You really don't need gear from all of the categories shown below; countless turkeys have been taken with a minimum of accessories. However, the proper selection of gear can assist in making your hunt more successful. (And more comfortable......)
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Blinds
The primary job of a hunting blind is to conceal movement within the interior of the blind. They are also really useful in bad weather. |
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Calls
Using calls is probably the most enjoyable aspect of turkey hunting, short of actually bagging the bird. Beginners tend to call too often, call too loud, and try to make too many different sounds. Learn to walk before you run.... |
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Chokes
Investing in an actual turkey choke will allow you to cleanly take a turkey at longer distances. |
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Clothing
Specialized clothing for turkey hunting not only provides camouflage, but also protection from the elements as well as annoying (and potentially dangerous) mosquitoes and ticks. |
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Cooking
Wild turkeys can be prepared for the table in a variety of ways using cooking utensils you already own. However, the popular deep frying method for whole turkeys requires some specialized equipment. |
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Decoys
Decoys are used to attract turkeys, and also to keep their attention during the final moments of the hunt. Using a single hen decoy is a safe bet; multiple decoys can often be useful but require knowledge in selection and placement. |
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Electronics
Automotive GPS units can help navigate rural backroads, and handheld GPS units help you find your way back to either your vehicle or hunting spot. Locator beacons can rescue you from truly remote locations. Of course, if you hunt on your own property, you can save money here and spend it in another category! |
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Footwear
Without proper footwear, you hunt can be just uncomfortable or even downright dangerous. (as in snake country) Match your boot selection to the terrain and weather you expect to encounter. |
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Novelties
Turkey-themed decorations and household items will neither help or hurt your turkey hunting ....... But they are fun! |
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Optics & Sights
Shotgun chokes and ammunition used for turkey hunting are designed to throw dense clouds of shot at the head/neck area of a wild turkey. With the small patterns, it's a lot easier to miss than you would think..... |
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Shotshells
Compared to other types of hunting, it pays to spend more on shotshells designed for turkey hunting. Besides, how many shots do you really take? |
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Targets
Don't spend money on other things, and then forget to pattern your shotgun! You may find that your shotgun patterns slightly off-center, or that some turkey loads work better in your gun than others. |
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Taxidermy
Mounting your own turkey fans is perhaps one of the easiest forms of home taxidermy. Commercial kits can help you achieve professional-looking results. |
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Vests
Turkey vests not only help you carry all of your new turkey hunting accessories, they also provide a comfortable cushioned seating surface while you try to remain motionless. |
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Videos
The best way to learn about turkey hunting is to have an experienced mentor who will personally take you to all of his/her favorite hotspots and guide you every step of the way. However, most of us have to learn from training programs on DVD....... Tip: make sure that your video selections are designed to actually teach you something, and are not simply entertainment programs that show you hunt climaxes without explanation. |