Killing Your First Bird: A Beginners Guide to Turkey Hunting

Turkey Hunting with a bow

Getting into Turkey hunting is one of the cheaper hunts a hunter can invest in. The bare minimum need is a shotgun or bow, a call, and camo. With this being said, Turkeys are considered one of the hardest animals you can hunt in North America. They can see the slightest movement of a hunter and their reference for open clearings where they can see 100 to 200 yards out. Here, we will break down what gear to grab and tactics to get you your first bird while not breaking the bank.

Choosing a Call:

When selecting your turkey hunting loadout, choosing the right call is essential. The three main types are Mouth Calls, Box Calls, and Pot Calls, each with its own advantages.

● Mouth Calls (Diaphragm Calls) require the most practice but offer the benefit of keeping your hands free for the shot. These calls range from $5 to $40, with various designs producing different turkey sounds. For beginners, starting with an inexpensive option is recommended to develop proper technique and learn how to make realistic gobbles or clucks.

● Box Calls are the easiest to use, producing turkey sounds by rubbing the lid against the box’s walls. While they may not always be perfect in tone, they are highly effective, especially when hunting with a partner who can remain ready while the other calls. Prices range from $15 to $130, depending on build quality and versatility in creating different turkey sounds.

● Pot Calls (Slate Calls) offer a middle ground between mouth and box calls. By using a striker to create friction on the pot’s surface, hunters can generate realistic turkey sounds with less movement than a box call and less skill than a mouth call. These calls typically cost between $20 and $80, making them the most expensive at the lower end of the market.

For first-time hunters, a call combo pack containing all three types is a great way to experiment and determine which call feels most natural. This allows you to find the best fit for your hunting style while improving your ability to attract turkeys effectively. Then you can invest in the call you feel best with down the line.

Mature turkey in the open

Choosing a Shotgun setup:

When setting up a shotgun for turkey hunting, three key aspects ensure success: shot selection, choke selection, and sight choice. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving a consistent and effective pattern for clean and ethical kills.

1. Shot Selection

Choosing the right ammunition is essential for producing tight, consistent patterns. We recommend either copper-plated lead shot or high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS).

● Lead Shot (Affordable & Effective) – A budget-friendly option with solid performance. We recommend Winchester Longbeard XR 3-inch, 1¾-ounce, No. 5, which patterns well in most shotguns and is priced around $25-$30 per box.

● Tungsten Super Shot (Premium Performance) – TSS provides superior density, lethality, and extended range. The Apex GT-3 TSS 3-inch, 2¼-ounce, No. 9 is an excellent choice, though it comes at a higher price of $68 per box.

Every shotgun performs differently, so it's best to test multiple loads to determine what works best with your specific gun and choke.

2. Choke Selection

A choke is critical for optimizing pattern density and range. Some chokes are designed for lead only, while others can handle both lead and TSS. If you plan to shoot exclusively lead, choose a choke specifically designed for it.

Factory Full Chokes – Most shotguns come with a factory full choke, but aftermarket options often provide superior performance. Recommended Aftermarket Chokes – Brands like Kicks, Carlson, and Mueller are highly rated for tighter, more consistent patterns. Since purchasing multiple chokes can be expensive, research your shotgun and see what others are using successfully before deciding.

3. Sight Choice

Aiming for a turkey’s small vital area—its head—can be challenging, especially for new hunters. Many hunters opt for red dot sights for better accuracy and faster target acquisition. Red Dot Sights – The phrase "red means dead" reflects their effectiveness in improving shot placement.

● Best Overall: Vortex Viper

● Best Budget Option: Holosun SCRS RD MRS

Regardless of your choice, always sight in your shotgun before hunting to ensure precise shot placement. A poorly sighted gun can result in missed opportunities or unethical shots.

Choosing Your Camouflage and Gear:

Camouflage staying Hidden from Keen Eyes from far and close. Turkeys have exceptional eyesight and can easily detect movement, making proper camouflage essential. They can see colors such as blue, red, white, and black, so wearing these colors can make you stand out and ruin your hunt. To stay hidden, full-body camouflage is recommended. When selecting a camo pattern, consider your hunting environment. Matching your camo from head to toe increases its effectiveness, ensuring you remain concealed.

● Mossy Oak Bottomland: Best for hardwood forests, as it mimics the look of dirt and tree bark. However, it may stand out in areas with lighter foliage.

● First Lite Fusion: Ideal for drier, open terrains with sparse vegetation, helping you blend in at both long and short distances.

Comfort: Choosing the Right Vest

A quality turkey vest enhances comfort and convenience by keeping your gear organized and providing padding when sitting on the ground. We recommend the TideWe Turkey Vest, which offers great value with its kick-out seat system, multiple pockets, and durability. While it is slightly heavier, the comfort and storage options make up for it. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, consider buying second-hand on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, but ensure the vest matches your camo pattern.

Decoys: Optional but Effective

Decoys can attract turkeys by simulating a rival jake (young male) or hen, but they are not always necessary. If you choose to use one, we recommend:

● Pursuit Foam Turkey Decoy 3-Pack – A cost-effective set for deploying multiple hens.

● Miss Purrfect XD – A high-quality, realistic hen decoy at a slightly higher price.

For new hunters, decoys should be a lower-priority purchase, as many successful hunts happen without them. Try to set them away from you at the distance you would be most comfortable shooting at 20-30 yards as the Tom will go towards it, giving you a clear indicator on distance and take away focus on their surroundings to give you more leeway to make your shot.

Binoculars: Spot Turkeys Before They See You

A good pair of binoculars helps you scout and locate turkeys before they detect you. Reliable and affordable options include:

● Vortex Triumph – Durable with clear optics.

● Bushnell R5 8×42 – Lightweight with excellent magnification.

One Frisky Turkey

How to Locate a Turkey Roost

When scouting for turkeys, one of the best ways to find them is by locating their roost—the trees where they sleep at night. If you find a roost, you’ll be close to where turkeys start and end their day, increasing your chances of a successful hunt. Turkeys prefer trees that meet the following criteria below:

● Tall Trees – Common roosting trees include oak, pine, cypress, and cottonwood due to their height and structure.

● Sturdy Branches – Turkeys need thick, strong limbs to support their weight while they sleep.

● Near Water Sources – Roosts are often found close to rivers, ponds, or creeks, which provide hydration and security.

● Higher Ground – Turkeys favor hillsides and ridges, giving them a better view of their surroundings to spot potential threats.

When to Scout for Roosts

The best times to locate a turkey roost are:

● Early Morning – Arrive before sunrise and listen for gobbling, as turkeys call before flying down.

● Late Evening – Just before sunset, turkeys return to their roosts, making noise and flapping as they settle in.

While looking make sure to call to get a response to help locate them. Using your basic turkey call is a great option, or trying a crow call can help get a response. Make sure to mark where you find the roost. The worst thing that can happen is you spend all that time moving and find out you are in the wrong spot!