Decoys
“When selecting decoys, it’s important to consider the correct tool for each situation. Will you be hiking in or carrying your gear with you each day, or will you be setting up in the same spot for future hunts? This will play into your decision when selecting the right decoy. Lightweight decoys are much easier to transport into the field but can lack the realistic look that full-body decoys offer. This can sometimes lead to an aggressive gobbler looking for a fight, rather than coming in cautiously.”
– Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Canada Field Staff, Joel Roberts
Turkey Vest Essentials
When it comes to turkey hunting, having the right gear can make all the difference.
A good turkey vest keeps you organized and comfortable. It also ensures you have everything you need in a convenient and accessible location when it's time to make the move.
Make sure to carefully consider your gear selection and choose only the essentials for the hunt.
This will lighten your load and increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.
Turkey Vest Essentials Checklist
HOW TO LAY OUT YOUR DECOYS
These tips and tricks will help you lure even the most hesitant hen.
GROUND BLINDS
Although not required for a turkey hunt, more and more hunters are moving to ground blinds to provide the ultimate concealment from their keen-eyed prey. If using a bow, we highly recommend a blind.
Plus: it’ll keep you out of spring’s unpredictable weather.
- Size: Ensure you are comfortable in the space. If you’re uncomfortable you won’t want to stay in it long, and turkey hunting isn’t a quick in-and-out game. If you intend on using a bow, ensure you have enough room to draw back.
- Noise: The turkey might not be able to see you, but he’ll definitely be able to hear you if your blind is noisy, especially when trying to open a window.
- Weather proofing: Don’t let April showers ruin your hunt. Ensure your blind can withstand the elements of the season.
Trail Cameras
Turkeys are fairly predictable and usually follow a daily routine. Their feeding, drinking and roosting spots, and the paths they take to get there, typically won’t change unless they feel threatened.
Trail cameras can be a great tool for scouting. Remember to place the trail camera lower than you would for capturing deer, as turkeys are obviously much smaller. Placing the camera too high may cause you to miss your bird.
Pro Tips to Pattern Turkeys with Trail Cameras
- In the open: Use a time-lapse setting to monitor turkeys in open areas, as you can take pictures during certain times of the day and on schedule. View the images chronologically to track presence, feeding, and strutting.
- On the trail: For hunting pressured turkeys, focus on their travel routes through logging roads, well-defined pathways, two tracks, or anywhere turkeys walk around naturally. Use either video or burst mode to gather intel and pay attention to trigger delay on your camera.
- Final step: After gathering intel, it’s time to pattern it. Be attentive to the weather conditions and how it affects the frequency, visit time, and their behaviour. Analyze your camera footage to identify turkey types that visit your area. Determine the best hunting strategy and use decoys to achieve your goal. Trail cameras will help you pinpoint turkey activity in real time and bring the odds in your favour.