By Jason Reid
(New York) It has long been said, “If this ever gets old, I’ll quit hunting.” For many across the country, turkey hunting is the easiest game species to hunt which provides the near paralyzing vocal stimulation we crave. Spring gobblers were the hunting hook for many of us and through the years of chasing them it never grows old. What changes is the way we want to experience the thrill of a loud mouthed bird closing the distance.
The niche of bowhunting turkeys has grown and I attribute the growth to successful television hunts and better equipment. As seasons across the country start, here are five pieces of key gear to help make your archery turkey hunt successful.
Turkey Hunting Blinds:
There are a variety of quality blinds on the market for you to choose from and are featured constantly each spring through successful turkey hunts. Can you take a bird without a blind? Yes, it can be done, but not easily. Walk down the aisle at a Bass Pro and you have your choice of a variety of blinds. Today I’ll highlight the ALPS OutdoorZ Thicket Hunting Blind : http://tiny.cc/6wa89x. With an MSRP of $149.99, this 19lb. blind gives the turkey hunter two pockets designed for box call and slate calls with striker holders. Interior organization is a huge plus in order not to lose anything. Movement ruins any turkey hunt and the Thicket comes standard with 600D polyester Shadow-Flauge Fabric with blacked out backing. If you wear a black sweatshirt in this blind, you ought to be darn near invisible.
Turkey Hunting Crossbow:
Don’t want to be held down to a blind? If hiking for gobblers is your kind of game but you still want to chase birds with archery equipment, then a crossbow is certainly not too far fetched an idea. Browning’s new crossbows, the Browning OneSixOne Crossbow and the One Six Two, will pack a punch on a Spring King. The OneSixOne throws bolts around 350 Feet Per second and weighs 7.2lbs. The sleek design gives the run-and-gun hunter a chance to have the best of both worlds and get the job done in the moment of truth.
Turkey Hunting Decoys:
Hunting gobblers with a bow can take a bit of extra gear when you account for the blind and blind accessories. Decoys can be big, bulky and tough to carry around especially when transporting extra gear. Montana Decoy introduced the new Montana Decoy Purr-Fect Pair 3D Jake & Hen Combo Turkey Decoys : http://tiny.cc/68a89x this year which compresses to a very manageable 9” x 13”. Able to sway in any wind this decoy also features feather cut fabric to provide realistic movement. This decoy can be changed to a feeding position to a curious looking position in seconds.
Turkey Hunting Broadheads:
The idea of shooting a turkey in the head with a bow and arrow is interesting. Sure, it has been done many times over and over again providing a quick and humane kill while making for cool videos. It is not easy and the idea spawned many versions of a large diameter broadhead for the market. The Solid D-Cap Broadhead gives hunters a 4″ cutting diameter from the 200 grain stainless steel broadhead. For this particular type of head and the purpose it serves, the D-Cap’s blades are thicker than others and for what you would typically see for broadheads.The blades measure .060” and can last over multiple kills.
Turkey Hunting Diaphragms:
Bowhunting gobblers takes hands-free calling. Without much explanation, diaphragms are a must. Having used Hunter’s Specialties calls for many years I feel comfortable sharing my positive experiences with their Raspy Old Hen diaphragms. I’ve found this particular call to have the ability to fire a tight lipped gobbler up on even the worst turkey hunting days. Not an easy call to use and I recommend one take the time to practice before the season. Hunter’s Specialties H.S. Strut Tutor Tone Trough Turkey Diaphragm Lure Combo : http://tiny.cc/jfb89x offers a combo package with three mouth calls and a lessons DVD to help you learn the intricacies of using a mouth call. I seriously recommend the lessons for anyone who is not well versed with these types of calls already.
Bowhunting turkeys takes the intensity of this challenge up a notch, but gives one a much fuller experience since the hunt does not end at 30 yards. Get your gear, practice, make a game plan and head afield.
About Jason Reid:
Jason Reid is a writer and business professional from upstate New York. After deciding to pursue his dream of becoming an outdoor writer, Jason started a blog from his dorm room at Houghton College, growing it and working hard to earn opportunities. While bowhunting big game is his ultimate passion, Jason welcomes all outdoor challenges which force him to push his limits. Jason’s work can be viewed on his website Pushingthewildlimits.com or follow on social media via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter