Turkey Hunting 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Dave McGillivray
10 hours ago
4 min read

Hunting turkey on public land is a great way to get out and experience the outdoors. I wrote this quick guide to help you have the most success.

Chasing wild turkeys can be absolutely thrilling, but it takes a lot of work and preparation. With the appeal of turkey hunting gaining traction around the country, and becoming even more popular these days, it is imperative to put in the work and sweat.

Scouting Techniques

Similar to what I have said in my other hunting articles, you should start your preparations by getting out and doing your pre-season scouting. You do not necessarily want to be out there calling and trying to work the birds. But you do need to get out in the woods and look for signs. Look for where the turkeys are scratching the ground as they hunt for insects. Keep an eye for tracks in the sand and soft soil areas, as well as for dropped feathers. Especially in the morning hours or evenings, watch the trees, listen, and try to locate roost areas. Using a locating call every once in a while, just to try and stir them up, is great too. But again, I do not recommend spending a lot of time trying to call and work the birds in on you while scouting.

Call Practice

Turkeys, like waterfowl, have many different calls. Ranging from locating to feeding to alarm calls. To attempt to mimic the birds, we use slate calls, box calls, and mouth calls, to name a few. I would recommend going to a sporting goods store and picking up a few different calls. Luckily, the internet has a lot of great tutorials. All the different calls that are used have their own pros and cons, and it is really best for the individual hunter to find out what works best for him or her.

Essential Gear

In addition to investing in turkey calls, there is some other equipment you would want to pick up in order to increase your chances of success. First, I would start with a couple of decoys. Now, I have harvested birds over decoys, as well as without, but it certainly can help to have one set out to try and tempt that big ole tom. Second, get yourself a decent vest or chest rig specially designed for turkey hunting. These are nice, because they help keep all your calls and accessories organized and easy to access. Third, get a turkey choke for your shotgun. Most turkey shotguns, if purchased new, will come with a choke, but there are many different options out there. With little research about your shotgun and ammo, you can find a choke to maximize the effectiveness.

Public Land Strategy

When it comes to where you are going to hunt, the same rule applies as with other big game hunting. Get off the beaten path and go deep into the woods. Ideally getting in deeper than your other competition. By competition I am talking of other hunters and not the birds. Here in Georgia, our Department of Natural Resources does a lot of magnificent work in the public hunting areas. They install some beautiful food plots and wildlife openings. Certainly, there are times that we see birds out there strutting and doing their stuff, especially when not in season. The issue is, if you have seen these food plots and openings – or even the birds – chances are countless other hunters have seen these as well. It being public land, there is nothing stopping another hunter from setting up right on top of you and really putting a damper on your hunt. By scouting those areas, you will learn the birds’ movements. An ideal situation is locating and having a chance at the bird off the roost and on the way to the food plots and openings.

Adapting Your Plan

Do not be afraid to change your plan and move on the birds. Even if you have done your homework and you’re still not seeing the birds, you know they are in the area. Get up and start putting those miles on. I have had remarkable success slowly walking the woods and striking a call every so often. Then once you hear that gobbler talking back, get down and set up really quick. Work the calls and you would be surprised at the results.

Camouflage Use

When it comes to turkey hunting, do not shy away from camouflage. Turkeys have some incredible eyesight and can notice the slightest movement. Personally, I am a fan of leafy camouflage tops at a minimum for outer wear, as well as a comfortable face veil.

Glare Prevention

About three years ago, I lost a chance at a beautiful bird, and I am convinced that as I slightly shifted my shotgun, the turkey caught the early morning sun glinting off the dew on my polished barrel. After that hunt, I have switched to a shotgun with a dull finish to help prevent something like that happening again.