want the best turkey hunting gear.
So remember, when heading out to pursue those elusive gobblers, ensure you’re dressed for success with high-quality camouflage clothing that perfectly matches the surrounding environment. Don’t forget to equip yourself with a handy turkey vest loaded with all essentials and invest in a trusty face mask and gloves to conceal any exposed skin – because in turkey hunting, blending in means winning!v
Optics and Scouting Equipment
Binoculars: Enhancing Vision to Spot Turkeys from a Distance
Regarding turkey hunting, having a good pair of binoculars can make all the difference. These optical wonders allow you to spot turkeys from afar, giving you an advantage in planning your approach. This is key to having the best turkey hunting gear.
Look for binoculars with a decent magnification power, typically around 8x or 10x, providing clear and detailed images. Consider the objective lens diameter; larger lenses (around 42mm) gather more light, resulting in brighter images even in low-light conditions.
Game Cameras: Monitoring Turkey Movement Patterns and Behavior
Game cameras are like your personal spies in the woods – they capture valuable information about turkey movement patterns and behavior when you’re not around. These trail cameras are equipped with motion sensors that trigger when animals pass by, capturing photos or videos of their activity. By strategically placing game cameras near turkey roosting spots or feeding areas, you can gain insights into their habits and determine the best hunting times.
To effectively use game cameras for turkey hunting, look for models with high-resolution image quality and fast trigger speed to ensure you don’t miss any action. You should invest in one that offers wireless connectivity to remotely access the images captured without disturbing the area.
GPS Devices: Tracking Locations and Marking Potential Hunting Spots
A reliable GPS device is an indispensable tool for any serious turkey hunter. Not only does it help navigate through sprawling wilderness, but it also assists in marking potential hunting spots and keeping track of locations where turkeys have been spotted.
Please look for handheld GPS devices with a user-friendly interface that allows easy waypoint marking and tracking features. Some devices offer topographic mapping capabilities and preloaded maps specific to hunting grounds or public lands, which can be extremely helpful in planning your hunting strategy.
Also, you can opt for a GPS device with long battery life and durable construction to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. You can significantly improve your chances of success in turkey hunting by utilizing optics and scouting equipment like binoculars, game cameras, and GPS devices.
These tools provide valuable information about turkey behavior, enable precise location tracking, and enhance your ability to spot turkeys from afar. So, gear up with these essential items and gain an edge in pursuing these elusive birds.
Shotguns and Ammunition Selection
Gauge Selection: 12-Gauge vs 20-Gauge Shotguns
When it comes to turkey hunting, choosing the right shotgun gauge is crucial. The two most popular options among hunters are the 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, each with pros and cons.
The 12-gauge shotgun is considered the workhorse of turkey hunting due to its versatility and power. A larger bore diameter delivers a heavier payload, making it ideal for longer shots or when you need more stopping power.
The increased pellet count also provides a wider spread pattern, increasing your chances of hitting a moving target. On the other hand, the 20-gauge shotgun offers a lighter weight and reduced recoil compared to its bulkier counterpart.
This makes it an excellent choice for novice hunters or those who prefer a more maneuverable firearm. While fewer pellets may be in each shot, the 20-gauge can still effectively take down turkeys at reasonable distances with proper aim and shot placement.
Choke Tubes: Improving Accuracy at Different Distances
Once you’ve settled on your preferred shotgun gauge, selecting the right choke tube becomes paramount in maximizing accuracy during turkey hunts. Choke tubes control the spread of pellets as they exit the barrel, allowing you to tailor your shot pattern for various distances. For shorter-range shots (under 30 yards), an open or cylinder choke tube is generally recommended.
This provides a wider spread pattern that increases your chances of hitting vital areas like the head or neck. Conversely, if you anticipate longer shots or want tighter patterns for improved precision, modified or full choke tubes are suitable options.
These choke tubes constrict the pellets’ spread for better concentration on smaller targets at extended ranges. Testing different choke tubes and shotshell combinations on the shooting range is essential to determine the optimal setup for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Shotshell Choice: Understanding Shot Size, Material, and Velocity
Choosing the right shotshell for turkey hunting involves considering several factors, including shot size, material, and velocity. Shot size typically ranges from #4 to #7.
Smaller shot sizes provide more pellets in each shell but may lack the power for longer shots. Larger shot sizes offer increased impact energy but can potentially damage meat when aiming for close-range headshots.
Balancing these factors while adhering to local regulations is crucial. Material-wise, lead shot has long been popular due to its superior density and ballistic performance.
However, some locations have regulations prohibiting its use due to environmental concerns. In such cases, alternative options like tungsten or bismuth offer comparable performance but at a higher cost.
Shotshell velocity influences both pattern density and effective range. Higher velocities generally result in tighter patterns but may also increase recoil.
Finding the right balance that suits your shooting style while maintaining ethical hunting practices is important. By understanding these considerations and experimenting with different combinations of shotgun gauges, choke tubes, and shotshells during practice sessions, you can confidently choose the perfect setup that maximizes your chances of success on your next turkey hunt.
Calls and Decoys for Attracting Turkeys
Best Turkey Hunting Gear – Turkey Calls Overview
When it comes to turkey hunting, mastering the art of mimicry is key. Turkey calls allow hunters to replicate the vocalizations of these elusive birds, luring them closer for a better shot.
There are three main types of turkey calls: box, slate, and diaphragm. Box calls are popular among hunters due to their ease of use and versatility.
Consisting of a wooden box with a paddle on top, these calls produce realistic turkey sounds by simply sliding the paddle across the surface. They are great for beginners, requiring minimal practice to achieve decent results.
Slate or pot calls provide hunters with more control over their calling technique. Made from slate or glass surfaces set in a pot-like structure, they produce various tones depending on how you strike them with a striker stick.
With practice, you can create different turkey vocalizations, such as clucks, purrs, yelps, and even gobbles. Diaphragm calls, also known as mouth calls or mouth diaphragms, offer hands-free operation – perfect for aiming your shotgun or needing to stay stealthy.
These small latex reeds fit inside your mouth and are controlled by tongue movement and air pressure. Although they require more practice to master than other types of calls, they offer exceptional realism in replicating turkey sounds.
Best Turkey Hunting Gear – Decoy Types
Using decoys can significantly increase your chances of attracting turkeys within range. Decoys imitate other turkeys and trigger curiosity or territorial instincts in live birds. Several decoy types are available on the market; however, the most commonly used ones include hen, Jake, and tom (strutter) decoys. Hen decoys are great attractants, particularly during the early to mid-season when male turkeys actively seek mates.
These decoys feature a lifelike female turkey appearance and posture. Pairing a hen decoy with realistic calling can fool gobblers into coming closer, expecting to find a receptive mate.
Jake decoys represent young male turkeys that are not yet dominant but still pose a potential threat to the dominant tom in the area. These decoys often have shorter beards and smaller bodies than adult tom decoys.
When placed near your setup, they can evoke a territorial response from mature gobblers, challenging them to assert dominance. Tom or strutter decoys are the go-to choices for experienced hunters looking to provoke aggressive behavior from dominant toms.
These realistic replicas of mature male turkeys display their full plumage, including fanned-out tail feathers and lowered wings in an intimidating posture. Placing a strutter decoy amongst hen or jake decoys creates an alluring scenario that can trigger an aggressive response from territorial gobblers.
Choosing the right combination of turkey calls and selecting appropriate decoys for each hunting situation can greatly enhance your chances of success in luring these cunning birds. Remember, practice makes perfect when using calls effectively, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries before you master the art of turkey talk!
Best Turkey Hunting Gear – Specialized
Turkey Blinds – Portable Shelters Offering Concealment
When it comes to turkey hunting, concealment is key. That’s where turkey blinds come in handy. These portable shelters provide the perfect hiding spot for hunters, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Turkey blinds come in various designs and materials, but the most popular ones are made from lightweight and durable, waterproof fabrics and resistant to UV rays. One of the biggest advantages of using a turkey blind is that it provides excellent cover while ensuring you have a clear line of sight to observe your target.
They often feature multiple windows or shooting ports strategically placed for easy aiming and shooting. Some blinds even have adjustable heights, allowing you to adapt based on your hunting preferences or terrain conditions.
Ghillie Suits – Advanced Camouflage Gear Mimicking Natural
Investing in a ghillie suit is necessary to take your turkey hunting game to the next level. These suits are designed with advanced camouflage technology that mimics the natural surroundings, making you virtually invisible to turkeys’ keen eyesight.
The suit’s multi-dimensional design incorporates materials like jute or burlap strips that break up your outline and provide depth. A ghillie suit can be worn over your existing clothing and equipment, instantly transforming you into an inconspicuous part of nature.
The strands and fibers of the suit help break up your silhouette by imitating grasses, leaves, branches, and other foliage found in the environment where turkeys reside. This allows you to move unnoticed as you stalk or set up for the perfect shot.
Best Turkey Hunting Gear – Backpacks
Carrying all your gear efficiently is crucial during a turkey hunt, and that’s where a specialized turkey hunting backpack comes in handy. These backpacks are specifically designed to meet the needs of turkey hunters, with dedicated compartments and features to organize your equipment effectively.
A good turkey-hunting backpack will have compartments for calls, ammunition, snacks, water bottles, and other essential items. Please be sure to look for models that offer easy access to these compartments to quickly grab what you need without making unnecessary noise or fumbling through your pack.
Additionally, some backpacks come equipped with a hydration bladder system, allowing you to stay hydrated without carrying a separate water bottle. Furthermore, many turkey-hunting backpacks feature adjustable straps and suspension systems that help distribute the weight more evenly across your back and shoulders.
Turkey blinds provide hunters with portable shelters with excellent concealment and clear visibility. Ghillie suits take camouflage to another level by imitating natural surroundings and making the hunter nearly invisible.
Turkey hunting backpacks are designed with specific compartments and features to keep your gear organized and easily accessible while ensuring optimum comfort during long hunts. Investing in these specialized items will undoubtedly elevate your turkey hunting experience.
Best Turkey Hunting Gear – Accessories
Knee pads & seat cushions – provide comfort during long waits
When it comes to turkey hunting, patience is key. You might sit in the same spot for hours, waiting for that perfect opportunity to strike. That’s where knee pads and seat cushions come to the rescue!
Trust me; your knees will thank you for investing in a good pair of knee pads. They provide much-needed cushioning and support when kneeling or crouching for extended periods.
Seat cushions, on the other hand, offer a comfortable seating option that prevents soreness and keeps you focused on the hunt rather than your discomfort. These accessories may seem small, but they can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable during those long waits.
Headlamps & flashlights – essential for early mornings
Turkey hunting often starts before sunrise when visibility is limited. In such low-light conditions, it’s crucial to have reliable illumination tools like headlamps and flashlights by your side.
Headlamps are particularly handy as they free up your hands while providing a direct light source right where you need it. Whether setting up decoys or navigating through rugged terrain, having a headlamp illuminating your path can be a game-changer.
Flashlights are also useful when additional lighting is necessary, providing versatility in different hunting scenarios. Could you make sure to choose those with adjustable brightness levels and durable construction so that they endure the demands of turkey hunting?
Conclusion – Best Turkey Hunting Gear
As any experienced hunter knows, having the right gear can significantly enhance your chances of success in the field. From essential clothing items like camouflage gear and turkey vests to optics like binoculars and game cameras that aid in scouting, each piece elevates your turkey hunting experience.
Additionally, specialized gear such as turkey blinds and ghillie suits offer unparalleled concealment, bringing you closer to your prey. Even accessories and miscellaneous items like knee pads, seat cushions, headlamps, and flashlights can make a remarkable difference in your comfort and effectiveness during long waits or low-light conditions.
So, dear hunters, carefully consider each aspect of your hunting gear. You can choose wisely based on your needs and preferences.
With the right equipment, embrace nature’s beauty, immerse yourself in the thrill of the hunt, and savor every moment spent pursuing those elusive turkeys. Good luck out there!
