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When is comes to chasing gobblers during spring turkey season having the right gear can not only aid in your success but make the hunt that much more enjoyable. That’s why we’ve put together a turkey hunting gear list to help turkey hunters find the hunting gear they need to make this spring a success. Our list includes both turkey hunting essentials, as well as some optional turkey hunting gear you might need this spring.
Hunting License
Your hunting license is the first thing you should make sure you have when planning a turkey hunt. Its important to check with the state or areas regulations and game laws each year to make sure that you have the necessary licenses and permits due to things possibly changing.
Shooting Equipment
While a lot of the items mentioned on this list are important, other than your hunting license, the most important piece of turkey hunting gear is your shooting equipment. This includes your shotgun, turkey ammo, choke tube, and sight.
Turkey Shotgun
The turkey gun that you decide to pack to the woods with you each spring is really up to personal preference. For turkey hunting, I prefer a shotgun that is lightweight, reliable in all weather conditions, and has a short barrel.
Shotgun Sling
When walking long distances or through tough terrain, having a shotgun sling is a game changer. Not only does it make the process of carrying your shotgun through the woods easier but frees up your hands for calling. I have used Quake Slings for years and would highly recommend them to someone looking for a new sling.
Firearm Case
Its always a good idea to keep your shotgun in a case when driving to an from your hunting location. Not only does it protect your gun but can keep you from getting a ticket in states that require your gun to be in a case in a vehicle.
I have used the President Series Shotgun Case by Evolution Outdoors for awhile now and have not been disappointed. This is a higher end shotgun case. For a more budget friendly option, check out this shotgun case made by Banded Gear.
Turkey Ammo
The importance of quality turkey ammo cannot be understated. Afterall this is what you are going to be sending downrange when making a shot on a gobbler. Whatever turkey loads you choose, make sure to pattern it with your shotgun and turkey choke to ensure it produces a lethal pattern downrange.
Turkey Choke
Having a quality turkey choke in your turkey gun is a no brainer. Turkey chokes (typically a full choke or tighter) are specifically designed for producing dense patterns down range with turkey ammo. Afterall you could have the best shotgun and ammunition available but with the wrong choke, its going to be difficult to shoot turkeys at extended distances.
Red Dot or Adjustable Sight
While many turkey hunters prefer to just shoot the bead on their shotgun, I have found that having a red dot, reflex, or some type of adjustable sight on your shotgun can remove any of the guess work when pulling the trigger. These adjustable sights allow you to precisely dial in your point of aim and point of impact, allowing you the confidence of knowing exactly where your shot is going.
Gun Cleaning Kit
Its always important to take care of your hunting gear and cleaning your shotgun is no exception. While many hunters don’t fool with cleaning their shotguns until after turkey season, I have found that by gun patterns significantly better with a clean barrel. That’s why I like to run a bore snake through the barrel of my shotgun after each bird I harvest.
Turkey Hunting Apparel/Clothing
No matter where you plan on turkey hunting this spring, one this is for certain, spring weather is often unpredictable. This means having turkey hunting apparel for various weather conditions is a must.
When hunting wild turkeys, one of the biggest challenges is fooling the birds eyes. Look for turkey hunting clothing that as a camo pattern that blends in with the surroundings well.
Camo Shirt/Jacket
Generally spring turkey hunting consists of warmer temperatures, meaning shirts made of lightweight and breathable material are a must. But as mentioned earlier, spring is often unpredictable and can produce some cold snaps. This is where having a quality camo jacket comes in handy.
Camo Pants
Just like the shirts, I prefer pants made of lightweight and breathable materials to hunt turkeys. Pants with reinforced knees and seat areas are also nice because they provide your knees protection when you inevitably need to crawl that extra 20 yards to get into position and extra cushioning for long sits.
Hat/Face Mask/Gloves
A hat is another portion of your turkey hunting gear that is going to aid in keeping you concealed. Not only does the brim shield your eyes from the sun but can also aid in hiding your face from an approaching gobbler.
To cover the portion of your head and face not conceal by your hat you’ll want a face mask. Look for a mask that is adjustable and breathable.
It doesn’t take much for a longbeard to pick up on something being out of place and an ungloved hand sticks out like a sore thumb. Especially since your hands are likely to be the part of your body moving the most when working a gobbler. Look for a pair of gloves that are light and don’t hinder your ability to use your hands.
Rain Gear
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. So what does this mean for hunters? It means you should expect and be prepared to unexpected rain showers while turkey hunting. I prefer lightweight and packable rain gear that stores easily in the back of my vest without adding a lot of weight.
Footwear for Turkey Hunting
One item that should never be left off of your turkey hunting gear checklist is footwear. Having a pair of turkey hunting boots that are best suited for the environment you plain to hunt.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots are a go-to option for many turkey hunters. They’re waterproof which is a lifesaver because nobody likes sloshing around with wet feet. I wear mine when I expect muddy or swampy conditions.
Hiking Boots
During the majority of my turkey hunts, I prefer a hiking style boot. They work great in any type of terrain and are comfortable when walking long distances. Trust me, theirs nothing worse than sore feet and blisters after a long day hunting.
Snake Boots
If you plan on hunting in areas with a high likelihood of encountering venomous snakes, snake boots might be a good option for you. Not only do they provide snake protection, but a piece of mind that allows you to stay focused on the hunt rather than snakes.
Gaiters
For those of us who prefer to wear hiking style boots spring turkey hunting, a set of gaiters is must. Gaiters prevent your pants from getting wet while walking through wet grass or vegetation. Once your pants get wet, its only a matter of time before that moisture finds its way to your socks and trust me, walking long distances with wet feet is not enjoyable.
Turkey Vest
Another item on our list of turkey hunting essentials is a turkey vest. A turkey vest is what you will pack your calls, shells, and other items in and out of the woods with. Here are some considerations when selecting turkey vests:
Specifically designed pockets for any gear you might carry during a hunt. Calls, ammo, knife, etc.
Turkey vests made of lightweight yet durable materials so that it can withstand several season and still be light enough not to weigh you down.
Have a thick seat cushion to help you remain still and comfortable during long sits.
Optics for Turkey Hunting
Optics are something that many hunters forget when prepping for a turkey hunt. I don’t leave my truck without a set of binoculars and a rangefinder.
Binoculars
A compact set of binoculars are great to have while hunting turkeys. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked across a field and though I saw a gobbler at the other end only to realize it was a stump or grass after looking through my binoculars.
Range Finder
Judging distances in open terrain or through the timber can be tricky at times. This is when having a rangefinder shines. Having the ability to range trees or objects when setting up allows you to take the guesswork out of how far the turkey is and make an ethical shot.
Turkey Calls
The type of turkey calls you plan to take to the woods with you thing spring is all up to personal preference and what you feel the most confident using. Here are some of our favorite calls to use each spring.
Pot Calls
Pot calls are great for beginners and come in a few different options based on the material that the striking surface is made of.
Slate Calls: Great for softer calling while still having the ability to get loud if needed.
Glass/Crystal Calls: Higher pitched than slate and are great for hunting windy days.
Mouth Call
Mouth calls, or diaphragm calls, fit right in your mouth, allowing your hands to stay free—ideal when that tom is closing in. The diaphragm call does take some time to fully master but once you get the hang of it, can quickly become the most versatile call in your arsenal.
Box Call
Box calls are the go to call for many turkey hunters due to their ease of use and realistic turkey sounds. The box call is also a great option for windy days because of their ability to get loud and cut through the wind.
Tube Calls
The tube call is my go to when nothing else seems to be working. This type of call has a very unique sound that turkeys don’t hear from other hunters often and can be a great ace up your sleeve when dealing with stubborn turkeys.
Locator Calls
Locator calls shine when you are attempting to locate a gobbler. This type of call provokes what is called a “Shock Gobble”. Some of our favorite calls for locating turkeys include:
Owl Call: Great for locating birds first thing in the morning or roosting them in the evening.
Crow Call: Mostly used during the middle of the day.
Coyote Howler: Great for roosting birds out west.
Misc. Equipment for Turkey Hunting
While we have covered some of the most important turkey hunting gear, here are some other items you might need during your next turkey hunt.
Turkey Decoys
Turkey decoys are not necessary but can be a great option for taking youth hunters or when setting up blind during an afternoon hunt.
Ground Blind
When the weather man is calling for rain, a ground blind might be just the ticked to keep you dry during your hunt. Blinds are not only an option for rainy weather but are great for taking youth due to them helping conceal the movement associated with younger hunters.
Insect Repellant/Thermacell
Nothing ruins a hunt like getting eaten alive by ticks or mosquitoes. Not only are these critters annoying during a hunt but can transmit lyme disease which could ultimately shorten your hunting season.
In my experience the best way to prevent ticks is by treating all of your hunting clothes with permethrin. This stuff works wonders and when properly used, will eliminate the need to worry about ticks.
In areas with high numbers of mosquitos, I like to use a Thermacell. These devices are lightweight and work extremely well at repelling mosquitos.
GPS or Mapping App
When hunting new or unfamiliar terrain, having a mapping app like OnX on your smartphone is a no brainer. OnX allows you to see satellite imagery and the topography of an area which makes moving in on a gobbler and determining where to setup much easier.
OnX also provides you with the following features:
Ability to add waypoints, lines, area shapes, and track your movement through an area.
No Service? No problem, you can download the maps before the hunt so you can still see the maps without cell signal.
Provides public and private land property lines so you can make sure your where your supposed to be.
Headlamp/Flashlight
A quality headlamp or flashlight is essential for getting in and out of the woods in the dark. I prefer a light that has both white and red light settings. I will use the white light, which is brighter, when walking areas that I know the turkeys are not in. If I’m worried about spooking turkeys, I prefer the red light witch is less bright and dull.
Water Bottle/Bladder
Its important to stay hydrated while hunting. I prefer to use a water bladder in the back of my vest while hunting but a water bottle will also work. Just make sure that whatever route you go in quite. You don’t want to hear the crunch of a regular water bottle in the back of your vest just before the bird steps into gun range.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to turkey hunting gear, what each hunter decides to use in the turkey woods is really up to personal preference and their specific hunting style. The items we’ve covered today should provide both the experienced and new turkey hunter with a few options to get started making your own checklist for this season.
