Spring Turkey Season Hunting: 3 Important Tips

March 2009

Whether you hunt spring turkeys in Mexico, Kansas, Montana or South Carolina, follow these turkey hunting tips for success this season.

Turkey Hunting Equipment

Turkey hunting requires the right gear. Firstly, you need a shotgun that delivers a dense, hard-hitting pattern at 40-45 yards. 12 Gauge shotguns for turkey hunting are the most popular. Always use a tight choke (full choke is preferred). Use 3 to 3.5 inch magnum shells loaded with #4-#6 size shot.

Shotguns used for turkey hunting should be patterned with a wide variety of ammo to see which one patterns the best (most uniform groups). Use a scaled paper target that depicts the turkey's head and neck area (this is where you should be aiming), available from most outdoor/hunting shops or download/print one online.

If you can get 8-10 pellets within this vital head and neck area of a turkey at 40 yards, then use that shotgun ammo.

Turkey Hunting Calls

Learning how to use a turkey call is critical to successful turkey hunting. Calls usually imitate the sound of hens. Consider buying an instructional video/DVD about how to call turkeys or learn from an experienced turkey hunter.

There are many different turkey calls, such as box calls, slate-type friction calls, wingbone and trumpet calls, diaphragm calls, push-pin and tube calls. Beginner turkey hunters should first master the box call.

Calling too often is not a good turkey hunting tactic. Less is more. Don't overdo the calling.

Turkey Hunting And Camoflauge

Turkeys have superior eyesight (wide field of vision, about 270 degrees) and see in color, so it pays to wear the right camoflauge, from head to toe, so you blend-in to your surroundings. A camo suit, facemask (essential to hide your eyes, face), hat, dark socks and gloves.

Try to match the camoflauge pattern to the foliage you'll be hunting in. Early in the season, brown/gray patterns usually work the best, whereas green is better mid to late in the turkey hunting season.

Regardless of what camoflauge you wear, limiting your body movements is especially important in turkey hunting. Slow, deliberate movements are best, never ever rush.

Turkey Hunting Information: Before turkey hunting on any land, whether leased or private, be sure to check that state's laws, license, permit conditions and hunting dates. Popular locations to hunt turkeys are Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, South Dakota, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Georgia, Pennsylvania

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