Turkey hunters love gear and it seems we can never get enough to outsmart those un-killable toms. I once hunted a flock of Merriam’s in South Dakota that had been pursued relentlessly the week prior to my arrival. “The birds are there, but they won’t come to a call and I’ve been at them all week,” said a hunter as he packed his truck and left the camp. “Good luck!”
Since I knew where the birds roosted, I was there the next morning in the pitch dark, but instead of being greeted by a prairie sunrise, a clipper system dropped six inches of snow. Luckily, I wore a Browning Hell’s Canyon water-proof suit and a Mossy Oak vest complete with a hefty seat pillow to keep warm.
I heard the birds fly down an hour after daylight and stayed still unsure of where they would go. Ironically, I saw a flock of a dozen crest a ridge and feed toward me as I tried to sit still despite frequent shivering. About 75 yards away, the flock seemed to camp for the morning with the big tom lagging well behind. If I could nudge the flock back over the ridge where they’d come from, I could race up the hill and ambush the gobbler as it languished behind.
Popping a diaphragm caller into my mouth, I gave several soft yelps and every hen’s head went up. A few more yelps and the flock moved slowly, but deliberately up and over the hill with the old tom playing caboose.
The soft snow covered my approach and as I crested the ridge, the gobbler raised its head like a flag and no doubt knew his goose was cooked. I hate to admit that my calling actually scared turkeys away, yet I was sure the birds were ultra call shy and there was no way to lure them closer with bird sounds. Luckily, I was prepared for the weather and was thrilled to return to camp with a big tom in such challenging conditions.
As a turkey hunter you never know which gear will make the greatest difference and here are a few of my favorite pieces that have made a difference over the years.
Mossy Oak Camouflage– I’m partial to the MO brand since I’ve hunted with them almost from the pattern inception. Other patterns work well also, but be sure to have gobbler gloves with an extended cuff and a head net.
Mossberg Turkey Thug Shotgun– I use my Mossberg for deer and turkey hunting and the shotgun is short, compact, and very effective. When I have a gobbler within 40 yards, I know the deal is done.
Aimpoint Red Dot Scope– Turkeys are easy to miss and adding a red dot scope like the Aimpoint Hunter will make a tremendous difference. Aimpoint’s are military grade and ultra rugged. You can adjust the brightness of the dot and the battery is so powerful, the dot will stay illuminated for five years of constant use.
Mossy Oak Turkey Vest– A turkey vest is like the desktop of a computer, a place where you can see the tools you use most often and know where they are. If you are an adventurous hunter, you may want to check out the Alps Turkey Pack, a light, compact pack that will store gear and help carry out your turkey.
Calls– You need three types of callers. A box for long distance locating, a peg and slate for close in work, and a diaphragm to manipulate a gobbler with both hands free. Use these various calls to vary the volume and quantity of calling. If a gobbler sounds off when approaching and suddenly gets quiet, be ready to shoot as they often are looking for your location.
Shot Size– Whether you like #4, #6, or compromise with #5 shot, be sure to pattern your shotgun with each load choice. You want to especially shoot a target at 10 yards to make sure your sighting system in on line. You’ll be amazed at how small the pattern spreads at this distance.
