Approaching a downed turkey

When a turkey is shot in the head with a shotgun, death is usually instant. However, a turkey may flop on the ground for several seconds, even up to a minute, after it’s “dead.” In this case, the turkey isn’t going anywhere so simply wait for it to go still.

If the bird is wounded and laying with its head up, you may need to shoot it again – in the head with a shotgun, or in the spine or vitals with an arrow.

Don’t try to ring the neck of a bird that’s still alive but not going anywhere. Picking up a wounded but still-alive turkey can be dangerous. You don’t want to get hurt by a tom’s long spurs, or by any sharp bones that may be protruding after having been broken.

Instead, place one foot at the base of the turkey’s neck and the other foot on the throat to suffocate the bird. You also can stand on the bird’s head and neck, and carefully cut its throat with a knife. If the bird starts flopping, step away until it’s still.

Finally, be sure to validate your turkey tag -- either electronically or on paper -- once the bird is dead. And be careful of any sharp spurs or bone fragments as you’re carrying your turkey out of the field.