Spring Turkey Gear Guide: Must-haves

[dutchhunter]

A proper low profile turkey chair is a must

[Huntnfish]

Are you hunting private or public, public don’t use decoys. I bought a vest after a few years of hunting but hated it after one season, when it got hot I took it off so I ended up fishing for stuff anyhow so a decent backpack has served me well. I don’t take a pile of stuff anymore as I switch stuff out every trip if I don’t get a response or see anything. A comfortable seat will make or break you. I hide a camo lawn chair back at my spot and use it depending on where the birds are situated, of just use the thick foam pad that I use a carabiner to attach to my backpack. I prefer rubber boots all year as I cross a few damp spots and hate wet feet. Spend money on the boots. Good luck and welcome to the addiction.

[outdoorlife]

IMO most people employ way too much gear. The best thing turkey hunter can be is mobile. I carry a blow up seat in my pocket. everything else in a small backpack, that's it. Sometimes one decoy more often not. Blinds are great where cover is lacking, but have a number of disadvantages as well. Most notably they are tough to hear out of in wind and rain and restrict mobility. As others have said my only turkey hunting boots are knee high rubbers.

[DanE]

with how bad the ticks were this fall, unless we get a good cold winter I'd pack some tape to tape up your cuffs

[longpointer]

So many good tips already stated but to start at the top ; Getting the right choke on your gun and what type of ammo it likes is # 1 because when and if you get that shot at a big boy you want to know exactly what to expect. Cammo clothes, gloves, facemask, boots are #2 as the birds have extremely good eyesight so blending in with your surroundings is a must and of course works best when you are comfortable so something to sit on doesn't hurt either. Sitting still is no easy trick so that's where those little pop-up blinds are handy as it will cut down the amount of movement seen by an approaching bird. Types of calls are a personal preference so buying (borrow ?) and trying until you find your favourite toy is about your only choice. How you carry your gear ? A vest fits over whatever else you may be wearing but a carry bag or knapsack works too , again a personal choice and most will agree we all started off carrying way too much stuff in the beginning and whittled it down to the necessities. Thermocells are great in a blind but a small spray bottle of bug juice is easy to carry. I spray some around where I'm sitting to keep bugs away. Most of all I should think that practice calling or shooting is important but also patience and perseverance .

[swamp]

I must suggest finding Permithrin to pre spray your clothes to keep the ticks off. Works great and could save your life.