Turkey hunting is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity that requires a mix of skill, patience, and the right gear. As a beginner, it's crucial to be well-prepared for the hunt, both in terms of knowledge and equipment. In this blog post, we will go over the top 10 items of turkey hunting gear that every beginner turkey hunter needs to have in their arsenal to ensure a successful turkey season.
Box Call
A box call is the first essential item for new turkey hunters. This simple yet effective turkey call is much easier to learn than mouth calls or slate calls. Box calls are the easiest turkey calls to use. They produce realistic sounds that can lure in even the most cautious birds. They're great for raspy yelps that draw attention from the most stubborn gobblers. Most turkey hunters will carry mouth calls and a slate call to expand their options, but the box call is the king of turkey calls in my experience.
Budget Choice: H.S. Strut Smokin' Gun Box Call
Mid-Range Choice: Primos Hunting Hook Hunter Turkey Box Call
High-End Choice: Woodhaven Custom Calls Real Hen Box Call
Decoy
The second must-have item for any beginner turkey hunter is a realistic decoy. You can oftentimes kill a bird with a decoy alone. On rainy spring days when your calls are wet and the birds are quiet, the best tactic is to hide out in a ground blind and set out a decoy. A decoy is a life-like replica of a turkey that can be placed in the field to attract other wild turkeys. Decoys are typically made of plastic or foam and come in various designs, such as hen, jake, or full-strutting tom.
Budget Choice: MONTANA DECOY Spring Fling
Mid-Range Choice: Avian-X HDR Hen Turkey Decoy
High-End Choice: DSD Strutter Turkey Decoy
Camouflage Clothing
Staying hidden is a big deal when you're hunting wild turkeys. Turkeys have excellent eyesight, and wearing great camo helps reduce the chances of being detected on a turkey hunt. One of the most important investments in your turkey hunting gear is a quality set of camouflage clothing, including a shirt, pants, hat, and gloves, that matches the foliage and terrain of your hunting area.
Budget Choice: Mossy Oak Men's Camo Performance Tee
Mid-Range Choice: SITKA Gear Men's Hunting Camo Lightweight Shirt
High-End Choice: Kryptek Men's Stalker Camo Hunting Pants
Hunting Boots
Comfortable and durable hunting boots are essential for any hunting trip, especially when pursuing turkeys. Look for waterproofing, ankle support, and grip on various terrains. Proper hunting boots will keep your feet dry and warm in turkey woods, allowing you to focus on the hunt.
Budget Choice: Rocky Men's Core Waterproof Insulated Outdoor Boot
Mid-Range Choice: Irish Setter Men's Vaprtrek Waterproof Hunting Boot
High-End Choice: Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme Insulated Hiking Boot
Turkey Choke Insert
A turkey choke insert is crucial for improving your shotgun's performance in the field. A turkey choke constricts the shot pattern, providing tighter, more precise shots at longer distances. Ensure you select a choke thats compatible with your shotgun and test its performance on a paper target before the hunt.
Budget Choice: Carlson's Choke Tubes Huglu Extended Turkey Choke Tube
Mid-Range Choice: Truglo Head-Banger Long Range Turkey Choke Tube
High-End Choice: Patternmaster Code Black Turkey Choke
Shotgun Sling
A sling for your shotgun is essential for easy transport during your hunt. A sling allows you to carry your weapon hands-free, making it easier to climb, cross obstacles, and cover long distances with less fatigue.
Budget Choice: Allen Company Hypa-Lite Bruiser Sling
Mid-Range Choice: Butler Creek Comfort Stretch Rifle Sling
High-End Choice: Vero Vellini Premium Padded Shotgun Sling
Turkey Hunting Vest
A specialized turkey hunting vest is an excellent investment for any beginner. A backpack will get you by, but these turkey vests are designed specifically for the job come with multiple pockets to store turkey calls, shells, gloves, and other essential items within easy reach. Many turkey hunting vests also feature a built-in cushioned seat for added comfort during long hours of waiting in the field. Most are one size fits all.
Budget Choice: Hunters Specialties H.S. Strut Turkey Vest
Mid-Range Choice: ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
High-End Choice: Badlands Upland Turkey Hunting Vest with 5-Layer Foam Seat
Permethrin Bug Spray
Protecting yourself from insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, is crucial during your turkey hunting trip. Permethrin bug spray is an effective and long-lasting solution that repels and kills various insects on contact. Apply it to your clothing and gear before venturing into the field to minimize the risk of insect bites and the diseases they can carry.
Budget Choice: Sawyer Products Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing
Mid-Range Choice: Repel Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent (Amazon)
High-End Choice: Duranon Tick & Mosquito Permethrin Spray (Amazon)
Portable Ground Blind
Many a gobbler has been smoked from the base of a tree, but a portable ground blind provides complete concealment and comfort. When hunting turkeys, the more concealment the better. A tree has you covered on your backside, but it's all too easy for a bird to spot you from the front and sides unless there is good cover around the base, and your movements are easily spotted. Look for a lightweight, easy-to-set-up blind that offers enough room for you and your gear. A ground blind with shoot-through mesh windows will enable you to take shots without revealing your position.
Budget Choice: Ameristep Care Taker Ground Blind
Mid-Range Choice: Barronett Blinds Radar Backwoods Ground Blind
High-End Choice: Primos Double Bull SurroundView 360 Ground Blind
Rangefinder
The easiest way to screw up on a bird is to try and kill him before he's in range. Having a rangefinder in your bag will help you accurately judge distances this spring, ensuring you take ethical and effective shots. When choosing a rangefinder, consider factors such as maximum range, accuracy, and ease of use. Some rangefinders also feature angle compensation, which can be beneficial in hilly terrain.
Budget Choice: Wosports Hunting Rangefinder
Mid-Range Choice: Vortex Optics Impact 850 Yard Laser Rangefinder
High-End Choice: Leupold RX-2800 TBR Laser Rangefinder
Hunting Seat or Cushion
Patience is crucial when hunting turkeys, and you will likely end up sitting on the ground for extended periods. A portable hunting seat or cushion can make your sit more comfortable and help you stay focused on the hunt. Choose a lightweight, compact option that is easy to pack and carry and provides adequate padding.
Budget Choice: Therm-A-Seat Infusion Hunting Seat Cushion
Mid-Range Choice: ALPS OutdoorZ Terrain Hunting Seat
High-End Choice: Browning Camping Strutter Hunting Chair
Binoculars
Quality binoculars are indispensable for spotting and observing turkeys from a distance. They allow you to scout for birds and plan your approach without alerting them to your presence. Look for binoculars with a magnification of 8x or 10x and a wide field of view for the best results for turkey hunters.
Budget Choice: Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars
Mid-Range Choice: Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x42 Binoculars
High-End Choice: Leica Trinovid HD 10x42 Binoculars
Headlamp or Flashlight
A reliable headlamp or flashlight is essential for navigating the woods in low-light conditions, such as pre-dawn or dusk, when turkeys are most active. Choose a hands-free headlamp or a compact flashlight with long battery life and adjustable brightness settings for the best versatility.
Budget Choice: Energizer LED Headlamp
Mid-Range Choice: Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
High-End Choice: Fenix LD22 Flashlight
Final Thoughts
As a beginner turkey hunter, having the right gear is crucial for success in the field. Investing in these essential items, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your first turkey hunting adventure. Good luck, and happy hunting!