Essential gear

You don’t need a lot of gear to hunt turkey – that’s one reason for its growing popularity. However, the more you hunt – in different seasons and in different parts of the state – the more you’ll discover there are some things that can make you a more comfortable and successful hunter.

Here are some essential pieces of gear beginning turkey hunters will want to consider:

  • A face mask or camouflage face paint. Turkeys have keen eyesight so you’ll want to cover your entire face and neck with something camouflage that’s comfortable to wear. Bowhunters often prefer camo face paint that won’t get hung up in the bow string like some masks can.
  • Gloves or camouflage paint for your hands. Same reason as above.
  • Something to sit on. It could be a simple pad if you’re shotgun hunting from in front of a tree, to a small stool if you’re bowhunting from a ground blind.
  • A ground blind to help hide any movement that might spook a turkey. Ground blinds are almost essential for beginning bowhunters. It’s hard to draw back a bow without moving at least a little. At the same time, shotgun hunters also will enjoy the comfort and effectiveness of hunting from a ground blind.
  • A pair of binoculars to spot turkeys, and to measure the length of their beards. Binoculars also can help you study the terrain and plan your next move.
  • A rangefinder, if you’re a bowhunter. When it comes to accuracy, knowing the distance to your target is critical. A decent rangefinder should be at the top of any bowhunter’s check list.
  • Proper clothing. This includes clothing appropriate for the weather, and a camouflage pattern that matches the seasonal vegetation.
  • Suitable boots for walking in or for following birds.
  • A valid hunting license and turkey tag.
  • Turkey calls.
  • Turkey decoy(s) (optional).
  • Knife and rubber gloves for field dressing your bird.
  • Food and water for a day in the woods.
  • First aid kit.
  • Toilet paper and wet wipes.
  • A pack or turkey vest to carry everything in.

Optional items as you hunt more

The more you turkey hunt, the more you’ll learn what gear you need for your specific style of hunting. Some of the most popular “bonus” gear includes:

  • Trail cameras. A useful tool for scouting before the season, or for monitoring turkey activity during the season. Trail cameras are your eyes in the woods when you’re not there, and can reveal turkey numbers, age range, and when they’re moving.
  • Knee pads. If you need to stay low and crawl into position to setup and call in a turkey, knee pads will keep you dry and protect you from sharp rocks and sticks.
  • A shotgun rest. A knee pad shotgun rest will let you sit comfortably at the base of a tree with your shotgun up and in the ready position. This will minimize your movements if a turkey approaches and you need to take a shot.
  • A bow stand. Properly placed by your chair in a ground blind, a bow stand holds your bow in the ready position, making it easier to grab your bow and get ready for the shot.

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