The Most Basic of Turkey Hunting Basics: A First Timers Guide

Why Are There So Many Rules? Turkeys are a federally protected game bird, meaning that strict regulations govern their hunting. They can only be harvested during specific seasons, and hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits. Before heading into the woods, it’s essential to complete a hunter safety course, which is often required before obtaining a hunting license. Each state has its own process for hunter education, and many courses are available online or through local wildlife agencies. Once certified, you can purchase your hunting license and turkey tags through your state’s fish and game department website or at approved retailers.

How Do I Choose the Right Shotgun? Turkeys are typically hunted using a shotgun. The most common choices are 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, with the 12-gauge being the most popular due to its greater power and range. However, a 20-gauge can be an excellent choice for younger or smaller-framed hunters due to its lighter recoil. Selecting a shotgun that fits your size and comfort level is important for accuracy and safety.

Once you have your shotgun, choosing the right ammunition is crucial. Turkey loads, such as No. 4, No. 5, or No. 6 shot, are designed to deliver dense patterns at medium distances. Before heading into the field, practice shooting at paper targets to pattern your shotgun. This helps you determine how your shotgun distributes pellets at different ranges, ensuring a clean and ethical harvest.

Where Can I Hunt? Securing a hunting location is one of the biggest challenges for turkey hunters. While public lands offer opportunities, they can be crowded and unpredictable. Private land offers a more controlled and often more successful hunting experience. LandTrust.com provides a platform for hunters to connect with private landowners, giving them access to high-quality hunting grounds without the hassle of leasing land long-term. By booking access through LandTrust, hunters can enjoy exclusive opportunities in prime turkey habitat while supporting landowners who manage these environments responsibly.

What Should I Wear? Turkeys have exceptional eyesight and hearing, making concealment a key part of the hunt. Full camouflage, from head to toe, helps you blend into your surroundings and avoid detection. You don’t need to invest in the most expensive camo gear—budget-friendly options work just as well as long as they provide full coverage. A facemask, gloves, and boots that match your environment can make a big difference in staying hidden from a turkey’s sharp eyes.

However, being fully camouflaged also presents a safety risk, as other hunters may have difficulty seeing you. For this reason, hunter safety is essential. Always identify your target before taking a shot, and consider wearing a bright orange vest when moving through the woods to avoid accidental encounters with other hunters. Hunting with a partner and maintaining communication can further enhance safety while in the field.

How Do I Use Calls and Decoys? Calls and decoys can be helpful tools for attracting turkeys, but they are not essential for beginners. A simple approach is to start with a single hen decoy, which can be effective in drawing the attention of a nearby tom. Calls, such as box calls or mouth calls, can mimic turkey vocalizations and entice birds into range. However, mastering these calls takes practice, and for new hunters, patience and good scouting can be just as effective.

Where Do I Find Turkeys to Hunt? Scouting before the season is crucial for locating turkeys. Look for areas where birds are feeding in open fields during the morning hours. Spring turkey season coincides with breeding season, meaning toms will be searching for hens. If you can find turkeys in the late evening, they likely won’t be far in the morning since they roost in trees overnight for protection from predators. Identifying roosting sites can help you set up in a strategic location for a successful hunt.

I Found Some—Now What? Arriving at your hunting spot well before shooting light is ideal. Set up your decoy in an open area where it is visible to approaching turkeys and within your shotgun’s effective range. Find a comfortable, concealed position to sit, ideally against a large tree for both cover and support. Keeping still and maintaining patience is key as you wait for birds to approach.

How Do I Identify Which Turkey to Shoot? In most cases, hunters aim to harvest a male turkey, or tom. Toms are easily identified by their bright red head and the long beard hanging from their chest. They also exhibit distinct mating behaviors, such as puffing out their feathers and strutting to attract hens. Recognizing these traits is essential to ensuring you take a legal and ethical shot.

The Turkeys Are Coming – What Do I Do? When a turkey is approaching, remaining completely still and quiet is crucial. Toms often take their time, putting on a mating display and waiting for the hen to respond. Any sudden movement can spook the bird, causing it to flee. Patience and controlled breathing will help you stay ready for the right moment to take an ethical shot.

The Turkey is Close Enough – Now What? Turkey vitals are the head and neck, and hunters should avoid shooting a turkey in the body. Toms extend their neck to gobble, presenting the perfect moment for a shot. Wait until the tom is not in a strutting position and aim your shotgun at the base of the neck. This gives the highest probability for a clean and ethical kill shot.

BANG!

I Shot the Bird and It’s Flopping Around! Don't panic. You pulled the trigger and knocked down your bird—now what? First, ensure the safety is re-engaged on your shotgun and quickly move toward the bird. Turkeys exhibit strong death reflexes, often flopping around after being shot. If you can safely stand on its head and neck while it stops moving, do so to ensure a swift end. If your bird runs away, mark the direction with your eyes and give it time to expire before searching.

Congratulations – You Shot Your First Turkey! When picking up your bird, be aware that toms have sharp spurs located about two inches up the back of their feet, on the backside of their legs. Use caution when handling them. Additionally, as you walk out of the woods, it is advised to put on a blaze orange vest to ensure visibility and safety from other hunters. Be sure to take photos with your bird and post them on LandTrust.com/fieldnotes!

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