Turkey Hunting Gear 101 - The Essentials
Justin Hunold
02/14/2025
Getting Set Up for Success in the Turkey Woods
Turkey hunting is all about preparation. Between E Scouting, Boots on Ground Scouting, Glassing, and then actually executing a hunt, the right mix of gear can mean the difference between a Tom Filled adventure and a long, frustrating season. From shotguns to decoys, every piece of equipment is crucial in making your hunt more efficient, comfortable, and successful. With so many options out there, figuring out what you actually need can get overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in—breaking down the must-have turkey-hunting gear so you can step into the woods ready for action.
Weatherby Shotgun with Choke Tube
A good turkey gun isn’t just about firepower—it’s about precision, reliability, and adaptability. Weatherby shotguns check all those boxes, making them a top choice for turkey hunters. You can choose any of the Weatherby Inertia Driven guns like the Sorix, 18i, or Element. Different price points and feature sets will dictate which gun you should choose, but there are some focus points to look for.
When choosing a turkey gun, look for a shotgun with:
A vent-ribbed barrel with a good sighting system- A good fiber optic sight is great for better sight alignment.
It is a solid trigger with minimal creep for precise shooting.
A comfortable stock that allows for a quick and natural mount.
A camo finish to keep you concealed in the turkey woods.
Weatherby offers models like the Weatherby 18i and the Weatherby Element, both of which are great for chasing longbeards. These models come equipped with interchangeable chokes, killer triggers, and fiber-optic sights for better aiming in low-light conditions.
As for gauge selection, both 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns are excellent options for turkey hunting. A 12-gauge gives you a broader pellet count and heavier payloads, making it an excellent choice for longer shots. The 20-gauge, however, has grown in popularity with the advancement of high-density turkey loads like TSS, offering comparable lethality with less recoil. Which shotgun gauge is best for turkey hunting? Both 12- and 20-gauge shotguns work well. The Weatherby Sorix Storm 20 Gauge is an excellent option for those who want less recoil without sacrificing effectiveness. Weatherby’s line up of modern shotguns are a solid investment for a serious turkey hunter. They are durable, reliable, and get the job done when it matters most.
Choosing the Right Turkey Ammo
Ammo choice matters—a lot. Too light, and you’ll wound birds without knocking them down. Too heavy, and you risk unnecessary recoil without much added benefit.
Most turkey hunters settle on #4, #5, or #6 shot in premium turkey loads. I have persoally settled on #5’s for most of my Tom chasing. These sizes balance knockdown power with pattern density, ensuring you have enough pellets in the right place to put a long beard down cleanly.
Turkey loads come in a variety of shot materials, each with its advantages:
Lead Shot – The traditional and most affordable option, lead provides solid performance and pattern density but is banned in some areas like my home state of California. Cheap and easy, lead will always get the job done.
Copper-Plated Lead – An upgrade over plain lead, copper plating improves pattern consistency and penetration.Most of the off the shelf general turkey loads you see in the store are Copper Plated Lead.
Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is the gold standard in modern turkey hunting loads. It is denser than lead and allows hunters to use smaller shot sizes with devastating results. Some states have had to modify laws to allow smaller shot sizes for killing Turkeys. Where a #6 used to be the smallest shot size used for spring gobblers TSS #7 is about as big a load as most people will go with. DO not over choke these, a full choke can provide devastating patterns.
Winchester Long Beard XR – A high-performance lead load designed with the resin-buffered shot for improved pattern tightness at extended ranges. This is my normal go-to in states that don’t require nontoxic loads. They are reliable and have patterned well through a multitude of guns for me.
Patterning your shotgun with different loads is crucial. Every gun is patterned differently, and the only way to know what works best is to spend some time at the range. And don’t forget—always check local regulations, as some states have restrictions on lead vs. non-toxic shots.
Athlon Optics Binoculars and Rangefinder
Athlon Optics offers high-quality binoculars and rangefinders that are essential for spotting turkeys from a distance and accurately measuring your shooting range.
Athlon Midas Binoculars are a great choice for turkey hunters. They feature UHD Glass, which enhances image sharpness and color accuracy—crucial for identifying turkeys at a distance. Their shine is a dead giveaway. Their ESP Dielectric Coating and Phase Coating improve light transmission, making them highly effective even in low-light conditions. Athlon Optics rangefinders are reliable options for precise distance measurement. The Talos 800Y rangefinder provides fast and accurate readings, helping hunters judge the distance to their target with precision. This is especially useful when setting up decoys and determining effective shooting ranges. I would never bowhunt for turkeys or anything else for that matter without a rangefinder.
Both Athlon binoculars and rangefinders are lightweight, waterproof, and built for durability, making them ideal for tough hunting environments.
Element Outdoors Camouflage Clothing
If a turkey spots you, the game is over. Their eyesight is absurdly sharp, and even the slightest movement can send them running. That’s why good camouflage is non-negotiable. Whether its subdued solids that match multiple terrains or the latest Hi Definition patterns you need to blend in well. Turkey’s have high visual acuity, they see the entire color spectrum and they can see into the infaredspectrum.
Element Outdoors offers a range of hunting clothing that blends well into most environments. Their lineup includes lightweight and breathable options for early-season hunts as well as insulated gear for those chilly spring mornings. One of the standout features is their Insect Shield-treated garments, which help keep mosquitoes and ticks from turning your hunt into a miserable experience. What camo pattern is best for turkey hunting? Element Outdoors offers a variety of patterns suited to different environments. Choose a pattern that matches the terrain you hunt—wooded, field-edge, or open country.
Colorado Custom Game Calls Turkey Calls
Turkey Calling is an art, and the right call can make or break your hunt. Colorado Custom Game Calls offers custom-built options that let you fine-tune your setup to fit your calling style.
One of their most popular calls, the Centennial State Slayer, comes with a customizable playing surface and soundboard. The ability to tweak the call’s tone and pitch gives you an edge when dealing with pressured birds that have heard every call in the book.
Plus, these calls come with a lifetime warranty and free tuning for life. That means you can keep your call in top shape season after season.
ALPS OutdoorZ Turkey Hunting Vest
For turkey hunters, having the right turkey vest can make a big difference. The ALPS OutdoorZ Turkey Hunting Vest is known for its high functionality and well-thought-out design. This vest comes with plenty of pockets, providing easy access to calls, shells, and other necessary gear during the hunt.
One of the standout features is the "sit anywhere" kickstand frame included in the Grand Slam Turkey Vest. This allows hunters to set up comfortably regardless of the terrain. A thick, padded fold-away seat adds another layer of comfort, enabling more extended periods of stillness and patience in the field.
The vest comes with additional features like a smartphone sleeve. This allows hunters to use their phones while keeping them secure and protected. It also includes a removable diaphragm call pocket, ensuring quick access when it's most needed.
For those who prioritize durability and comfort, the Impact Vest Pro is another excellent option from ALPS OutdoorZ. Reinforced stitching and contoured shoulder straps enhance the vest's durability and fit, making it ideal for more demanding hunting excursions.
Overall, the ALPS OutdoorZ line of turkey hunting vests provides a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether it's the advanced features of the Grand Slam or the sturdy design of the Impact Vest Pro, there's something for everyone looking to improve their turkey-hunting experience.
Lacrosse Footwear Hunting Boots
Few things will ruin a hunt faster than uncomfortable boots. Boots are a very individual and personal taste. Turkey hunting often means long hikes, wet conditions, and unexpected temperature shifts. Lacrosse boots, especially models like the Alphaburly Pro, offer solid waterproofing, scent control, and all-day comfort.
Choosing the right type of boot depends on the terrain and conditions:
Rubber Boots – Best for wet or marshy environments. They keep feet dry and prevent scent from lingering on the ground.
Snake Boots – A must-have for hunters in areas with venomous snakes. These boots offer added protection without sacrificing comfort.
Lace-Up Boots – Ideal for hunters covering rough terrain. They provide ankle support and better traction on steep or rocky ground.
The proper boots should provide good ankle support, traction on uneven terrain, and enough breathability to prevent your feet from sweating too much. Investing in a quality pair will ensure that you won’t limp out of the woods before the birds even start gobbling.
Spring Turkey Hunting Tips
5 Beginner Tips:
Scout Before You Hunt – Find where turkeys roost and travel patterns before opening day. E Scouting is great, driving roads is better, boots on the ground is best. Trust but verify your hunches.
Learn Basic Calling – Stick to simple yelps and clucks and Purrs. I love a great purr in a lot of situations. Don’t overcomplicate things.
Use a Ground Blind – A blind can help hide movement for new hunters. It can also keep you patient , nobody wants to pull a ground blind and move around!
Hunt Near Food Sources – Turkeys often visit feeding areas in the mornings.Check cut fields, and water sources. THese terrain features hold bugs and worms. Turkeys love an easy meal.
Stay Patient – If a gobbler hangs up, give it time before moving. Sit longer than you think you need to.
5 Novice Tips:
Master Multiple Calls – Learning a mix of mouth, box, and slate calls adds realism. I like a box to locate, a slate to get em to commit and a mouth call to finish the job.
Use Decoys Wisely – Place Jake decoys slightly in front of hens to draw in toms.Careful on hunter pressured land. Be safe.
Adjust Your Setup Mid-Hunt – If birds change their pattern, don’t be afraid to move. I am an advocate of running and gunning to find active birds.
Practice Quiet Movement – Minimize noise when setting up or adjusting. Turkeys have phenomenal hearing. Remember they can associate certain noises to human pressure.
Know the Wind – Windy days can muffle calls; adjust the volume accordingly. THis is when a Box call is your friend.
5 Advanced Tips:
Hunt Mid-Morning – Many hunters leave after sunrise, but toms keep searching for hens. 10am-12pm is a great time to shoot a good gobbler.
Create Realistic Scenarios – Mimic fundamental turkey interactions with varied calling. I like to run a gobble tube along with a slate and mouth call. Different voices in the conversations.
Ambush Roosting Sites – Set up nearby known roosting areas before daylight. THis requires that boots on the ground scouting. If you find a roost tree you have a good chance of killing that tom.
Use Terrain to Your Advantage – Hills, ditches, and edges help you stay hidden. Stay low and in the shadows.
Call Less, Listen More – Experienced birds are wary; let them come looking for you. The later into the season I get the less I call.
Final Thoughts: Success in turkey hunting isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation, strategy, and having the right gear. With these essentials dialed in and some tactical hunting knowledge in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to tagging that longbeard this season. What are the essential items for turkey hunting? Must-haves include a shotgun with the right choke, turkey ammo, a quality call, camouflage, and comfortable boots. Decoys and a good vest round out the essentials. And don’t forget your positive attitude