Hunt Back Country
Deer Hunting, Boar Hunting... Everything Hunting!

what do I need to bring with me to go turkey hunting?

Turkey hunting for the first time. Need all of the supplies to go turkey hunting...if someone could just make a list thatd be great. I deer hunt so all i have is a 20 gauge and maybe some camo

Public Comments

1. Cammo - for your entire body and face, they can spot you very easily. A turkey caller if not two different types of them is a must. I've been out in the woods and one turkey caller broke and another time one failed because the slight rain got it wet and it didn't work. A good shotgun with the correct choke/ammo. Last, your hunting pack with safety/survival supplies. Have fun!

Edit: I just found a site that has some details on the things that I mentioned above: http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/game/turkey/turkey-tips.cfm

2. The best thing you can do is go with someone that is experienced. Turkey hunting is not like deer hunting. It requires a different skill level.
Have you learned to call turkeys yet? if not..you need to learn..there are different types of calls..box calls, diaphragm calls (a multitude of them)..buy a tape, listen to it and practice..better yet, find a live instructor.
You will be OK with a 20 gauge (you didn't mention what choke it is), but you should upgrade to a 12 gauge with a tight choke as soon as possible.
On camo...you will need it and try to get camo that matches your surroundings. Alot of specialty turkey guns are camouflage and other guys do the camo work themselves.
Turkey hunting is a big investment... time, money and equipment wise.
Use face paint and/or camo gloves...etc etc..
My best advice is still to go with an experienced turkey hunter and as often as possible to learn as much as possible.
Good Luck.

3. Shotgun, camo, friends. Bring a backpack and keep some water in there.

Check out Cabela's for turkey calls~
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat20827&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat20712&parentType=category&parentId=cat20712

You should also read this for some tips~
http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/game/turkey/turkey-tips.cfm

4. You absolutely need to learn how to use a Turkey call! You have to be camoflouged! And go where they are white pines!

5. Shotgun
Camo
Calls
License
water
decoy(s)
knife
cell phone
Blaze orange vest and/or hat
snack
flashlight/headlamp

Your shotgun will be fine. I recommend buying a new choke tube for it to get to extra full, and definitely go to an outdoor range to pattern your shotgun at different ranges to see your effective range with the gun/shell combinations. Start at 20, go to 30, then 40 yards. Buy a turkey patterning target, and count the number of pellets that hit the kill zone in the neck and head. I look for at least 6-10 pellets in the vitals with good pellet density in 12 inch circle. If you aren't getting that, try a different type of shell or a smaller shot - just make sure you stay legal. If you can't buy another tube, just pattern your fullest current tube.

Camo is a must, or a blind. Blinds are great for concealing bodies and movement, but are not very mobile. Cover your face with a hunting mask or paint - Turkey's have excellent vision.

Try a few of the easiest calls - you will want at least 2 types because they work differently. The easiest ones to use are box calls and push/pull. I like to use slate calls, some folks live by the mouth call. Only take the ones you can use effectively.

Decoys are not necessary, but may be helpful in distracting the toms. They are not always effective - if the tom can see you from 100 yards away, decoys are better than if he will not see you until he is 40 yards away.

Some of the items are safety items - flashlight for walking in, knife for who knows what, cell phone for emergency, blaze orange for walking out and after the kill.

People have been shooting turkeys with less for a long time. The key is to not get frustrated and to scout before the hunt. If you know where turkeys are before you hunt an area, it will help you find them when you are on the clock.

Good luck and have fun!