How to Set Up Your Turkey Hunting Gear in the Field

A successful turkey hunt begins long before you hear that first gobble. Properly setting up your gear in the field is critical to make or break your hunt. The right setup ensures you're prepared, concealed, and ready to take your shot when the moment comes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step approach to effectively setting up your turkey hunting gear. From preparing your equipment to positioning yourself for a clear shot, these tips will help you maximize your chances of success.

Preparing Your Gear

1. Gear Checklist

Before heading into the field, double-check your gear to ensure you have everything you need for a productive hunt.

• Essential Items: Turkey calls (box, slate, or mouth calls), decoys (hen and
  
  tom), ground blinds, a shotgun with appropriate ammunition, camo clothing, boots, and safety gear such as a blaze orange vest for public land.
• Double-Checking: Test your turkey calls, inspect your decoys for wear, and ensure your shotgun is clean and functional. Proper packing can prevent last-minute surprises in the field.

2. Clothing and Footwear

Dressing appropriately for the conditions ensures comfort and concealment during your hunt.

• Camouflage: Wear camouflage that matches the foliage and season to blend seamlessly into your surroundings.
• Comfort: Choose lightweight, breathable clothing for warmer hunts and layered options for colder weather.
• Boots: Invest in waterproof boots with excellent traction to navigate muddy or uneven terrain comfortably.

Selecting Your Hunting Spot

1. Scouting

Knowing where to hunt is as important as the hunt itself. Use these techniques to find the best spots:

• Research: Study maps, talk to local hunters, and familiarize yourself with turkey habitats in your area.
• Signs: Look for turkey tracks, droppings, scratching marks, and feathers near feeding or roosting areas.
• Observation: Spend time observing turkey behavior and movement patterns in the field, particularly at dawn and dusk.

2. Setting Up Near Roosting Areas

Turkeys roost in trees overnight, making these areas prime locations for early-morning hunts.

• Timing: Arrive at your hunting spot before sunrise to set up quietly and avoid disturbing roosting birds.
• Stealth: Move slowly and stay silent as you approach your chosen location to avoid spooking the turkeys.
• Concealment: Set up a ground blind or position yourself behind natural cover such as bushes or trees to remain hidden.

Deploying Decoys and Calls

1. Decoy Placement

Decoys are powerful tools for luring turkeys within range, but placement is key.

• Realism: Position decoys to mimic natural turkey behavior, such as placing a hen near a jake to create the appearance of a mating pair.
• Visibility: Ensure decoys are visible from a distance but not too close to your hiding spot to avoid detection by wary toms.
• Variety: Use a combination of hen, jake, and tom decoys to increase the realism of your setup and attract different types of turkeys.

2. Calling Strategies

Effective calling can make all the difference in bringing turkeys within range.

• Timing: Begin calling sparingly at dawn, when turkeys are naturally vocal. Gradually increase the frequency if you hear gobblers responding.
• Realism: Practice different turkey calls, including yelps, clucks, and purrs, to sound as authentic as possible.
  
• Response: Pay attention to how turkeys react to your calls and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, try a softer, more enticing call if a tom gobbles but doesn’t approach.

Positioning Yourself for the Shot

1. Concealment

Remaining hidden is essential to avoid alerting turkeys to your presence.

• Blinds: Use a ground blind for optimal concealment, especially in open areas.
• Camo Netting: Enhance your setup by adding camo netting or natural foliage to your blind or hiding spot.
• Stillness: Stay as motionless as possible, as turkeys have excellent vision and can detect even slight movements.

2. Shooting Lanes

Prepare your shooting area to ensure you have a clear and safe line of fire.

• Clearing Brush: Remove branches or tall grass that could obstruct your view or shot.
• Range Estimation: Use a rangefinder or natural landmarks to estimate distances to potential shooting spots.
• Safety: Always confirm that your shooting lane is free of obstructions and other hunters before taking a shot.

Conclusion

Setting up your turkey hunting gear in the field is as much an art as it is a science. By following these steps—preparing your gear, selecting the right hunting spot, deploying decoys and calls strategically, and positioning yourself for a clear shot—you can greatly increase your chances of success.

Remember, patience, observation, and adaptability are your greatest assets. Every hunt is different, so be prepared to adjust your setup based on the conditions and turkey behavior you encounter.

By taking the time to set up your gear correctly, you’ll not only improve your odds of a successful hunt but also enjoy the process of immersing yourself in the wild, honing your skills, and experiencing the thrill of turkey hunting. Be sure to check out SKRE Gear’s turkey gear so you can be ready for your hunting season.